AGP Executive Report

Cholera Update: Zambia has officially declared the end of its cholera outbreak after four straight weeks with no confirmed cases, following a response that recorded 1,627 cases and 26 deaths across 25 districts. Measles Vaccination Drive: The same Ministry update says an emergency measles campaign has exceeded targets, vaccinating more than 88,000 children (122% coverage) in affected districts. Border Health Screening: Zimbabwe reports screening over 99,000 returnees from South Africa and setting up a clinic at Beitbridge to provide up to five days of ART for people who left medication behind, while screening for HIV, diabetes and hypertension. Health Tech Governance: Portugal becomes the first EU member state to join HealthAI’s Global Regulatory Network, joining Zambia and other regulators to share reviewed AI tools and safety alerts. Nutrition Policy: Zambia launches a new Food and Nutrition Security Policy and National Stunting Reduction Strategy, aiming to cut stunting from 32% to 15% by 2030. Public Health Briefing: Zambia’s Ministry of Health held a live public update from the Global Fund boardroom in Lusaka.

Nutrition Push: Zambia has launched a new Food and Nutrition Security Policy 2026 and a National Stunting Reduction Strategy, aiming to cut stunting from 32% to 15% by 2030 through a multi-sector plan that tackles the “triple burden” of malnutrition. Maternal Health Access Gap: Despite Zambia’s legal abortion framework, women are still dying from unsafe procedures, with reports citing heavy pressure on gynaecology emergency wards at University Teaching Hospital and unsafe abortion as a top cause of maternal deaths. Cholera Vaccine Trial: CIDRZ and Levy Mwanawasa University Teaching Hospital have started a Phase I clinical trial to test PanChol, a new cholera vaccine candidate, with participants followed for 180 days. Health Workforce Recruitment Dispute: The Resident Doctors Association of Zambia says the Civil Service Commission did not consult them on the planned recruitment of 2,600 health workers, while government says the advert will run for three weeks. Water & Sanitation Safety: UNZA says emergency sewer rehabilitation at its Great East Road Campus is complete, restoring sewer and water services to student residences and allowing normal academic activities to resume. Digital Health & Data Access: A new continental biotech portal is centralising biosafety and regulatory data to speed access to approval decisions for biotech products across borders. Ebola Watch (Regional): Reporting highlights ongoing Ebola strain concerns in eastern DRC, with travel restrictions and funding gaps complicating containment efforts. Food System Stress: Fertilizer supply remains unstable as global prices surge, raising risks of delayed or reduced use of inputs for staple crops in Zambia and across the region.

Nutrition Policy Launch: Zambia has rolled out a new Food and Nutrition Security Policy 2026 and a National Stunting Reduction Strategy, aiming to cut stunting from 32% to 15% by 2030, with a focus on tackling the “triple burden” of malnutrition through nutrition-sensitive and specific actions. Maternal Health Access Gap: A report highlights that although abortion is legal in Zambia, many women still face unsafe procedures due to poor access, with unsafe abortion cited among top causes of maternal deaths and heavy pressure on Lusaka’s gynaecology emergency services. Health Workforce Recruitment: The Resident Doctors Association of Zambia says the Civil Service Commission did not engage them over the planned recruitment of 2,600 health workers, after government announced the positions and an advert timeline. Clinical Research Boost: CIDRZ and Levy Mwanawasa University Teaching Hospital have launched a Phase I clinical trial to test PanChol, a new cholera vaccine candidate, to strengthen future outbreak prevention. Digital Health Skills: Smart Zambia Institute recruits top UNZA graduates for digital transformation training in partnership with the Institute of Health Management, aiming to build home-grown capacity for health-focused tech solutions. Regional Health Data Learning: Rwanda is sharing its national health intelligence system with seven African countries, including Zambia, to help strengthen data-driven healthcare planning. Specialist Surgery Support: Israeli doctors have arrived in Zambia to perform specialised surgeries and train local clinicians at Choma General Hospital, including support for future paediatric heart surgery capacity.

