Zambia Marks 61 Years of Partnership with WHO, President Hichilema Commemorates Milestone

Zambia has reached a significant milestone in its partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO), marking 61 years of collaboration. President Hakainde Hichilema commemorated this occasion, highlighting the substantial contributions the WHO has made to the country’s healthcare system. The partnership has been instrumental in improving the overall health and wellbeing of the Zambian population. Over the years, the WHO has provided technical assistance, supported the development of healthcare infrastructure, and helped to strengthen the country’s health systems. This collaboration has enabled Zambia to make significant strides in reducing mortality rates, increasing access to healthcare services, and promoting health education. The WHO has also played a crucial role in supporting Zambia’s response to various health crises, including outbreaks of infectious diseases. President Hichilema expressed his gratitude to the WHO for its unwavering support and commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of the Zambian people. He also acknowledged the importance of continued collaboration to address the country’s ongoing health challenges. The President emphasized the need to build on the progress made and to work towards achieving universal health coverage. He also highlighted the importance of investing in healthcare infrastructure, including the construction of new hospitals and the upgrading of existing facilities. Furthermore, President Hichilema stressed the need to enhance the capacity of healthcare workers and to improve the availability of essential medicines. The WHO has pledged to continue its support to Zambia, with a focus on strengthening the country’s health systems and improving the quality of healthcare services. The organization has also committed to supporting Zambia’s efforts to address the social determinants of health, including poverty, education, and nutrition. In addition, the WHO will continue to provide technical assistance to help Zambia develop and implement effective health policies and strategies. The partnership between Zambia and the WHO has been characterized by a strong commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of the Zambian people. Over the years, the collaboration has yielded significant results, including improvements in maternal and child health, reductions in mortality rates, and increased access to healthcare services. The WHO has also supported Zambia’s efforts to combat infectious diseases, including HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria. The organization has provided critical support to help Zambia develop and implement effective strategies to prevent and control these diseases. Moreover, the WHO has worked closely with the Zambian government to strengthen the country’s health systems, including the development of healthcare infrastructure and the enhancement of healthcare worker capacity. The partnership has also facilitated the sharing of knowledge, expertise, and best practices between Zambia and other countries, promoting a collaborative approach to addressing global health challenges. In conclusion, the 61-year partnership between Zambia and the WHO has been a resounding success, with significant improvements in the country’s healthcare system and the overall health and wellbeing of the Zambian population. As Zambia continues to face ongoing health challenges, the continued collaboration with the WHO will be critical in addressing these challenges and achieving universal health coverage. The country’s commitment to investing in healthcare infrastructure, enhancing healthcare worker capacity, and improving the availability of essential medicines will be essential in building on the progress made. With the support of the WHO, Zambia is well-positioned to make further strides in improving the health and wellbeing of its people, and to achieve its goal of becoming a healthy and prosperous nation.

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