Zambia distributes 115 vehicles to health institutions

ZAMBIA – Health Minister Dr. Elijah Muchima announced the distribution of 115 new vehicles to various health institutions and provincial health offices in Zambia. 

This initiative, which cost approximately US$4 million, was made possible through a partnership with the Global Fund. 

The vehicles aim to bolster the implementation of the decentralization policy within the health sector, enhancing the delivery of healthcare services across the country.

The handover ceremony occurred at the Ndeke House grounds and was attended by key officials, including Health Permanent Secretaries for Administration, Prof. Christopher Simoonga and Technical Services, Dr. Kennedy Lishimpi. Dr. Muchima also introduced an additional 10 vehicles procured with support from the World Bank, specifically designated for all 10 Provincial Health Offices. 

These vehicles are intended to improve responses to gender-based violence, a pressing human rights issue in Zambia.

During the ceremony, Dr. Muchima highlighted the importance of strengthening health systems as a central focus of the New Dawn Government under President Hakainde Hichilema’s leadership. 

He stated, “The last mile of the supply chain, the final leg of delivery to the end user, is crucial for ensuring that essential medicines and medical supplies reach those who need them most.” 

This statement underscores the critical role that reliable transportation plays in facilitating access to healthcare, particularly for patients in remote or underserved regions.

Among the beneficiaries of the 115 vehicles is the Zambia Medicines and Medical Supplies Agency (ZAMMSA), which received 66 vehicles to support the last-mile distribution of medicines and medical supplies. 

Dr. Muchima emphasized that these vehicles would empower provincial health teams to effectively manage and oversee health service delivery in their respective areas.

In addressing the issue of gender-based violence, Dr. Muchima commended the World Bank for its support, acknowledging both the progress made and the challenges that remain.

“Despite progress, many women and girls in Zambia continue to face physical, sexual, emotional, and economic abuse, with devastating impacts on their health and well-being,” he remarked. 

This acknowledgment reflects the ongoing commitment to addressing such human rights violations.

Furthermore, Dr. Muchima recognized the Global Fund’s steadfast partnership in strengthening health sector systems. 

This year, the Ministry of Health and the Global Fund signed a US$349 million grant to control HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria, which will run from 2024 to 2026. 

Since 2003, the total value of grants from the Global Fund has reached US$1.8 billion, illustrating a significant investment in Zambia’s health sector.

Annie Sampa, Chairperson of the Global Fund Country Coordinating Mechanism Oversight Committee, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to ensuring that essential health commodities reach the last mile efficiently. 

“The CCM remains at the service of the Zambian people for their continued health and overall well-being,” she stated, emphasizing the importance of mobilizing additional resources and overseeing their effective utilization.

This initiative marks a significant step forward in enhancing Zambia’s health infrastructure. 

It provides vital resources to improve healthcare delivery and address pressing issues such as gender-based violence. 

The collaborative efforts between the Zambian government, the Global Fund, and the World Bank demonstrate a united front in pursuing better health outcomes for all citizens.

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