Repatriation & Health Safety: Zambia’s neighbours’ anti-migrant unrest is driving large-scale returns, with Zimbabwe reporting nearly 100,000 repatriated from South Africa since May 28—highlighting the need for coordinated border management, healthcare and social welfare support for women and children. Nutrition Policy: Government launched the 2026 National Food and Nutrition Security Policy and a new nutrition strategy aimed at cutting stunting from 32% to 15% by 2030, replacing the 2006 policy and calling for a multi-sector push to tackle all forms of malnutrition. Maternal Health Access: A medical commentary warns that even though abortion is legal in Zambia on socioeconomic grounds, many women still face unsafe procedures—citing high rates of abortion complications at University Teaching Hospital and unsafe abortion as a top cause of maternal deaths. Clinical Research: CIDRZ and Levy Mwanawasa University Teaching Hospital began a Phase I trial to test PanChol, a new cholera vaccine candidate, with participants followed for 180 days to assess safety and immune response. Health Workforce Planning: The Resident Doctors Association of Zambia says it was not engaged on the planned recruitment of 2,600 health workers, after government announced the advertisement process. Women’s Health & Equity: Project ME expands menstrual equity efforts, including in Zambia, tackling stigma and improving access to period products and education. HIV Awareness: An opinion piece reflects on how people need clear understanding of new HIV prevention options like lenacapavir (LEN) to avoid misconceptions and improve uptake.

Cholera Vaccine Trial: CIDRZ and Levy Mwanawasa University Teaching Hospital have launched a Phase I clinical trial to test PanChol, a new oral cholera vaccine candidate, with participants admitted for 14 days and followed for 180 days to assess safety and immune response. Health Workforce Recruitment: The Resident Doctors Association of Zambia says the Civil Service Commission did not engage them over the planned recruitment of 2,600 health workers, with RDAZ learning of the process through the media; the advert is set to run for three weeks. Specialist Care in Choma: Israeli doctors from Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Centre are in Zambia to perform specialised surgeries at Choma General Hospital and train local clinicians in areas including paediatrics, ophthalmology, general surgery and gynaecology. Rural Health & Education Support: The New Apostolic Church Relief Organisation (Nacro) has completed a K350m classroom block and an under-five clinic in Mchinji, aiming to ease school congestion and improve maternal and child health access. Democracy & Public Debate: Zambia’s political parties are trading arguments over whether presidential debates should be part of the electoral process as the August 13 campaign intensifies. AI for Healthcare: A piece on AI for Good highlights how Zambia is engaging with global efforts to use AI and robotics to solve health and other development challenges. Health Data Systems: Rwanda is sharing its national health intelligence system approach with Zambia and other African countries, pushing for countries to own and use their health data to guide policy. Under-Five Mortality Focus (Regional): South Africa’s public hospitals are reported to have recorded high newborn deaths in 2024, alongside ongoing maternal mortality concerns—an urgent reminder of the stakes for maternal and child health systems.

Health Workforce: Government sets July 14 for health worker recruitment advertisement, with the Civil Service Commission and Ministry of Health running a three-week application window and verification at district health offices from Sept 1–11. Specialist Care in Southern Province: Israeli doctors arrived in Choma to perform specialised surgeries and train local clinicians, with donated equipment aimed at strengthening future paediatric heart surgery capacity. HIV Prevention Awareness: A Zambia-focused story highlights confusion around lenacapavir (LEN) injections—showing the need for clear community education on what the twice-yearly prevention option can and cannot do. Food & Farming Resilience: Eastern Zambia farmers trial strip cropping and pest- and disease-tolerant seed options, with results showing adoption happens when methods fit real labour, land, and risk conditions. Health Data Capacity: Rwanda shares its national health intelligence system know-how with Zambia and other African countries, pushing countries to own and use their health data for policy decisions. Local Health Infrastructure Promises: During Lusaka rural campaign stops, President Hichilema pledged upgrades including a modernised Kafue General Hospital and a new district hospital. Safety & Community Concern: Police in Solwezi report two suspects arrested over a fatal July 10 shooting, with investigations ongoing.

