Zambia Hails Japan’s Long-Standing Support to Health Sector
The Government of the Republic of Zambia has expressed deep appreciation to the people and Government of Japan for their enduring contribution to the country’s health sector, particularly in the fight against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis (TB) and Malaria through the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.
Speaking during a meeting with a delegation of Japanese Parliamentarians at the Ministry of Health Headquarters in Lusaka, Health Minister Hon. Elijah Muchima praised Japan’s steadfast partnership, describing it as instrumental in achieving tangible improvements in public health.
Mr Muchima reported that Zambia had exceeded the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets, with more than 95 per cent of people living with HIV diagnosed, over 95 per cent on treatment, and more than 95 per cent achieving viral suppression.
On TB, he highlighted a significant decline in new cases, from 391 per 100,000 people in 2015 to 283 per 100,000 in 2023, and a dramatic reduction in TB-related deaths from 115 per 100,000 in 2013 to just 24 per 100,000 last year.
Addressing the resurgence of malaria in recent years, partly attributed to climate change, the Minister said the Government was intensifying prevention measures, including indoor residual spraying, year-round distribution of insecticide-treated mosquito nets, and targeted introduction of the malaria vaccine in selected districts, prioritising children under five.
He further acknowledged the Global Fund’s vital role in strengthening Zambia’s health systems by providing life-saving commodities such as antiretroviral drugs, TB medicines and malaria nets; investing in laboratory and diagnostic capacity; supporting health personnel; and improving health infrastructure.
Leading the Japanese delegation, Mr Ichiro Aizawa, a Member of the House of Representatives, reaffirmed his country’s commitment to supporting Zambia’s health sector. He noted that the Global Fund has remained responsive to global health threats, including COVID-19, and recalled Japan’s rapid interventions during both the COVID-19 and Ebola outbreaks.
Mr Aizawa emphasised the need for sustained global health cooperation between Japan and Africa, adding that his country was exploring new areas of collaboration while taking lessons from recent funding challenges experienced elsewhere.
Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary for Donor Coordination, Dr George Sinyangwe, reflected on Zambia’s progress in public health, noting that life expectancy, which had dropped to around 33 years at the height of the HIV/AIDS crisis, has now risen to approximately 63 years, thanks in part to long-term partnerships such as with Japan and the Global Fund.
Japan is one of the largest contributors to the Global Fund, and its continued support remains pivotal to Zambia’s efforts to advance public health and save lives.
