AGP Executive Report

HIV Prevention Update: A new modelling study backs targeted, twice-yearly lenacapavir PrEP for pregnant and breastfeeding women without HIV in high-incidence districts, aiming to cut mother-to-child transmission at lower cost than universal rollout. Public Health & Safety: Zambia’s measles situation remains serious, with recent reports of deaths and rising confirmed cases, while Bulawayo (Zimbabwe) runs a synchronized nOPV2 polio vaccination push for under-fives across the region. Local Health Risks: A woman in Chama was injured after an elephant attack and is receiving treatment, while Chama District also recorded multiple alleged suicides linked to witchcraft accusations and family conflict. Healthcare Capacity Building: Sichuan University’s West China Hospital launched a training programme for Zambian medical imaging professionals to strengthen non-communicable disease diagnosis. Medicines & Access: Zambia’s Ndola Cancer Hospital received medicines through ZAMMSA procurement, supporting oncology care. Health Policy & Costs: Concerns continue over IMF debt sustainability assessments prioritising loan repayment over essential services like health and education. Community & Wellbeing: A Kabwe teacher died by suicide after debt pressures, with authorities urging counselling for people struggling with unpaid obligations.

Polio Vaccination Drive: Bulawayo launches a third round of the synchronized nOPV2 polio campaign (7–10 July), urging parents to get children under five vaccinated as part of a regional push with Malawi, Zambia, Mozambique and Botswana. Cancer Care Supply: ZAMMSA has started procuring medicines and equipment for the new Cancer Diseases Hospital in Ndola, aiming for 100% supply coverage so specialised treatment is available closer to patients. Measles Alert: Zambia reports measles deaths and rising cases in 2026, with health authorities citing major immunisation gaps and activating emergency response and targeted vaccination for children aged 6 months to 9 years. HIV/TB Funding Push: Zambia signals plans to strengthen long-term sustainability by increasing domestic funding for HIV, STI and TB programmes as foreign support declines. Regional TB Pressure: A SADC TB progress report warns gains are plateauing amid funding cuts, even as Zambia and South Africa are noted for meeting key incidence reduction targets. Capacity Building for Care: China-Zambia West China Hospital begins training Zambian medical imaging professionals to boost non-communicable disease diagnosis capacity. Community Health Risks: Reports from Chama District include elephant-attack injuries and multiple alleged suicides, highlighting urgent needs for safety, mental health support and timely care. Health Data Sovereignty Debate: Liberia’s scrutiny of a U.S. health deal echoes wider African concerns about control of sensitive health data—an issue also raised by Zambia and Zimbabwe’s earlier rejections.

TB Response: The 2025 SADC Annual TB Progress Report says TB incidence has fallen 26% since 2016, but the region still carries 55% of WHO Africa notifications, with progress plateauing as a “global funding shock” threatens 2030 elimination targets. Measles Alert: Zambia recorded 119 lab-confirmed measles cases and 92 admissions from January to June, with Western Province the hardest hit and most confirmed cases lacking immunisation history. Cancer Care Supply: ZAMMSA has started procuring medicines and equipment for the new Cancer Diseases Hospital in Ndola to improve access and ease pressure on Lusaka’s cancer centre. HIV Sustainability: Zambia called for renewed global solidarity and more funding to keep HIV gains on track, citing strong 98-98-97 targets but rising incidence among young people and shrinking external support. Infectious Disease Capacity: Eight African lab professionals, including Zambians, completed JICA-NMIMR training to strengthen diagnostics for infectious diseases. Ebola Update (DRC): DRC’s Ebola death toll rose to 492 with 1,528 confirmed cases as response efforts continue with surveillance, isolation and community awareness. Wildlife Injury (Chama): A woman in Chama was injured after an elephant attack and is receiving treatment at Lundazi District Hospital. Mental Health & Safety (Chama): Police report multiple alleged suicides in Chama, including a 77-year-old accused of witchcraft who reportedly took maize preservative tablets.

