WHO Donates Vehicles and Equipment to Enhance Zambia’s Immunisation and Health Security
The World Health Organization (WHO) has handed over a significant package of vehicles, motorbikes and digital equipment to Zambia’s Ministry of Health and the Zambia National Public Health Institute, aimed at strengthening immunisation services and enhancing national health security.
The donation includes 170 motorcycles and 79 laptops to support child health programmes under the Ministry of Health. In addition, the Zambia National Public Health Institute has received 40 motorcycles, one truck, 10 Land Cruiser vehicles, 150 laptops and 100 tablets to improve emergency preparedness and response systems.
Speaking during the handover ceremony at Ndeke House in Lusaka, Minister of Health Dr Alex Katakwe said the support would significantly improve primary healthcare delivery, particularly in hard-to-reach communities where transport constraints have hindered routine immunisation and disease surveillance.
Dr Katakwe noted that Zambia continues to face challenges in sustaining immunisation coverage following the COVID-19 pandemic, revealing that nearly 500,000 children missed their first dose of the measles vaccine between 2020 and 2024.
WHO Country Representative Dr Clement Peter Lasuba described the handover as a reaffirmation of the organisation’s commitment to supporting Zambia’s health system.
He said the equipment would enhance outreach services, strengthen supply chain and logistics, improve disease surveillance, and support data management systems for more timely and effective responses.
The Minister reaffirmed government’s commitment to reducing the number of zero-dose children and ensuring equitable access to life-saving vaccines and essential health services across the country.
