PRESIDENT HAKAINDE HICHILEMA OPENS THE 75TH SESSION OF THE WHO REGIONAL COMMITTEE FOR AFRICA IN LUSAKA
The 75th Session of the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Committee for Africa officially commenced today at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre, Lusaka, with His Excellency Mr. Hakainde Hichilema, President of the Republic of Zambia, delivering the keynote address.
In his remarks, President Hichilema warmly welcomed delegates from across Africa and beyond, underscoring Zambia’s pride in hosting this historic event. The President emphasized the need for unity, innovation, and self-reliance in advancing health systems on the continent, noting that health diplomacy, regional manufacturing of health commodities, and harmonization of public health regulations are critical to Africa’s long-term progress.
The Head of State highlighted Zambia’s achievements in the health sector, including:
• Increasing the health sector budget to 12 percent of the national budget, edging closer to the 15 percent Abuja Declaration target.
• Recruiting and deploying 20,000 health workers in the last three years, surpassing the WHO recommended minimum threshold for workforce density.
• Expanding health infrastructure through the construction and equipping of hospitals, mini-hospitals, and health centres across the country.
• Strengthening service delivery through the implementation of a minimum package of essential health services.
President Hichilema further reaffirmed Zambia’s commitment to continental health priorities, particularly in his role as African Union and WHO Global Cholera Control Champion, pledging to mobilize resources towards eliminating cholera.
Other speakers commended Zambia’s leadership:
• Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, congratulated Zambia for achieving a 14 percent reduction in maternal mortality since 2020 and for prioritizing health financing, workforce development, and digital health transformation.
• Prof. Mohamed Janabi, WHO Regional Director for Africa, praised Zambia’s progress as a blueprint for regional advancement and called on Africa to take bold leadership in shaping the future of global health.
• Hon. Dr. Elijah Muchima, Minister of Health, reaffirmed Zambia’s dedication to regional and global collaboration, stressing that no country can overcome health challenges in isolation.
This year’s Regional Committee session will deliberate on strategies to advance universal health coverage, strengthen health security and emergency preparedness, and address key priorities such as maternal and child health, malaria, and non-communicable diseases.
Hosting the WHO Regional Committee is a significant milestone for Zambia, demonstrating the country’s growing leadership in health policy and its commitment to ensuring that every African enjoys better health and well-being. “Building a Healthier Africa Together.”
Issued by:
Georgia Mutale Chimombo
Principal Public Relations Officer / Spokesperson
Ministry of Health – Zambia