Save the Children International, working with support from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, has officially handed over rehabilitated health infrastructure and upgraded utility systems to the Ministry of Health in Mongu District. The development marks a major step in strengthening maternal, newborn and child healthcare services in Western Province. The handover covers critical facilities at both district and community level, aimed at improving access to safe and reliable medical care. The investment focuses on restoring functionality to long-standing infrastructure gaps that have limited service delivery for years. It also reflects growing collaboration between government and development partners in addressing health system challenges.
The infrastructure handed over includes rehabilitated operating theatres at Lewanika General Hospital and Mongu District Hospital. An upgraded maternity annex at Mongu District Hospital has also been completed to improve maternal care services. In addition, solar power systems have been installed at Litawa Health Centre, Lukalanya Health Centre and the maternity block at Mongu District Hospital. Improved water systems have also been delivered to Namusheshe Rural Health Centre and Kama Rural Health Centre. These upgrades are designed to improve infection prevention, service reliability and patient safety across the facilities.
Speaking during the official handover ceremony in Mongu, Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary for Technical Services Dr Kennedy Lishimpi described the investment as a major milestone for Zambia’s health sector. He noted that the improvements directly support national priorities aimed at reducing maternal and child mortality. He also emphasized that functional infrastructure is essential for delivering timely emergency care, especially in rural areas. The reopening of the operating theatre at Mongu District Hospital was highlighted as a critical breakthrough, as it had remained non-operational since its opening in 2017. Health officials stressed that restoring surgical capacity will significantly reduce delays in life-saving interventions. The upgrades also strengthen the broader referral system within Western Province.
Dr Lishimpi further stated that stable electricity and improved water systems will enhance service delivery at all upgraded facilities. Reliable power supply ensures that theatres, maternity wards and emergency units can function without interruption. Improved water access supports hygiene standards and reduces the risk of infection in maternity and surgical environments. He urged health workers and local leadership to protect and properly maintain the new infrastructure to ensure long-term sustainability. He also acknowledged the role of Save the Children International and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in supporting Zambia’s health sector. Their partnership was described as a key contributor to strengthening public healthcare systems in underserved areas.
Save the Children International Country Director Ms Muloba Kambikambi said the project addresses long-standing gaps in service delivery, particularly at Mongu District Hospital. She noted that for nearly seven years the hospital operated without a functional theatre, limiting its ability to handle emergency surgical cases. She explained that the intervention represents more than physical infrastructure, as it also focuses on improving survival outcomes for mothers and children. The project is being implemented under the Integrated Maternal, Newborn, Child Health and Nutrition Systems Strengthening Project, in partnership with the Western Provincial Health Office. It reflects a targeted approach to strengthening healthcare systems at both facility and community level. Ms Kambikambi also highlighted the importance of ensuring that infrastructure investments translate into consistent service delivery improvements.
The handover comes at a time when Zambia is recording measurable progress in maternal and child health outcomes. According to the 2024 Zambia Demographic and Health Survey, maternal mortality has declined from 278 to 187 deaths per 100,000 live births. Neonatal mortality has also dropped from 27 to 17 deaths per 1,000 live births, reflecting gradual improvements in healthcare access and quality. Health authorities attribute these gains to sustained investments in infrastructure, workforce development and health system strengthening. The newly upgraded facilities in Mongu are expected to contribute further to these improvements by expanding access to emergency obstetric care and essential services. The collaboration between government and partners continues to play a central role in accelerating progress.
The official handover in Mongu demonstrates the impact of coordinated investment in critical health infrastructure across Western Province. By restoring operating theatres, upgrading maternity facilities and improving essential utilities, the project directly strengthens service delivery capacity at multiple levels of care. It also reinforces the importance of reliable infrastructure in achieving better maternal and child health outcomes. The partnership between the Ministry of Health, Save the Children International and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints highlights the value of joint action in addressing health system gaps. The long-term impact of the project will depend on effective maintenance and sustained commitment from all stakeholders. The development stands as a significant step toward improving healthcare access, safety and dignity for families in Mongu District and beyond.