AGP Executive Report

Water & Sanitation: Vice-President Mutale Nalumango says Zambia has zero-rated tax on water treatment chemicals to cut costs for utilities and expand access to safe drinking water, as the 14th Zambia Water Forum and Exhibition pushes “commitment to action.” Workplace Safety: The Occupational Health and Safety Institute (OHSI) launched a nationwide sensitisation drive on the Occupational Health and Safety Act No. 16 of 2025, urging employers and workers to treat safety as a productivity investment. Ebola Preparedness: Zambia is on high alert as authorities report negative tests on suspected cases and step up community awareness; the Ministry of Health also backs converting the Mwembeshi Ebola Treatment Centre into a correctional hospital serving inmates and nearby communities. Community Health: In Kitwe, 16 community-based volunteers and health cooperatives received a seed grant of over K500,000 with AMREF Health Africa to strengthen grassroots service delivery. HIV & Sexual Health: IOM’s “HIV Knows No Borders” programme in Beitbridge is shifting attitudes on HIV testing, sexual health and child protection among highly mobile communities. NCD Care: CIDRZ, MoH and partners reviewed progress strengthening non-communicable disease care through the PEN Plus programme. Health Policy & Aid Scrutiny: Human Rights Watch warns US health aid deals are tied to “troubling conditions,” including access to sensitive health data and pathogen samples. Public Trust in Care: Zambia Medical Association pushes back on claims that hospitals are “killing people,” saying errors are handled through protocols, oversight and disclosure.

Ebola Preparedness: Zambia is on high alert as Vice President Mutale Nalumango says national readiness has been strengthened following the worsening Ebola outbreak in DR Congo and Uganda, with negative tests reported on suspected cases and tighter border screening, lab readiness and community awareness. Community Health Support: In Kitwe, government and AMREF Health Africa have empowered 16 community-based volunteers and health cooperatives with a seed grant of over K500,000 to boost grassroots service delivery. HIV & Cross-Border Health: IOM’s “HIV Knows No Borders” programme in Beitbridge is working with mobile communities to improve attitudes toward HIV testing, sexual health and child protection amid high mobility and stigma. Medical Workforce & Care Quality: Zambia Medical Association pushes back on claims that hospitals are inherently unsafe, saying errors are addressed through protocols, infection control, monitoring and oversight bodies. Cancer Training: Merck Foundation continues expanding cancer care capacity across Africa, including Zambia, through oncology training scholarships and cancer awareness initiatives. US Health Aid Controversy: Human Rights Watch warns that US health agreements with African countries are tied to “troubling conditions,” including access to sensitive health data and extractive-linked pathogen terms. NCD Care Progress: CIDRZ and the Ministry of Health review gains in strengthening non-communicable disease care through the PEN Plus programme.

Ebola Preparedness: Zambia is on high alert as Government ramps up Ebola defences following the worsening outbreak in neighbouring DR Congo and Uganda, with Vice President Mutale Nalumango saying laboratory testing is active, recent suspected-case tests were negative, and readiness covers surveillance, border health, infection prevention and control, case management and emergency coordination. WHO Support: The World Health Organization handed over Ebola preparedness supplies worth over K400,000 to strengthen Zambia’s ability to prevent, detect and respond to Ebola and other viral haemorrhagic fevers, stressing that vigilance must continue despite no recorded cases. Cancer Capacity Building: Merck Foundation, with African First Ladies and Ministries of Health, is expanding cancer care training across multiple countries including Zambia, supporting scholarships and oncology specialist development to tackle late diagnosis and shortages of trained teams. NCD Care Progress: CIDRZ and the Ministry of Health reviewed progress in strengthening non-communicable disease care through the PEN Plus Programme, highlighting improved access to specialised care and renewed commitments to scale effective interventions. Patient Safety Debate: The Zambia Medical Association pushed back on claims that hospitals are “killing people,” saying medical errors can happen but are managed through protocols, infection control, medication monitoring, and oversight by councils that investigate malpractice. Local Pharma Growth: Zimbabwe’s Varichem Pharmaceuticals reported capacity utilisation above 70% as it expands exports to regional markets including Zambia, supported by over US$3m in plant and machinery upgrades.

