The Zambian Government is strengthening efforts to improve the wellbeing of learners through a strategic partnership with Healthy Learners, targeting three million pupils by 2028. This initiative reflects a growing recognition that education outcomes depend not only on classroom instruction but also on the physical and social health of students. By prioritising school health services, the Government aims to create an environment where learners can attend school consistently and perform at their best. The partnership signals a coordinated approach that brings together education, health, and local governance systems. It also demonstrates Zambia’s commitment to building a more inclusive and effective education system that addresses the needs of the whole child.
The collaboration was formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding signed in Lusaka between the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development and Healthy Learners. Mr Nicholas Phiri, Permanent Secretary for Technical Services, signed on behalf of the Ministry, while Ms Angel Chelwa, Deputy Chief Executive Director, represented Healthy Learners. The agreement focuses on integrating school health services into existing systems, ensuring that interventions are sustainable and aligned with national priorities. It also includes plans to incorporate school health infrastructure into Constituency Development Fund planning, which will support the construction and maintenance of health facilities within schools. This approach ensures that resources are allocated efficiently while strengthening coordination between government institutions and community stakeholders.
Mr Nicholas Phiri emphasised that school health programmes play a vital role in improving both attendance and academic performance. He noted that learners who have access to basic health services are more likely to stay in school, concentrate in class, and achieve better results. Local authorities have already begun mobilising resources and providing machinery for the construction of health rooms in schools, responding to the President’s directive to improve access to quality education services. These efforts are helping to address common health challenges that often disrupt learning, such as untreated illnesses and lack of basic healthcare support. The partnership with Healthy Learners builds on this progress by strengthening coordination and expanding the reach of essential services at community level.
Ms Angel Chelwa highlighted the progress already made under the programme, noting that more than 7,000 teachers have been trained to deliver school health services. These teachers work under the leadership of the Ministries of Education and Health, ensuring that interventions are aligned with national standards and policies. The programme aims to train over 15,000 teachers by 2028, significantly expanding its impact across the country. By equipping teachers with health knowledge and practical skills, the initiative creates a sustainable model where schools become active centres of health support. This approach not only improves immediate health outcomes but also promotes long-term behavioural change among learners and their communities.
The partnership between the Government and Healthy Learners represents a strategic investment in Zambia’s future. By integrating health services into the education system, the initiative addresses key barriers to learning while promoting overall wellbeing. The focus on infrastructure, teacher training, and community coordination ensures that the programme can deliver lasting impact at scale. As the country works towards reaching three million pupils by 2028, this collaboration sets a strong foundation for improved education outcomes and healthier communities. It reflects a practical and forward-looking approach that places learners at the centre of national development efforts.