Health Workforce: Government says it will employ 2,600 health workers nationwide, with adverts running from Tuesday, July 14 (and republished July 16), followed by verification at district health offices in early September—an effort to ease public facility staffing gaps. Solar for Care: Solar power installations have been completed for Lusaka institutions including the National Heart Hospital and Matero/Kanyama Level One Hospitals, aiming to cut power unreliability and support surrounding communities. HIV Prevention Awareness: A feature highlights confusion around lenacapavir (LEN) in Zambia—showing the need for clear public education on what the twice-yearly injection can and cannot do. Maternal & Child Health Tech: A report points to an AI-powered ultrasound system designed to reach maternity care “deserts,” improving access for expectant mothers. Period Poverty Support: A university-led project delivered 1,000 menstrual cups to rural schools in Zambia, reporting improved attendance for menstruating girls. RDAZ Concern: The Resident Doctors Association questions whether health worker recruitment timing could be disrupted after the August elections. Safety in Public Life: Zambia’s VP Mutale Nalumango survived a military helicopter crash in Nakonde, renewing public debate on safety of state travel. Community Health & Violence: Police report fatal shooting cases and ongoing investigations, underscoring the wider health impact of violence.

HIV Prevention in Focus: Zambia’s first small shipments of lenacapavir (LEN) are sparking questions at community level, with one story highlighting that many people still misunderstand LEN as a cure rather than a preventive injection—showing the need for clearer public education. Health Workforce Push: Government says recruitment of 2,600 health workers begins next week, with adverts running from Tuesday July 14 for three weeks and verification at district health offices in September. Solar for Hospitals: Five Lusaka institutions—including National Heart Hospital and two Level One hospitals—have installed solar systems to cut power unreliability and reduce pressure on hydro generation. Aviation Safety & Care: Zambia’s VP Mutale Nalumango survived a helicopter accident on take-off in Nakonde; she received routine medical checks and was discharged, while authorities investigate the cause. Public Safety in Solwezi: Police report two suspects in custody over a fatal Solwezi shooting, with a murder docket opened as investigations continue. Period Poverty Effort: A university-led project delivered menstrual cups to rural schools in Zambia, reporting improved attendance after education campaigns addressed local fears.

Health Workforce Push: Zambia’s Civil Service Commission, with the Ministry of Health, will advertise recruitment of 2,600 health workers starting Tuesday, July 14, with the advert running for three weeks and a second publication on July 16; verification is set for September 1–11 at district health offices, and applicants are urged to double-check details before selection. Solar for Care: Five Lusaka institutions—including Matero Level One Hospital and the National Heart Hospital—have completed solar installations via ZESCO’s subsidiary, aiming to cut power unreliability and support surrounding communities. Period Poverty Action: A University of Sydney medical science group delivered 1,000 menstrual cups to rural schools in Zambia’s Chipangali district, reporting improved attendance after education campaigns addressed local fears. Ebola Watch (Regional): Africa CDC urges sustained solidarity as the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in DRC and Uganda surpasses 600 deaths, citing financing gaps and healthcare worker infections. Aviation Safety & Health Checks: Zambia’s VP Mutale Nalumango survived a military helicopter accident in Nakonde; she was taken for routine medical checks and discharged, while investigations continue.

Helicopter Safety in Elections: Zambia’s Vice-President Mutale Nalumango survived a military helicopter crash shortly after take-off in Nakonde, Muchinga Province; government says she and all eight aboard were safe, discharged after routine checks, while investigations are pending and UPND urged the public to avoid speculation. Health Workforce Push: Government announced plans to employ 2,600 health workers nationwide, with adverts in July and verification in September, aiming to expand access and employment. Solar for Hospitals: Five Lusaka institutions—including National Heart Hospital and two Level One facilities—completed solar installations via ZESCO’s subsidiary to improve electricity reliability and reduce pressure on hydro power. Oral Health Study: Research on adolescents in fixed orthodontic treatment highlights the need for stronger oral health self-management to prevent complications during long treatment periods. Ebola Update: Africa CDC reported Bundibugyo Ebola deaths have topped 600 in DRC and Uganda, urging sustained financing and response capacity. Period Poverty Project: University of Sydney medical students delivered menstrual cups to rural Zambia, reporting improved school attendance among menstruating girls.

