Zambia Launches First Round of 2025 Child Health Week to Advance Child Wellbeing
The Government of Zambia, through the Ministry of Health, has officially launched the First Round of the 2025 Child Health Week, a national initiative aimed at improving child health and nutrition outcomes across the country.
The launch was officiated by Minister of Health Dr. Elijah Julaki Muchima, who emphasized the government’s unwavering commitment to nurturing a healthier and more resilient generation of Zambian children.
Child Health Week, held twice each year, offers an opportunity to scale up delivery of essential health services to children. Running from 23rd to 28th June, this round includes Vitamin A supplementation for children aged 6–59 months, deworming for children aged 12–59 months, growth monitoring and nutrition assessments, immunization campaigns (including HPV vaccines), early childhood development services, routine management of common illnesses, and health education sessions.
This year’s theme, “Building Resilient Systems for Universal Health Coverage: Leaving No Child Behind,” reflects the government’s strategic focus on reaching every child with critical health interventions, despite challenges such as climate shocks, epidemics, and external funding uncertainties.
Dr. Muchima highlighted that healthy children are the foundation of a strong nation and called on all stakeholders—including parents, caregivers, teachers, and health professionals—to work together to ensure no child is left behind.
While Zambia has made progress in child health, recent data from the 2024 Zambia Demographic Health Survey reveals areas of concern. Exclusive breastfeeding rates have dropped from 70% to 64%, and early initiation of breastfeeding within one hour of birth has declined from 76% to 68%.
HPV vaccine coverage remains at just 60%, far below the national target of 95%. Dr. Muchima emphasized that Child Health Week provides a vital platform to address these gaps, especially in underserved and rural areas.
To reach all eligible children, the Minister directed health facilities to extend outreach into hard-to-reach areas, while integrating school health and community-based activities. He reiterated the importance of cross-sector collaboration with ministries, development partners, and civil society to ensure the success of the campaign.
Dr. Muchima expressed gratitude to key partners including the WHO, UNICEF, CHAZ, ZNPHI, and the National Food and Nutrition Commission for their continued support. He also appealed to parents and guardians to actively participate and ensure their children receive the full range of services.
In conclusion, Dr. Muchima officially declared the 2025 First Round of Child Health Week launched, reaffirming the government’s commitment to creating a Zambia where every child has access to lifesaving healthcare, nutrition, and protection.
