EU, UNICEF, and RED CROSS donate to ZAMBIA’S Health Sector

The Ministry of Health has received donations from the European Union, UNICEF, and the Zambia Red Cross Society to strengthen the country’s health system and improve maternal and newborn outcomes.

Minister of Health Dr. Elijah Muchima represented by Health Permanent Secretary Dr. Kennedy Lishimpi received the donations, which include essential medical equipment such as pulse oximeters, neonatal care equipment, and gynaecological delivery tables, valued at a significant amount, under the Equal Chances for Human Development (EC4HD) Programme.

The EC4HD programme, funded by the European Union and implemented by UNICEF and the Ministry of Health, aims to address immediate needs and long-term structural gaps in Zambia’s health system, strengthen primary health care, and enhance emergency obstetric and newborn care services.

Additionally, the Zambia Red Cross Society donated cholera kits, including chlorine, buckets, soap, hand sanitizer, oral rehydration salts, and zinc tablets, to support the government’s efforts to respond to cholera outbreaks.

Dr. Lishimpi expressed gratitude for the donations and highlighted the government’s commitment to addressing cholera challenges, including the establishment of a cholera vaccine manufacturing plant and the implementation of the Multisectoral Cholera Elimination Plan 2024-2027.

The donations are expected to improve healthcare services, particularly in rural and underserved areas, and contribute to the government’s goal of eliminating cholera and other water-related diseases by 2030.

By Naomi Bowa

📸 Wezzy Simbeye/ Naomi Bow