Health Workforce Boost: Zambia’s Civil Service Commission says it will recruit 2,600 health workers nationwide, with adverts planned for July 14 and verification slated for 1–11 September. Clean Energy for Care: Solar power systems have been installed at Lusaka’s National Heart Hospital, Matero and Kanyama Level One Hospitals, plus other public institutions, to cut electricity pressure and improve reliability. Oral Health Research: A study on adolescents in fixed orthodontic treatment highlights how oral health self-management affects outcomes during long treatment periods. Ebola Update: Africa CDC reports the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak has surpassed 600 deaths in DRC and Uganda, urging sustained support as cases keep rising. Aviation Incident, Medical Checks: Zambia’s VP Mutale Nalumango survived a helicopter accident on take-off in Nakonde; she was taken for routine medical checks and discharged, while investigations continue. STEM for Future Health Workers: The Ministry of Education signed an MoU with the Zambian National STEM Foundation to expand practical STEM learning, including skills needed for sectors like healthcare. Public Health Policy Debate: An opposition leader says he would ban condom use if elected, a move likely to spark debate given Zambia’s HIV and teenage pregnancy challenges.

Solar for hospitals: Five Lusaka government institutions—ZDA, the National Assembly, National Heart Hospital, Matero Level One Hospital and Kanyama Level One Hospital—have completed solar installations via ZESCO’s Kiyona Energy, expected to cut pressure on hydro power and improve reliability. Healthcare jobs: Zambia’s Civil Service Commission says 2,600 new healthcare positions will be created nationwide, with a recruitment campaign and district-based verification scheduled for September. VP helicopter incident: Zambian Vice-President Mutale Nalumango survived a military helicopter accident at take-off in Nakonde; she was taken for routine checks and discharged, while investigations are ongoing. Public health in crisis: Africa CDC reports the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in DRC and Uganda has surpassed 600 deaths, urging sustained solidarity amid financing and safe-burial gaps. STEM push: The Ministry of Education signed an MoU with the Zambian National STEM Foundation to expand teacher capacity, innovation hubs and practical STEM learning. Water access: Lusaka City Council completed 20 CDF-funded boreholes, including at schools and health facilities, to improve safe water supply across several constituencies. Elections and health policy debate: Opposition remarks about banning condoms if elected are likely to spark renewed debate over public health and HIV prevention.

Zambia VP Helicopter Incident: Zambia’s Vice-President Mutale Nalumango escaped unhurt after a Zambia Air Force helicopter crashed shortly after take-off in Nakonde, Muchinga Province; she was taken to Nakonde Hospital for a routine check and later discharged, while authorities say investigations will determine the cause. Ebola Update: Africa CDC urged sustained international solidarity as the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in DRC and Uganda surpassed 600 deaths, with the DRC reporting a sharp weekly caseload rise and ongoing gaps in safe burials and healthcare worker protection. Water Access in Lusaka: Lusaka City Council completed 20 CDF-funded boreholes and related works across Lusaka, including at schools and health facilities, improving access to clean water in several constituencies. Public Health & Policy Debate: Opposition leader Alex Mulyokela sparked controversy by saying he would ban condom use if elected, despite long-standing public health guidance linking condoms to HIV prevention and reduced unplanned pregnancies. STEM for Health Workforce: The Ministry of Education signed an MoU with the Zambian National STEM Foundation to expand practical STEM learning, including innovation hubs and teacher capacity—key for future healthcare and related sectors. Food Systems Resilience: The Crop Trust highlighted how crop diversity investments help protect seed supplies and strengthen climate-resilient food systems, with new seed deposits reported from global genebanks. Data Protection in Research: CIDRZ staff trained on Zambia’s Data Protection Act to strengthen confidentiality and responsible handling of personal information in health research and services.

