WHO has urged Zambia to develop a forward
Nation Reporter
WHO has urged Zambia to develop a forward
Content Type: Free
By BUUMBA CHIMBULU
THE World Health Organisation (WHO) has urged Zambia to develop a forward-looking National Health Strategic Plan that strengthens primary health care, embraces digital transformation and prepares the country for emerging public health challenges.
WHO Representative Dr Clement Peter Lasuba said the exercise should produce a practical roadmap that responds to the country’s evolving health needs.
Dr Lasuba was speaking at the opening of the two-day National Stakeholder Consultative Meeting on the Development of the National Health Strategic Plan (NHSP) 2027–2031 in Lusaka.
He said the consultation was more than a planning exercise, describing it as an opportunity to assess progress, address persistent challenges and chart the future of healthcare in Zambia.
“It is an opportunity to reflect on achievements, learn from experience, address persistent challenges, and define a practical and transformative path for the future of health in Zambia,” he said.
Dr Lasuba noted that while Zambia has made progress through strong leadership, coordinated partnerships and community participation, sustaining those gains will require increased investment in health financing, human resources, supply chains and data systems.
Dr Lasuba outlined six priority areas that should shape the new five-year strategy.
These include strengthening primary health care as the foundation for universal health coverage, accelerating digital transformation to improve service delivery, enhancing disease surveillance and supply chains, deepening decentralisation, building climate-resilient health systems and improving emergency preparedness.
He also called for greater attention to communicable and non-communicable diseases, maternal and child health, mental health and injuries.
Dr Lasuba said the consultation aligns with the Lusaka Agenda, which promotes stronger country ownership, sustainable health financing, increased investment in primary health care, partner coordination and accountability.
