Sweden-Funded Health Facilities Bring Better Care to Mothers in Southern Province
The Government of Zambia, through the Ministry of Health, has commended the Government and people of Sweden for their continued support in strengthening the country’s health system.
The support, delivered with technical assistance from the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), has resulted in the successful completion and commissioning of eight modern health facilities in Southern Province.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Minister of Health, Alex Katakwe, described the development as a major milestone in improving maternal, newborn and child health services across the country.
The facilities, constructed at a cost of over 18.7 million Swedish Krona approximately K58 million were funded by the Swedish Government and are expected to significantly improve access to quality healthcare, particularly in rural communities.
Dr Katakwe said the infrastructure represents more than physical development, noting that it reflects a renewed commitment to safeguarding the health and dignity of mothers and children.
“These facilities are not merely buildings; they symbolise the strong and enduring partnership between Zambia and Sweden, and demonstrate our shared commitment to improving maternal health services,” he said.
The newly commissioned infrastructure includes maternity annexes at Airport Clinic in Livingstone, Luyaba Rural Health Centre in Zimba, Siachitema Rural Health Centre in Kalomo, Mbabala Rural Health Centre in Choma, and Sinazongwe Rural Health Centre. An outpatient department has also been constructed at Sikaunzwe Rural Health Centre in Kazungula.
Meanwhile, Head of Development Cooperation at the Swedish Embassy, Christina Wedekull, praised the leadership demonstrated by the Zambian Government and its partners in delivering the project.
She noted that Zambia and Sweden share a long-standing relationship spanning over six decades, built on a shared commitment to ensuring equitable access to quality healthcare for all citizens.
Since 2015, Sweden has invested more than K415 million through the PeaCe Health Programme in Eastern and Southern Provinces. The initiative focuses on strengthening health systems and community structures to improve maternal, newborn and nutrition services.
Ms Wedekull added that the programme has contributed to a steady decline in maternal mortality rates across the targeted regions.
Country Director for CHAI, Hilda Shakwelele, also highlighted the impact of the partnership, noting measurable progress in maternal health outcomes.
“We are seeing meaningful progress where it matters most. Maternal mortality is steadily declining. Across both provinces, institutional maternal mortality has fallen to below 92.3 per 100,000 live births between 2021 and 2025,” she said.
“In Southern Province alone, the rate has decreased from 107 in 2021 to 93.04 in 2025.”