Ebola Preparedness in Zambia: Vice President Mutale Nalumango says Zambia is on high alert after DRC and Uganda reported new Ebola cases, noting negative tests on suspected cases and strengthened border screening, lab testing, infection prevention and control, and rapid response teams. WHO Supplies Boost: WHO handed over Ebola preparedness equipment and supplies to Zambia, including PPE, laboratory reagents, infection control materials, and specimen transport items, to keep the country ready even though no Ebola case has been recorded. DRC Outbreak Update: The Ebola toll in eastern DR Congo is rising, with health authorities reporting new confirmed cases and deaths, while response teams face gaps in contact tracing, limited treatment capacity, and medicine shortages. Health System Trust & Medical Errors: The Zambia Medical Association pushed back on claims that hospitals are inherently unsafe or that errors are hidden, stressing international protocols, oversight bodies, and open disclosure when adverse events occur. NCD Care Progress: CIDRZ, MoH and stakeholders reviewed gains in non-communicable disease management through the PEN Plus programme, focusing on improved access to specialised care. Correctional Hospital Plan: MoH supports converting the former Mwembeshi Ebola Treatment Centre into a modern correctional hospital to serve inmates and nearby communities. Youth & Wellness Advocacy: Youth forums urged young people to use social media to advocate for positive change, including action against child marriages and better health rights.

Ebola Preparedness Boost: WHO handed Zambia Ebola readiness supplies worth over K400,000, including PPE, lab reagents and specimen transport items, as government insists it has no confirmed Ebola cases but remains on high alert amid risks from DRC and Uganda. National Vigilance: Vice President Mutale Nalumango said testing systems are operational nationwide and recent suspected-case tests were negative, urging communities to help counter misinformation and strengthen resilience. Cross-Border Readiness: Kenya and Uganda launched a joint assessment at Busia to check Ebola screening gaps and standard operating procedures with ECSA-HC, highlighting how health security depends on border coordination. Teen Maternity Care Debate: A Ministry of Health official called free teen maternity care “damage control,” arguing prevention could be cheaper, while youth SRHR advocates urged stronger policy action against child marriage. Mental Health & Dementia Awareness: UK broadcaster Jon Snow revealed his Alzheimer’s diagnosis and will discuss living with the condition in a Channel 4 documentary linked to Zambia-focused investigation themes. Cancer Survivorship: National Cancer Survivors Day was marked to support people living after cancer and raise public awareness of survivor challenges. Community Health Funding: Government released additional Constituency Development Fund money, citing health post and maternity annex construction and clean water boreholes as part of local health improvements.

Ebola Preparedness in Focus: The WHO has handed Zambia medical supplies worth about US$22,000 to strengthen readiness for Ebola threats linked to the DRC and Uganda, including PPE, specimen transport materials and lab reagents, building on a mobile laboratory and Zambia’s national preparedness plan. Cross-Border Health Security: Kenya and Uganda launched a joint assessment mission at Busia One Stop Border Post with ECSA-HC to review Ebola screening gaps, Standard Operating Procedures and frontline compliance, using WHO-developed tools and corrective measures to prevent cross-border spread. Zambia Health System Capacity: A separate WHO handover report reiterates that the supplies are meant to boost Zambia’s ability to detect and test suspected Ebola cases faster, with Africa CDC support for a wider continental preparedness and response plan. NAPSA Reform (Health & Welfare Angle): Zambia’s NAPSA overhaul is now law, introducing flexibility for contributors to access part of benefits via lump sum arrangements while raising minimum pensions and improving replacement rates—changes that can affect families’ ability to cover medical and emergency needs. Public Health Risk Reminder: A new global drinking water assessment flags unsafe water as a major health risk, with many African countries among the lowest-ranked—an urgent reminder for Zambia’s water and sanitation priorities.

