Lusaka joined the global community in commemorating Earth Day with a vibrant and impactful celebration held at Garden Site 3 Clinic, under the themes “Our Earth, Our Responsibility” and “Our Power, Our Planet.” The event drew together civic leaders, environmental advocates, health practitioners, and members of the local community to spotlight the interconnectedness of environmental sustainability and responsible family planning.
Her Worship, the Mayor of Lusaka, Ms. Chilando Chitangala, graced the occasion as Guest of Honour. The celebration was organized by World Vasectomy Day (WVD) Zambia and served as a platform to engage the public on climate action, green initiatives, and reproductive health as an environmental strategy.
A key highlight of the day was a symbolic tree-planting ceremony led by the Mayor herself. She was joined by WVD Zambia Country Coordinator Mr. Daliso Zulu and Ngwerere Ward 22 Area Councillor Mr. Adrian Banda. Together with other participants, they planted 100 trees as part of the event—contributing to the over 10,000 trees already planted through the Mayor’s “Plant a Tree with the Mayor” campaign. This ongoing initiative is a cornerstone of Lusaka’s efforts to restore its green spaces and foster a culture of environmental responsibility.
In her address, Mayor Chitangala underscored the city’s commitment to sustainable development and called for greater collaboration among partners and citizens alike.
“Protecting our planet is a shared responsibility. Together, we have the power to create a cleaner, greener Lusaka,” she said.
The event also provided a unique platform to promote conversations around male involvement in reproductive health. Mr. Zulu and the Mayor emphasized that making informed decisions—such as opting for a vasectomy—can significantly reduce the strain on natural resources by contributing to more sustainable population growth. They highlighted the importance of engaging men in family planning, supporting mental wellness, and challenging societal norms that discourage open discussion on such topics.
The Earth Day commemoration at Garden Site 3 Clinic successfully merged environmental action with social advocacy, reinforcing Lusaka’s commitment to creating a sustainable and inclusive future.