Zambia’s Under-5 Deaths Drop from 168 to 64 per 1,000 as Vaccinations Scale Up
Immunization has been hailed as a critical driver behind Zambia’s remarkable progress in child survival over the last two decades, according to the Ministry of Health.
Speaking during a dissemination meeting on the Immunization 5-Point Plan, the Permanent Secretary for Technical Services, Dr. Kennedy Lishimpi, underscored the transformative role of vaccines in improving child health outcomes.
“Immunization remains a cornerstone of primary healthcare. It has significantly contributed to the prevention of communicable diseases and saved countless young lives,” Dr. Lishimpi stated.
He revealed that Zambia has witnessed a more than 70% drop in child mortality rates over the past 25 years. The under-five mortality rate declined from 168 per 1,000 live births in 2001 to 64 per 1,000 in 2024, while infant mortality fell from 95 to 29 per 1,000 live births during the same period.
Dr. Lishimpi attributed these gains to enhanced partnerships, expanded vaccine coverage, improved infrastructure, and strengthened cold chain systems, all made possible through collaborative efforts such as the Immunization 5-Point Plan, a joint initiative of the Zambia Red Cross Society and the American Red Cross.
Representing Zambia Red Cross Society Secretary General Cosmas Sakala, Director of Programming Dr. Jack Bbabbi explained that the 5-Point Plan was developed in close coordination with the Ministry of Health. The plan’s pillars include mapping and identification, coordination and action, social mobilization, and evaluation.
Dr. Bbabbi noted that the strategy effectively blends community knowledge, data, and coordinated action to deliver measurable impact, particularly in hard-to-reach areas.
Dr. Lishimpi called for continued investment and innovation to sustain the momentum and meet Zambia’s child health targets under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
With government commitment and multi-stakeholder collaboration, Zambia’s immunization success offers a model for accelerating child survival in the region.
