President Hichilema Opens 75th WHO Africa Regional Committee in Lusaka

President Hakainde Hichilema has officially opened the 75th Session of the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Committee for Africa at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka. The event has brought together health leaders and delegates from across the continent to deliberate on strategies for advancing universal health coverage, strengthening health security, and tackling key health challenges.

‎In his keynote address, President Hichilema underscored Zambia’s pride in hosting the gathering and emphasized the need for unity, innovation, and self-reliance to strengthen Africa’s health systems. He highlighted Zambia’s progress in the sector, including increasing the health budget to 12 percent of the national budget, recruiting 20,000 health workers in the past three years, expanding hospital infrastructure, and implementing essential health service packages. He also reaffirmed his commitment as AU and WHO Global Cholera Control Champion to mobilize resources towards eliminating cholera.

‎WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus praised Zambia for reducing maternal mortality by 14 percent since 2020, while WHO Regional Director for Africa Prof. Mohamed Janabi described Zambia’s progress as a blueprint for regional advancement. Health Minister Dr. Elijah Muchima also reaffirmed Zambia’s commitment to regional and global collaboration, noting that no country can overcome health challenges in isolation.

‎The week-long session will focus on maternal and child health, malaria, non-communicable diseases, and digital health transformation, among other priorities. Hosting the 75th WHO Regional Committee marks a major milestone for Zambia, highlighting the country’s growing role in shaping Africa’s health policy and the drive toward “Building a Healthier Africa Together.”