NAPSA Reform: Zambia’s National Pension Scheme Act of 2026 brings major changes after nearly 30 years, including new flexibility to access part of benefits via lump sum while keeping a monthly pension, plus higher minimum payouts (K1,708 to K2,135) and an improved replacement rate (40% to 45%). Ebola Preparedness: WHO handed Zambia medical supplies worth $22,000 for Ebola prevention, including PPE, specimen transport materials and lab reagents, aimed at strengthening diagnosis and testing capacity alongside a mobile lab. Safe Water Warning: A new global drinking-water quality assessment flags unsafe water as a major public health risk, with many African countries among the lowest-ranked—highlighting infrastructure and sanitation gaps. Clubfoot Care in Zambia: World Clubfoot Day coverage says about 808 children are born with clubfoot in Zambia each year, with calls for early detection and treatment using the Ponseti method to prevent lifelong disability. World Environment Day—Mining Pollution: Kabwe’s lead pollution remains a serious health threat, especially for children, as activists push for stronger action against companies licensed to extract and process toxic waste. Health System Support: Biomedical lab scientists from six African countries, including Zambia, are training in modern diagnostics and surveillance to better respond to infectious disease outbreaks. Tourism & Health Link: Zambia’s tourism push under ZATEX highlights jobs and economic diversification, with plans to boost visitor numbers and revenue.

Ebola Preparedness: WHO handed Zambia medical supplies worth $22,000 to boost readiness for Ebola threats from the DRC and Uganda, including PPE, specimen transport materials and lab reagents, to strengthen diagnosis and testing. TB Response: CIDRZ is supporting Zambia’s national TB response through community-based service delivery, backing mobile TB screening trucks and training 1,120 community volunteers to improve case detection, diagnosis and treatment outcomes. Child Health: World Clubfoot Day in Lusaka highlighted that about 808 children are born with clubfoot in Zambia each year, with calls for early identification and treatment using the Ponseti method to prevent lifelong disability. Social Protection & Health Access: Government released fresh Constituency Development Fund (CDF) money, citing health-post and maternity annex construction and boreholes as part of wider community support. Health Workforce & Policy: President Hichilema signed the free-education bill into law, with school feeding expansion—an indirect boost to child nutrition and wellbeing. Travel Safety: St Vincent and the Grenadines issued an Ebola travel advisory, listing Zambia among countries under heightened risk and urging enhanced screening and quarantine on arrival.

Zambia Health Security: The US has donated three mobile labs worth $1.6m to the Zambia National Public Health Institute, boosting rapid testing for infectious disease outbreaks; the units can be operational within two hours and run on solar power where electricity is unreliable. TB Care Expansion: CIDRZ is supporting Zambia’s national TB response through community-based service delivery in eight provinces, including mobile TB screening trucks and trained community volunteers to speed up detection, diagnosis and treatment. Maternal & Child Health Access: Hope Walks Zambia says about 808 children are born with clubfoot each year, and urges early identification and treatment using the Ponseti method to prevent lifelong disability. Health Funding & Services: Government released fresh Constituency Development Fund money, citing major health infrastructure gains since 2022 including health posts and maternity annexes. Food & Wellness Costs: Tiger Brands warns of possible price hikes as fuel and input costs rise, with some categories likely to pass on cost pressures to consumers. Ebola Preparedness: St Vincent and the Grenadines issued strict travel advisories and enhanced screening/quarantine for arrivals from Ebola-risk countries that include Zambia. Health Policy & Youth: President Hichilema signed Zambia’s free-education bill into law, expanding school feeding and access for millions—supporting child welfare and long-term health outcomes.

TB response boost: CIDRZ is supporting Zambia’s Ministry of Health to strengthen national tuberculosis detection and treatment across eight provinces, using mobile TB screening trucks and community-based volunteers to cut delays and improve same-day testing and treatment. Mobile labs for outbreaks: The U.S. donated three mobile laboratories worth $1.6m to the Zambia National Public Health Institute, with solar power to keep them running even where electricity is unreliable—aimed at faster diagnosis and outbreak detection. Clubfoot care access: World Clubfoot Day in Lusaka highlighted that about 808 children are born with clubfoot in Zambia each year, but only around 40% currently receive treatment; advocates urged early identification and Ponseti Method care so children can “run free.” Health policy and governance: A regional forum in Nairobi focused on safe use of nuclear and radiation technologies in healthcare, with Zambia among participating countries. World Environment Day warning: In Kabwe, mining pollution continues to expose children to lead poisoning, with calls for tougher action against polluters. Global health awareness: UK broadcaster Jon Snow publicly shared his Alzheimer’s diagnosis, backing awareness efforts while his documentary also spotlights a Zambia mining disaster. Tourism and jobs: President Hichilema opened ZATEX, stressing tourism’s role in diversification and job creation, including plans to attract 2.5m visitors and earn $1b by 2026.

