The Zambian Government has reaffirmed its commitment to tackling the growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) by launching the development of a new National Multisectoral Strategy that will guide the country’s response from 2027 to 2031. The initiative represents a major step toward strengthening healthcare systems, improving disease prevention and ensuring that all sectors work together to address one of the country’s most pressing public health challenges. Non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, cancer, chronic respiratory diseases and cardiovascular conditions continue to place increasing pressure on health services while affecting the quality of life of thousands of Zambians. The new strategy is expected to provide a coordinated roadmap that responds to current health realities while preparing the country for future challenges. Government leaders believe that strong planning, collaboration and evidence-based decision making will be essential to reducing the impact of NCDs across Zambia.
Speaking at the launch of the development process, Permanent Secretary for Technical Services in the Ministry of Health, Dr. Kennedy Lishimpi, outlined the Government’s expectations for the comprehensive review and planning exercise. He stated that the process must be participatory, consultative and informed by credible evidence collected from across the country. According to Dr. Lishimpi, the development of the strategy should involve government ministries, healthcare professionals, development partners, civil society organizations, researchers and communities to ensure that every stakeholder contributes to the final outcome. He stressed that broad participation will create stronger ownership of the strategy while improving its effectiveness during implementation. This inclusive approach reflects the understanding that non-communicable diseases affect every part of society and require solutions that extend beyond the health sector.
One of the key priorities highlighted by Dr. Lishimpi is the need for a comprehensive review of Zambia’s current non-communicable disease situation. This assessment will examine the prevalence of NCDs, existing policies, institutional arrangements and the country’s capacity to respond effectively to changing health trends. Understanding the current landscape will allow policymakers to identify strengths, gaps and opportunities for improvement before introducing new interventions. Reliable data and scientific evidence will play a central role in shaping future health policies and determining where resources should be directed. By beginning with a detailed review, the Government aims to ensure that every decision made under the new strategy is based on accurate information rather than assumptions.
The strategy being developed will cover the period from 2027 to 2031 and will include a fully costed National Multisectoral Strategy designed to provide practical guidance for implementation. Rather than producing a document that remains on paper, the Government wants a realistic framework that outlines clear priorities, measurable targets and achievable actions. Costing every intervention will help policymakers understand the financial resources required while improving budgeting and long-term planning. A detailed strategy also provides greater accountability because institutions can measure progress against clearly defined objectives. This planning process is expected to strengthen Zambia’s ability to respond to the increasing burden of chronic diseases while making efficient use of available resources.
Another major component of the process will be the creation of a functional national governance and coordination framework. Effective coordination is essential because non-communicable diseases are influenced by many factors, including nutrition, education, urban planning, agriculture, environmental conditions and lifestyle choices. Addressing these issues requires cooperation between multiple ministries, government agencies and external partners rather than relying solely on the health sector. A well-structured governance framework will clarify leadership responsibilities, improve communication and reduce duplication of efforts across institutions. Strong coordination also enables faster decision making and more effective implementation of national health priorities.
The Government also plans to establish a robust Monitoring, Evaluation and Accountability Framework to track the progress of the strategy once it is implemented. Monitoring and evaluation systems provide valuable information on whether health interventions are achieving their intended results and where improvements may be needed. By measuring performance against specific indicators, policymakers can adjust programs based on evidence and changing public health needs. Accountability mechanisms also ensure that institutions responsible for implementation remain focused on delivering agreed outcomes. Transparent reporting will help strengthen public confidence while supporting continuous improvement throughout the life of the strategy.
Dr. Lishimpi further emphasized the importance of developing a detailed implementation plan that clearly defines the responsibilities of every institution involved. Clearly assigned roles reduce confusion and help ensure that every organization understands its contribution to achieving national health objectives. The implementation plan will also establish timelines, priority activities and mechanisms for collaboration between national, provincial and district authorities. In addition, the Government intends to develop a sustainable resource mobilization and financing framework that will identify long-term funding sources for the strategy. Sustainable financing is critical because successful public health programs require consistent investment over many years rather than short-term funding alone.
The development process will also produce Terms of Reference for coordination structures at national, provincial and district levels. These guidelines will help standardize the responsibilities and operations of coordination bodies throughout the country while strengthening collaboration across all levels of government. Local coordination is particularly important because health challenges and service delivery needs often differ from one district to another. By establishing clear governance structures, Zambia aims to improve implementation while ensuring that national policies are effectively translated into local action. Strong coordination between national leadership and local authorities will support faster responses to emerging public health issues and improve overall service delivery.
The Government’s expectations for the new National Multisectoral Strategy demonstrate a commitment to creating a practical, evidence-based and nationally owned response to non-communicable diseases. Dr. Kennedy Lishimpi made it clear that the goal is to deliver a strategy that is ready for immediate implementation from the day it is officially launched. Through broad consultation, sound research, clear governance, sustainable financing and strong accountability, Zambia is laying the foundation for a more coordinated response to chronic diseases. The success of this initiative will depend on continued collaboration between government institutions, healthcare professionals, development partners and communities across the country. If implemented effectively, the 2027 to 2031 National Multisectoral Strategy has the potential to improve health outcomes, strengthen the healthcare system and reduce the long-term impact of non-communicable diseases for future generations.