Measles Alert: Zambia recorded 119 lab-confirmed measles cases between January and June 2026, with Western Province the hardest hit (329 suspected cases) and 87.4% of confirmed patients lacking immunisation history; government has activated the national emergency operations centre and plans targeted vaccination for children aged 6 months to 9 years. HIV Funding Push: Zambia says it wants to increase domestic ownership of HIV, STI and TB programmes to protect gains toward 98-98-97 targets, warning that reduced external financing could drive drug resistance and more deaths unless funding is renewed. Cancer Care Supply: ZAMMSA has started procuring medicines and equipment for the new Cancer Diseases Hospital in Ndola, aiming for 100% medicine supply coverage and easing pressure on Lusaka’s main cancer facility. Capacity Building for NCDs: Sichuan University’s West China Hospital launched training for 26 Zambian physicians and technicians to strengthen medical imaging skills for non-communicable disease diagnosis. Child Health & Safety: A man in Chasefu was arrested for allegedly defiling a 4-year-old girl after offering K2 for sweets; the child has been issued a police medical report for treatment. Digital Health & Governance: Zambia’s e-Council digital platform is credited with sharply boosting Lusaka City Council revenue collection, a move supporters say can strengthen service delivery capacity.

Measles Alert: Zambia recorded 119 lab-confirmed measles cases from January–June 2026, with 4 deaths reported; Western Province is the epicentre (329 suspected cases) and 87.4% of confirmed cases had unknown or missing immunisation history, prompting targeted vaccination campaigns for children aged 6 months to 9 years. Cancer Care Supply: ZAMMSA has started procuring specialised medicines and equipment for the new Cancer Diseases Hospital in Ndola, aiming for 100% medicine supply coverage so patients can access advanced cancer treatment closer to home. HIV Funding Push: Government says it wants to increase domestic ownership and financing for HIV, STI and TB programmes as external support declines, citing strong national treatment targets but warning of rising incidence among young people and drug resistance. Local Health Services Digitised: Eight local authorities have gone live on the e-Council Government Service Bus/ZamPortal, enabling online applications and electronic payments for services including health permits. Hospital Staffing Support: UTH Adult Hospital welcomed a new Chinese medical team, including four new doctors, to expand specialist care, mentorship and clinical capacity. Child Protection Case: A man in Chasefu was arrested for allegedly defiling a 4-year-old girl after giving her K2 for sweets; the victim has been issued a police medical report form for treatment. Public Health System Financing: Government released K450 million to clear UNZA and CBU retirees’ pension and gratuity arrears, supporting stability at two major public universities.

Measles Alert: Zambia has recorded 119 laboratory-confirmed measles cases and 4 deaths in 2026 so far, with Western Province the hardest hit (329 suspected cases). Health authorities say 87.4% of confirmed cases have missing or unknown immunisation history, and they’ve activated the national emergency response with targeted vaccination for children aged 6 months to 9 years. HIV Funding Push: Government says it wants to increase domestic ownership and funding for HIV, STI and TB programmes as external support shrinks, citing progress toward UNAIDS targets (98-98-97) while warning about rising incidence among young people and drug resistance. Digital Health & Services: The e-Council rollout is expanding: eight local authorities have been onboarded to the Government Service Bus/ZamPortal, enabling online applications and payments for services including health permits—aimed at cutting manual processes and improving revenue collection. Hospital Capacity Boost: UTH Adult Hospital welcomed a new Chinese medical team, including four incoming doctors, to strengthen specialist care, mentorship and clinical knowledge exchange. Public Finance for Health Workers’ Welfare: Government released K450 million to clear UNZA and CBU retirees’ pension and gratuity arrears, supporting stability in public universities. Child Health & Safety: Police report a case of alleged defilement of a 4-year-old in Chasefu, with the victim issued a police medical report for treatment. Fuel Disruption: Livingstone is facing fuel shortages, with motorists queuing for hours and transport and tourism operations at risk.

