WHO boosts Zambia’s health system with vehicles, motorbikes and ICT equipment
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Zambia’s health sector has received a significant boost after the World Health Organization handed over vehicles, motorbikes and digital equipment to strengthen immunisation and emergency response systems.
The Ministry of Health has taken delivery of more than 200 motorbikes, 10 vehicles, and a range of information technology equipment, including laptops and tablets, aimed at improving healthcare delivery across the country.
The donation is intended to support Zambia’s Expanded Programme on Immunisation and enhance emergency preparedness and response, with a focus on improving outreach services, strengthening disease surveillance and upgrading data management systems.
Receiving the equipment, Health Minister Alex Katakwe described the support as timely, noting that Zambia is working to rebuild its immunisation systems following disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It is a great pleasure for me to receive this consignment of 216 motorbikes, 10 motor vehicles, 229 laptops and 100 tablets from the World Health Organization,” Dr Katakwe said.
He added that the long-standing partnership between Zambia and WHO, which dates back to 1965, continues to play a critical role in strengthening the country’s health system.
“This collaboration has focused on building a sustainable healthcare system, enhancing health security through emergency preparedness and response, and strengthening maternal and child health,” he said.
Dr Katakwe said the investment, supported under programmes backed by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, will help address long-standing challenges such as weak last-mile delivery, limited transport for outreach, delays in vaccine distribution and gaps in data reporting.
He added that the equipment would significantly improve immunisation coverage, particularly in hard-to-reach and underserved communities.
WHO Country Representative Clement Lasuba said the donation reflects the organisation’s continued commitment to supporting Zambia’s health priorities.
“These items are intended to expand outreach, improve supply chains, strengthen surveillance and enhance data management for child health programmes,” Dr Lasuba said.
“We believe this will enable a faster, more reliable response to health needs in communities.”
Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary for Administration Joma Simuyi said the equipment would directly benefit frontline health workers, particularly those operating in rural and remote areas.
“The motorised transport and ICT materials are meant to support substation managers and frontline health workers to reach children who face challenges in accessing immunisation services. This will ensure that no child is left behind,” she said.
Meanwhile, Zambia National Public Health Institute Director-General Roma Chilengi welcomed the intervention, describing it as both timely and critical.
The donation is expected to significantly strengthen Zambia’s capacity to deliver life-saving vaccines, respond to public health emergencies and build a more resilient health system.
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