Government Strengthens Maternal Health Services with K1.2 Million Equipment Boost
The Minister of Health, Dr. Alex Katakwe, today officiated the handover of essential labour and delivery equipment to selected health facilities in Lusaka, marking a significant step in strengthening maternal and newborn health services in Zambia.
The handover ceremony, held at the Lusaka College of Nursing and Midwifery, saw Seed Global Health donate equipment valued at over K1.2 million. The donation will benefit Matero, Chawama, and Kanyama Level One Hospitals.
The equipment includes delivery beds, autoclave machines, delivery sets, and trolleys-critical tools that will enhance the quality, safety, and efficiency of maternal healthcare services. In addition, modern training manikins have been provided to support practical learning for student midwives and continuous professional development for practising health workers.
Speaking during the event, Dr. Katakwe emphasized that the donation goes beyond equipment provision, representing Government’s unwavering commitment to improving maternal and newborn health outcomes.
“This milestone symbolizes our collective effort to ensure that no woman loses her life while giving life,” he said, reaffirming Government’s alignment with the vision of the President of the Republic of Zambia, Hakainde Hichilema.
The Minister further highlighted the importance of investing in the training and development of midwives, noting that strengthening the learning environment directly contributes to improved service delivery across the health system.
In a significant boost to skills development, the partnership has also facilitated the training of 100 midwife preceptors across seven training facilities under the Lusaka Colleges of Nursing and Midwifery. These preceptors play a vital role in mentoring students and ensuring high-quality, hands-on clinical training.
Dr. Katakwe commended Seed Global Health and the Lusaka Colleges of Nursing and Midwifery for their continued commitment to strengthening Zambia’s health workforce and improving clinical training environments.
He also urged beneficiary health facilities to ensure proper maintenance and utilisation of the equipment to maximize its long-term impact on both patient care and training.
Addressing student midwives, the Minister encouraged them to take full advantage of the enhanced training opportunities, reminding them that the skills they acquire have the power to save lives.
Speaking at the same event, Dr. Chikusela Sikazwe, Country Director for Seed Global Health, added that Looking ahead, Seed is actively exploring opportunities to scale up these successful interventions while introducing new initiatives that align with government priorities. This includes potential support for additional Master of Medicine programmes and other healthcare worker training initiatives aimed at further strengthening emergency and critical care capacity across the country.
The handover underscores the importance of partnerships in building resilient health systems and demonstrates what can be achieved when Government, training institutions, and cooperating partners work together toward a common goal.
Georgia Mutale Chimombo
Principle Public Relations Officer/ Spokesperson
Credit: Wezi/ Andrew Phiri
Ministry of Health Zambia
Seed Global Health
