The Ministry of Health in Zambia has received critical donations from the European Union, UNICEF and the Zambia Red Cross Society aimed at strengthening the country’s health system and improving maternal and newborn outcomes. The handover ceremony was attended by Health Permanent Secretary Dr. Kennedy Lishimpi, representing Minister of Health Dr. Elijah Muchima.
The donations include essential medical equipment such as pulse oximeters, neonatal care devices, and gynaecological delivery tables. These contributions fall under the Equal Chances for Human Development (EC4HD) Programme, a European Union-funded initiative implemented in partnership with UNICEF and the Ministry of Health. The programme targets immediate needs and addresses long-term structural gaps in Zambia’s health sector, focusing on primary healthcare strengthening and enhanced emergency obstetric and newborn care services.
In addition to medical equipment, the Zambia Red Cross Society donated cholera kits comprising chlorine, buckets, soap, hand sanitizer, oral rehydration salts, and zinc tablets. These supplies aim to support the government’s efforts to manage cholera outbreaks and improve water-related disease response.
Dr. Lishimpi expressed appreciation for the donations, emphasizing the government’s commitment to tackling cholera challenges. He highlighted ongoing initiatives, including plans to establish a cholera vaccine manufacturing plant and the implementation of the Multisectoral Cholera Elimination Plan 2024-2027.
Officials noted that these contributions will particularly benefit rural and underserved communities, improving access to maternal and newborn care while bolstering emergency response capacities. The EC4HD Programme and Red Cross interventions are expected to reduce preventable deaths and strengthen overall healthcare delivery.
The government’s broader goal is to eliminate cholera and other water-related diseases by 2030. The recent donations mark a significant step toward achieving this target while reinforcing Zambia’s health infrastructure to meet both immediate and long-term public health needs.