HIV Prevention Breakthrough: South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to launch Lenacapavir, a twice-yearly injectable for HIV prevention, with rollout planned to reach 360 clinics—an approach aimed at cutting new infections in high-burden areas. Outbreak-Ready Labs: The U.S. donated three mobile laboratories worth $1.6m to the Zambia National Public Health Institute, boosting fast diagnosis and surveillance, including solar-powered operation for remote areas. Medicines Supply Boost: Zambia’s Ministry of Health received a bulk consignment of essential medicines and medical supplies from Egypt via ZAMMSA to strengthen availability in public facilities, with improved distribution and digital tracking. Public Health Safety: Zambia joined regional talks in Nairobi on safe nuclear and radiation use in healthcare, as countries seek stronger regulatory systems amid disease threats like Ebola. Health Taxes for Prevention: Zambia is among eight African countries implementing Ghana’s TTAA Phase III project to strengthen tobacco taxation and control—targeting tobacco, alcohol and sugar-sweetened beverages to improve public health. Road Safety: A Luwingu accident involved a motorcycle and a Ministry of Health ambulance; the rider was treated at Luwingu District Hospital. Community Health & Wellbeing: A new feminine leave policy in Kenya highlights growing workplace support for menstrual health, perimenopause and menopause.

Nuclear & Radiation Safety: Health officials from across the region met in Nairobi to strengthen safe use of nuclear and radiation technologies in healthcare, with Zambia among participating countries and plans for a shared action plan to boost regulatory capacity. Medicines Supply Boost: Zambia’s Ministry of Health received a bulk consignment of assorted medicines and medical supplies from Egypt via ZAMMSA, aimed at improving access in underserved and remote areas. Ebola Preparedness in the Region: Hurungwe District activated emergency Ebola preparedness systems, setting up an isolation centre at Chirundu Border Post and intensifying screening as the Bundibugyo outbreak spreads in neighbouring countries. Polio Vaccination Drive: Isoka District launched the second round of the nOPV2 polio campaign for children under five, reporting strong first-round coverage and renewed community outreach. Child Protection Case: Police in Sinda District are investigating an alleged child sexual abuse case involving a 15-year-old girl, with a medical report form issued to support investigations. Road Safety Incident: A Luwingu accident involving a Ministry of Health ambulance and a motorcycle sent the rider to Luwingu District Hospital for treatment, with preliminary findings pointing to a collision during a left turn. Health & Sports Insurance: ZSIC Life pledged K6.2 million health insurance cover for the Zambia Athletics Intercompany relay, linking participation with national health promotion.

Ebola Response: India airlifted essential medicines and medical equipment to Uganda as Ebola spreads in Uganda and DR Congo, underscoring cross-border humanitarian support. Ebola Preparedness in Zambia: Hurungwe district activated emergency Ebola readiness, citing Bundibugyo strain risks and the need for isolation capacity and stronger traveller screening at Chirundu. Polio Vaccination Drive: Isoka launched a second round of nOPV2 polio vaccination for under-fives, building on strong first-round coverage and outbreak-linked surveillance. TB Testing Upgrade: CIDRZ presented findings on reflex MTB/XDR testing feasibility, highlighting that a meaningful share of drug-resistant TB cases could be missed by rifampicin-only approaches. Maternal & Child Health Innovation: Kenya’s doctors are using virtual reality and telemedicine to tackle preventable maternal deaths and improve childbirth outcomes. Health Access for Refugees: A Chinese medical team donated supplies and provided free care to refugees at Makeni Transit Centre in Lusaka with UNHCR support. Student Health Financing: HELSB recovered over K1.01bn in student loans and digitised applications to reduce barriers for borrowers. Workplace Wellbeing: KWAL introduced paid menstrual leave to support period-related health needs and improve inclusion at work.

