Zambia’s Health Minister Pushes for Innovation and Investment at Washington Forum

The Honourable Dr. Elijah Julaki Muchima, Minister of Health for the Republic of Zambia, reaffirmed Zambia’s commitment to sustainable health financing, innovation, and investment at a high-level dialogue hosted by the AfroChampions Initiative in Washington, D.C.

The meeting, which convened key African leaders, investors, and development partners, focused on strengthening health systems across the continent. Dr. Muchima shared Zambia’s experiences navigating health sector challenges exacerbated by the severe 2024 droughts, highlighting the interconnectedness of climate change and public health.

“Zambia, like many nations, is navigating the dual challenges of climate change and evolving global financing landscapes,” Minister Muchima stated. He emphasized how adversity has driven innovation, pointing to Zambia’s expanded investment in solar-powered health facilities as a response to energy disruptions.

Under President Hakainde Hichilema’s leadership, Zambia has strengthened governance frameworks, creating a stable environment attractive to international partners and investors, the Minister noted. He highlighted that Zambia’s current health budget stands at approximately 12%, with a firm commitment to reaching the 15% Abuja Declaration target.

Outlining Zambia’s future plans, Minister Muchima detailed two transformative initiatives:

• Digital Health Advancement: Inspired by models like Rwanda’s, Zambia plans to roll out a fully integrated Health Management Information System (HMIS), with real-time connectivity and AI-enhanced decision-making.
• Regional Pharmaceutical Hub: Leveraging its strategic location, Zambia aims to establish pharmaceutical manufacturing plants to boost medicines security and create regional economic opportunities.

“We are not merely managing present challenges; we are building the future of healthcare in Zambia,” Dr. Muchima declared, calling for robust partnerships to drive these ambitions forward.

He echoed calls from fellow leaders, including H.E. Olusegun Obasanjo, to view health as an investment fueling economic growth rather than just an expenditure. Minister Muchima welcomed innovative proposals like the African Health Trust Fund and expressed Zambia’s openness to blended finance models and new collaborative strategies.

The Ministry of Health reaffirmed its commitment to working with international partners, the private sector, and regional bodies to achieve universal health coverage and the Sustainable Development Goals.