The Government of the Republic of Zambia, through the Ministry of Health (MoH) and the Ministry of Education (MoE), has received a donation of 50,000 Kit Ya Moyo anti-diarrhoea treatment packs. These packs will be distributed through the Government School Health Programme (SHP) in selected schools across Lusaka and Chongwe districts.
The donation was made possible through a partnership between Pharmanova Zambia Limited and the International Zinc Association (IZA), with technical and operational support provided by Healthy Learners through the SHP. Hon. Elijah J. Muchima, MP, represented by the Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary for Administration, Mrs. Joma T. Simuyi, officially received the donation on behalf of the Ministry of Health.
Kit Ya Moyo, which translates to “Kit of Life,” contains Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) and a ten-day supply of zinc tablets. This combination is a globally recognised, life-saving treatment for childhood diarrhoeal diseases.
Speaking at the handover event, Mrs. Simuyi highlighted the impact of diarrhoeal diseases on children, particularly in cholera-prone communities. She said, “When children fall ill, the impact extends beyond their health. It affects school attendance, learning outcomes, and overall development. School-based health interventions are a critical component of our national response.”
She further explained that the SHP brings health services closer to learners by using schools as trusted points of care. Kit Ya Moyo complements the Government’s cholera preparedness and prevention measures by enabling an immediate response at school level while referrals to health facilities are arranged.
The initiative reflects the effectiveness of public–private partnerships and strengthens the SHP as Zambia’s national platform for school-based health interventions. The 50,000 Kit Ya Moyo packs will be fully integrated into routine school health activities, aligning with national health and education priorities.
Mr. Eric Van Gendersen, Director of Sustainability at the International Zinc Association, praised Zambia’s school-based delivery model and announced plans to present the programme internationally. “In February 2026, Pharmanova will showcase the work done in Zambia at the International Zinc & Zinc Oxide Conference. Zambia’s approach will be shared globally as an example of innovation, collaboration, and impact,” he said.
Pharmanova Zambia Limited CEO, Mr. Mohammed Umar, highlighted Kit Ya Moyo’s evolution since its inception in 2012, from a donor-funded trial to a nationally available solution. It is now distributed in clinics, supermarkets, pharmacies, and school health centres through the Healthy Learners Programme. He described the milestone as a proud achievement for local manufacturing and cross-sector collaboration.
The combined use of zinc and ORS is globally recommended as a cost-effective treatment for childhood diarrhoea. Zinc shortens the duration and severity of diarrhoea, strengthens immunity, and reduces the risk of future illness. The United Nations recognises zinc as a life-saving commodity essential for child survival.
This donation reinforces Zambia’s commitment to improving health and learning outcomes for children, ensuring that schools serve as safe, accessible points of care for lifesaving interventions.