The Government of the Republic of Zambia, through the Ministry of Health, has handed over 116 motorbikes to District Health Offices nationwide to enhance disease surveillance and outbreak response. The handover ceremony was officiated by Minister of Health Hon. Dr. Elijah J. Muchima, who described the initiative as a significant step toward improving Zambia’s public health readiness. The motorbikes will enable Epidemiologists and Surveillance Officers to reach remote and hard-to-access communities more efficiently, ensuring timely detection and response to public health threats.
The Zambia National Public Health Institute (ZNPHI) has received targeted technical and financial support from the Global Fund to advance its mandate of protecting the country’s health security. Through this partnership, ZNPHI procured the motorbikes for deployment at both provincial and district levels. The vehicles are expected to enhance the mobility of health teams, facilitate the transport of samples, and ensure prompt response to disease alerts. Minister Muchima stressed that reliable transport is a critical component of an effective surveillance and response system, noting that delays in reaching affected areas increase the risk of undetected disease transmission.
Valued at K8.1 million (approximately USD 451,000), the motorbikes were acquired with support from the Global Fund in collaboration with the Government of Zambia. The initiative reflects a broader strategy to strengthen Zambia’s public health infrastructure and ensure health teams are well-equipped to respond to emergencies. Dr. Muchima highlighted that the deployment aligns with Zambia’s commitment to Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and the Eighth National Development Plan, by improving access to essential health services and reinforcing the country’s capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to outbreaks effectively.
The Minister urged health workers to use the motorbikes responsibly and consistently to maximize their impact on community health. He further expressed appreciation to the Global Fund and other development partners for their continued support in building a resilient and responsive health system. This initiative represents a strategic investment in Zambia’s public health preparedness, enhancing both national and community-level capacity to safeguard health and save lives.