Minister of Health Dr. Elijah Muchima has reaffirmed the government’s strong commitment to strengthening Zambia’s health supply chain through transparency, accountability, and innovation. Speaking in Lusaka during the official handover of Track and Trace scanners and utility vehicles from UNICEF, Dr. Muchima said the initiative aligns with President Hakainde Hichilema’s vision of a transparent, efficient, and patient-centred health system.
Dr. Muchima emphasized that the Track and Trace initiative goes beyond digital transformation, describing it as a vital safeguard for public health. “The Track and Trace initiative is not just about technology; it is about protecting lives,” he said. “By ensuring that medicines are traceable from manufacturer to patient, we are safeguarding public health and promoting accountability at every level.”
The initiative introduces a nationwide digital system designed to track the movement of medicines across the supply chain. This will help eliminate counterfeit drugs and ensure that only safe, genuine medicines reach patients. The technology will also enhance data collection, allowing for faster responses to shortages or supply disruptions.
Dr. Muchima explained that the Ministry of Health currently oversees more than 3,500 health facilities across the country. To achieve full national coverage, approximately 10,000 scanners will be required. He added that the government remains committed to expanding the system and ensuring that every health facility benefits from real-time monitoring tools.
He further acknowledged UNICEF’s support in providing 248 tablets, 45 bicycles for community health volunteers, and three vehicles under the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI). These tools will strengthen service delivery, particularly in remote communities where access to healthcare remains a challenge.
Dr. Muchima concluded by stressing the importance of strategic partnerships in building a resilient, digitally driven health sector. He noted that with continued collaboration, Zambia is moving closer to a future where every patient receives safe, quality-assured medicines and where efficiency defines the country’s healthcare delivery.
This development marks another milestone in Zambia’s health reform agenda, reinforcing the government’s resolve to combine technology, transparency, and global cooperation to protect citizens’ wellbeing.