Ebola Response: Africa CDC says the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in DRC and Uganda has surpassed 600 deaths, with 1,779 confirmed cases and a case fatality rate of about 34%, warning the virus is “still ahead of our response” amid gaps in safe burials, financing, and healthcare worker safety. STEM for Health Workforce: Zambia’s Ministry of Education signed a landmark MoU with the Zambian National STEM Foundation to expand practical STEM learning, teacher capacity, and innovation hubs—aimed at building skills needed for sectors including healthcare and digital technology. Plant Health & Disease Prevention: FAO and partners launched the Africa Phytosanitary Programme’s third phase, expanding digital pest surveillance to 38 countries to curb crop pests and diseases using geospatial tools and standardized reporting. Neonatal Care Trial: CIDRZ announced a double-blinded randomized trial at UTH NICU testing 28 days of post-discharge caffeine citrate for premature babies to reduce apnea-related complications in a low-resource setting. Clean Water Access: Lusaka City Council completed 20 CDF-funded boreholes across Lusaka, including at schools and health facilities, to improve access to safe water in multiple constituencies. Local Safety & Health Services: Government confirmed Vice-President Mutale Nalumango escaped injury after a helicopter incident at take-off in Nakonde; she was taken for routine checks and discharged, while investigations are set to determine the cause. Health Data Protection: CIDRZ reinforced staff training on Zambia’s Data Protection Act to strengthen confidentiality and responsible handling of personal information in health research and services. Public Health Risks Beyond Clinics: Reports also flagged millions in payments linked to unlicensed gambling networks—an indirect but growing concern for consumer protection and public wellbeing.

Neonatal Care Breakthrough (Zambia): A new double-blinded, randomised trial at the University Teaching Hospitals (UTH) NICU in Lusaka will test whether 28 days of post-discharge caffeine citrate can reduce complications for premature babies after they leave the NICU—aiming to improve outcomes in a low-resource setting. Water & Public Health (Copperbelt): President Hakainde Hichilema ordered Mulonga Water and Sanitation Company to urgently fix persistent water shortages in Chililabombwe, citing impacts on households, schools, clinics and businesses. Measles Alert (Zambia): Zambia recorded measles deaths and a rising case count, with Western Province reported as hardest hit—raising pressure on immunisation and outbreak response. Ebola Response (Africa): Africa CDC and WHO are racing to contain a fast-moving Ebola outbreak in DRC and Uganda, including a clinical trial targeting the Bundibugyo strain where no approved treatment or vaccine exists. Clinical Outcomes in Eye Care (Ethiopia, lessons for Zambia): Orbis International’s BOOST Africa study found a low-cost smartphone app plus small investments nearly doubled cataract surgery success rates—highlighting practical quality-improvement steps for blindness prevention. Campaign Violence Watch (Zambia): As August elections near, clashes between rival party supporters in Chongwe West left injuries and damaged property, underlining the need for safer campaigning to protect access to health services.

Neonatal Care Trial in Zambia: UTH NICU in Lusaka has launched a double-blinded, randomised trial testing whether 28 days of post-discharge caffeine citrate can reduce complications for premature babies after they leave the NICU. Water & Public Health: President Hakainde Hichilema ordered Mulonga Water and Sanitation Company to urgently fix persistent water shortages in Chililabombwe, citing impacts on households, schools, clinics and businesses. Ebola Response Update: Africa CDC says clinical trials for therapeutics targeting the Bundibugyo Ebola strain have started, as WHO and partners push a $518m response plan for DRC and Uganda. Measles Alert: Zambia continues to report measles cases, including reports of deaths and rising confirmed numbers, with Western Province hardest hit. Health Funding & Services: Government released K49.1 billion for June programmes, including allocations for social protection and health facility-related capital works. AI for Health Access: ITU launched the AI for Good Lab to help countries, including Zambia, build locally relevant AI solutions for sectors like health. Community Health Infrastructure: Zambia received upgrades worth millions for the Kenneth Kaunda Peace Training Centre, including renewable energy and training facilities that support safer deployment of peacekeepers.