Reported by: The Agency Media.
Date: 24th April, 2025.
Lusaka, Zambia.
The New Dawn administration, led by President Hakainde Hichilema, has recorded transformative strides in Zambia’s health sector, with over 90% of its health-related promises now implemented. This was revealed by Information and Media Permanent Secretary Thabo Kawana, who praised the government’s delivery on key policy reforms since taking office in 2021.
Addressing the media, Mr. Kawana emphasized that health remains at the heart of national development. “A healthy population is the foundation of a strong, productive economy. The government’s strategic investments in health infrastructure, financing, and human capital are critical to accelerating Zambia’s socio-economic transformation,” he stated.
STEADY GROWTH IN HEALTH FINANCING AND MEDICINE ACCESS
One of the major achievements highlighted is the enhancement of health sector financing. The share of the national budget allocated to health rose from 10.4% in 2023 to 11.8% in 2024. Additionally, the Zambia Medicines and Medical Supplies Agency (ZAMMSA) Drug Fund was successfully operationalized, enabling better procurement and distribution of essential medicines.
The financial allocation for medical supplies increased from ZKW 4.6 billion in 2023 to ZKW 4.9 billion in 2024, leading to a significant improvement in drug stock availability—now standing at 85% in health centers and 76% at hospitals, surpassing the World Health Organization’s recommended threshold of 70%.
STRENGTHENING THE NATIONAL HEALTH INSURANCE SYSTEM
The National Health Insurance Management Authority (NHIMA) has expanded its reach, accrediting an additional 33 public healthcare facilities in June 2024. This brings the total number of accredited public facilities to 212, closing the gap with the private sector and ensuring more equitable access to essential services.
The NHIMA benefits package has also been broadened to include antenatal care, mental health support, cancer treatments like radiotherapy and brachytherapy, orthopedic implants, and major eye surgeries—now accessible in public hospitals. A review process of the NHI Act is currently underway to further strengthen the legal framework governing the scheme.
MASSIVE RECRUITMENT AND HUMAN RESOURCE BOOST
To address critical staffing shortages in the health sector, the government has embarked on an unprecedented recruitment drive. Since 2021, over 14,000 frontline health workers have been hired, with 4,000 more scheduled for recruitment in 2025, bringing the total to over 20,000 new health personnel under the New Dawn administration.
EXPANDING HEALTH INFRASTRUCTURE NATIONWIDE
Mr. Kawana further noted the completion of 279 new health facilities across the country, including 115 mini-hospitals, 33 health centers, and 131 health posts. Notably, 164 of these were constructed using the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), reflecting a decentralized approach to infrastructure development.
“These achievements speak to a deliberate and people-centered approach to governance. We are not just building structures—we are building systems that save lives, empower communities, and prepare Zambia for a healthier, more resilient future,” Mr. Kawana said.
The health sector reforms underscore the New Dawn government’s broader commitment to delivering on the Eighth National Development Plan and Vision 2030—ensuring that no Zambian is left behind in accessing quality health care.
The Agency.