28TH MAY 2024
It is an honour for me to speak on behalf of my country, Zambia. Zambia aligns itself with the statement delivered by Botswana on behalf of the African region.
Zambia has scored a lot of successes such as achieving the second and third 95-95-95 UNAIDS targets; increased annual TB notifications from under 40,000 in 2021 to 53,000 in 2023; reducing the under-5 mortality rate from 68 to 58 per 1,000 live births between 2015 and 2021; achieving a COVID-19 immunization coverage of over 80%; and containing and limiting the devastating outcomes of the recent 2023-2024 cholera outbreak.
Mr. President,
These achievements were made possible through the strong political will, under the leadership of Hi
s Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zambia, Mr. Hakainde Hichilema. Our president, has overseen heath sector financing increasing from 7.0% in 2021, to 11.8% of the national budget. This is moving us closer to the 15% Abuja declaration target. In addition, our development partners are supporting us improve our health systems.
Mr. President,
Despite these successes, Zambia is still besieged with many health challenges including; high Malaria burden, with 30,400 cases per day; 50% of new HIV infections affecting young people; high Maternal mortality with 278 deaths per 100,000 live births; an increase in non-communicable diseases, antimicrobial resistance and neglected tropical diseases.
Mr. President,
Further, our country is currently confronted by effects of climate change. We are experiencing a severe drought, which has negatively impacted food security, access to water, electricity and public health. Our President has since declared this drought as a National Disaster and Emergency, underscoring the gravity of the situation. We advocate for collaborative partnerships and proactive measures, including resource mobilization to mitigate the effects of the drought.
Mr. President,
Zambia is pursuing some Transformative Initiatives including: decentralization of Health Services with matching resources to local authorities; purchase of over 200 ambulances; construction of maternity annexes in all existing health facilities; sustainable financing with establishment of a drug fund to pool resources to improve commodity security; development of a local pharmaceutical manufacturing strategy; and health system digitalization. We appeal for collaborative partnerships to support these initiatives.
Zambia reaffirms her commitment to collaborations that promote global health. We look forward to the successful conclusion of the Pandemic Agreement in order to secure strong and solid health systems capable of withstanding shocks, including pandemics and climate change and leading to a “all for health and health for all” society.
May the shared commitment to serve humanity and the love for one another be the spirit in which we discuss our issues in this assembly. Together, we can create a healthier, more prosperous future for all of us.
I THANK YOU ALL!