World Health Day, commemorated every year on April 7, marks the anniversary of WHO’s founding in 1948 and promotes good health and wellbeing. This year, in addition to drawing attention to Health for All, the theme of the commemoration, WHO is also celebrating 75 years of promoting and improving public health.  

Because the 7th of April coincided with the Easter celebrations, Zambia only officially celebrated WHO’s successes and the World Health Day on April 12, 2023, at the Mulungushi Conference Centre in Lusaka. 

However, this year’s commemoration reached new heights and got everyone excited as the Republican President, His Excellency, Mr Hakainde Hichilema kick started WHO’s 75-yearlong celebrations with a hearty congratulatory message on 7th April 2023. 

“Congratulations to WHO on the attainment of this great milestone. WHO has made remarkable contributions to the health and wellbeing of mankind. We are truly grateful for the efforts of the WHO and are very proud to be associated with such success,” said the Republican President, Mr Hakainde Hichilema. 

In Zambia, with the vital support of WHO and the commitment of the government, many public health achievements have been realized in the past five decades. Zambia has seen a reduction in maternal and child mortality rates, a reduction in Malaria mortality and has put in place interventions to reduce HIV infections, AIDS related and TB deaths. 

This year’s commemoration brought together the government, cooperating partners in health, UN agencies, civil society, private sector players and the community to share major successes in health, compare insightful notes on current and past challenges and reaffirm their commitment towards ensuring every Zambian can have access to equitable, quality, and affordable health care services. 

Speaking at the event, the Minister of Health, represented by the Permanent Secretary for Administration, Dr George Sinyangwe said the government has placed health as an investment to spur social and economic development across the country.

               | Our ministry is working tirelessly to ensure access to quality health care by our people, by bringing these services closer to where they live, work and go to school. |

And delivering his remarks on behalf of the Health Cooperating Partners, Swedish Ambassador to Zambia and Lead HCP, Mr. Johan Hallenborg congratulated WHO on their 75th anniversary and encouraged the organization to continue with the spirit of multi sectoral collaboration with partners to support the government to implement the National Health Strategy, and other plans and policies aimed at improving the health and wellbeing of citizens. He also encouraged WHO to look at health as a human right if health for all is to be realized.   

Dr Nathan Bakyaita, WHO Representative in Zambia, thanked the government of Zambia, cooperating partners and stakeholders for their commitment, contribution, and collective effort to health for all. He further called for strengthened partnership and innovative interventions, through the provision of primary health care, especially those meant to serve the most vulnerable in our society – reaffirming WHO’s support and commitment towards a better and healthy Zambia.
 
The highlight of the commemoration was the different public and private organizations exhibiting their work that contributes to building a strong and resilient health system in Zambia.

 
Everyone needs to play their role if we are to attain Universal Health Coverage – Health for All!