President Hichilema Emphasises the Role of Church–Government Synergy in Strengthening Health Services

President Hakainde Hichilema has called for enhanced coordination between the government and the church to address funding gaps in Zambia’s health sector, describing the challenge as an opportunity for strategic growth.

Speaking during a courtesy call by a delegation from the Churches Health Association of Zambia (CHAZ) and other church mother bodies at State House, President Hichilema emphasised the need for genuine and efficient collaboration, particularly in light of shifting global resource allocations away from developing countries.

“There should be no vulnerabilities resulting from the redirection of development resources. We must work smarter and with sincerity in our approach,” the President said.

He commended the church for its longstanding role in operating mission hospitals, which continue to play a critical part in improving health service delivery across the country. He noted that faith-based institutions remain key partners in advancing national priorities in both health and education.

“We must continue this partnership; it is inseparable. Even if some churches engage in political discourse, that’s alright,” President Hichilema said.

He stressed the importance of economic growth as a foundation for strengthening healthcare systems, including the procurement and distribution of essential medicines. The President encouraged churches to access Constituency Development Funds (CDF) for mission hospital projects, such as water and sanitation improvements and the construction of maternity annexes.

“The church must reach out to government, particularly local government, in a way that ensures these needs are prioritised. It is not a favour for the government to sink a borehole at a mission hospital; it is a necessity,” he said.

President Hichilema further called for structured dialogue between the church and government to enhance coordination and service delivery.

He also reiterated the government’s commitment to improving the efficiency of the Zambia Medicines and Medical Supplies Agency (ZAMMSA), noting that many of the challenges faced by the institution are historical. He reported that drug availability has increased from 43 percent in 2021 to 85 percent currently, and that efforts are underway to boost local production of medicines and vaccines.

Delegation leader and Catholic Bishop of Mongu Diocese, Evans Chinyemba, praised government for the continued support in advancing health outcomes of underserved communities.

Bishop Chinyemba highlighted CHAZ’s national footprint, noting that the organisation operates 162 health facilities and 11 training institutions, collectively serving over 8.6 million Zambians.

He commended government for the timely disbursement of grants, which have enhanced operational efficiency and service delivery in mission health institutions. He also welcomed the recent recruitment of over 10,000 health workers, describing it as a major boost to Zambia’s healthcare system.

He reaffirmed CHAZ’s commitment to complementing government efforts in delivering equitable and accessible health services, particularly in rural and remote areas.

“Our goal remains to bring quality healthcare as close to the people as possible,” Bishop Chinyemba said.