Ebola Preparedness: Hurungwe District has activated emergency Ebola preparedness after DRC and WHO confirmed an outbreak linked to the Bundibugyo strain, with no licensed vaccine or approved treatment—officials say isolation capacity at Chirundu Border Post and intensified traveller screening are key. Polio Vaccination: Isoka District launched the second round of the Novel Oral Polio Vaccine Type 2 (nOPV2) campaign to protect children under five, reporting strong first-round coverage and urging parents to ensure full uptake. Child Protection: Police in Sinda District are investigating an alleged defilement case involving a 15-year-old girl, with a medical report form issued to support further investigations. Maternal & Child Health Support: A Chinese medical team donated supplies and provided free care to refugees at Makeni Refugee Transit Center in Lusaka, including services from obstetrics and gynecology to internal medicine. TB Testing Upgrade: CIDRZ presented findings on reflex MTB/XDR testing feasibility in Zambia’s TB surge, highlighting that many drug-resistant TB cases could be missed by rifampicin-focused diagnostics. Health Financing & Access: HELSB says it recovered over K1.01 billion in student loans and has digitised applications, with flexible repayment terms and plans to consider extending loans to private universities. Health & Development: Rural electrification handover of 85 projects worth K463 million is framed as a boost for health services—helping facilities preserve medicines and run services around the clock.

Election focus on health and services: As Zambia heads toward the polls, parties are battling over economic recovery and public service delivery, with UPND highlighting free education and student meal allowances while opponents stress cost of living and jobs. Maternal health innovation: Kenyan doctors are using virtual reality and telemedicine to tackle preventable maternal deaths, aiming to improve access to skilled care. Refugee care in Lusaka: A Chinese medical team donated supplies and provided free specialist care to refugees at Makeni Transit Centre ahead of World Refugee Day. Premature baby survival story: Save the Children-supported newborn care training at Lewanika General Hospital helped save “Samuel,” born at 26 weeks. Student loan recovery: HELSB says it has recovered over K1.01 billion from former public university students (2018–2026) and is digitising processes. TB diagnostics upgrade: CIDRZ presented findings on reflex MTB/XDR testing feasibility, reporting drug-resistant TB detection beyond rifampicin-only methods. Health workforce push: UPND says it plans to recruit over 40,000 more health workers in its second term. Social protection emphasis: Zambia’s social protection officials call for stronger, more resilient systems to protect people from poverty, shocks and public health emergencies. Ebola watch regionally: Regional reporting highlights escalating Ebola preparedness and response efforts across neighbouring countries, with Zambia-linked screening and surveillance updates.

Refugee Health Support: A 26th Chinese medical team donated supplies and offered free care to refugees at Makeni Refugee Transit Centre in Lusaka, with specialists covering obstetrics, internal medicine, surgery and more. Student Loan Recovery: HELSB says it has recovered over K1.01 billion from former public university students (2018–2026), with 789 fully repaying, plus digitised applications and flexible repayment terms. Ebola Preparedness in the Region: Kenya authorised a quarantine centre for US citizens after Ebola concerns linked to DRC/Uganda, while Zimbabwe set up three Ebola isolation centres (Harare, Bulawayo and Chirundu) and intensified screening and training. Polio Vaccination Drive: Bulawayo launched a four-day polio campaign for children under five after a CVDPV2 outbreak was confirmed in Malawi, with vaccination at clinics, schools, markets and outreach points. Health Workforce Push: UPND says it plans to recruit over 40,000 health workers in its second term, building on hiring of 23,560 in five years and upgrades to facilities, ambulances and supplies. Medicines & Access: Reports from Uganda highlight growth in a major pharmaceutical manufacturer driven by demand for ARVs and anti-malarials, underscoring regional push to reduce medicine import reliance. Debt Relief With Health Implications: Zambia’s Eurobond buyback (over US$1.3bn) is framed as lowering future debt costs and freeing budget space for sectors including healthcare.