Measles Alert: Zambia’s measles outbreak has killed 4 people, with 119 lab-confirmed cases out of 700 suspected since January to June; Western Province is the epicentre with 329 suspected cases, and 87.4% of confirmed patients have unknown or missing immunisation history as the Ministry activates emergency response and plans targeted vaccination for children aged 6 months to 9 years. HIV Funding Push: Zambia says it wants stronger long-term HIV sustainability by increasing domestic and private-sector financing as external support shrinks, warning that failure to renew global commitments could drive drug resistance and preventable deaths. Digital Health & Services: Government expands e-Council e-services by onboarding eight local authorities to the Government Service Bus/ZamPortal, enabling online applications and electronic payments for services including health permits. Hospital Capacity Boost: UTH Adult Hospital welcomes a new Chinese medical team, including four new doctors, to strengthen specialist care through clinical support and mentorship. Public Health & Safety: Police report a case of alleged defilement of a 4-year-old in Chasefu, with a medical report issued for treatment. Health System Payments: Government releases K450 million to clear pension and gratuity arrears for UNZA and CBU retirees. Food Security Pressure: Farmers and depots report uncertainty over FISP e-voucher allocations and stock movement ahead of the 2026/27 season.

HIV/AIDS Response: Zambia urged renewed global solidarity and sustainable financing at the 2026 High-Level Meeting on HIV/AIDS, citing progress toward UNAIDS targets (98-98-97) but warning of rising HIV incidence among young people, drug resistance, and shrinking external funding. Public Health Services: UTH Adult Hospital welcomed a new Chinese Medical Team, including four new doctors, to expand specialist care, mentorship, and clinical techniques under long-running Zambia–China health cooperation. Digital Health & Surveillance: New grants from the Gates Foundation will expand wastewater pathogen surveillance and use AI to improve outbreak detection and response planning, supporting earlier identification of infectious threats. Local Governance for Health Access: Government onboarded eight local authorities onto the e-Council Government Service Bus, enabling online payments for services including health permits and other council fees via ZamPortal. Maternal & Child Safety: Police in Chasefu arrested a man for allegedly defiling a 4-year-old girl after luring her with K2 for sweets; the child was issued a police medical report form for treatment. Hospital Funding: Government released K450 million to clear UNZA and Copperbelt University retirees’ pension and gratuity arrears, aiming to restore financial stability in public universities. Health System Capacity: Zambia’s Ministry of Health also highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen systems amid broader regional and global health partnership shifts.

E-Council Rollout: Government has onboarded eight local authorities—Lusaka, Ndola, Kitwe, Solwezi, Chingola, Kalulushi, Kalumbila and Chilanga—onto the Government Service Bus to expand 24-hour online services via ZamPortal, including health permits, fire safety certificates, property rates, business levies and market/bus fees. Hospital Capacity Boost: UTH Adult Hospital welcomed a new batch of Chinese medical specialists, with four incoming doctors expected to strengthen specialized care, mentorship and clinical techniques. Retiree Benefits Relief: Government released K450 million to clear outstanding pension and gratuity obligations for UNZA and CBU retirees, including K225m for UNZA (2021–2023 pension) and K137m for UNZA gratuity (2016–2020). Digital Learning for Youth: MBRGI launched a digital learning initiative through The Digital School targeting 500,000+ people across six countries including Zambia, with support for schools, teachers and youth job readiness. Mental Health & Safety Alarm: A Chipata student allegedly died by ingesting poison after a dispute linked to an unwanted pregnancy, prompting police investigations. Local Health Sector News: QCIL reported strong pharma results, including new sickle cell medicines, as profit and revenue rose in its latest financial year.

Digital Health & Learning: MBRGI and The Digital School launched a digital learning initiative targeting 500,000+ people across Zambia, Namibia, Angola, Nigeria, Lesotho and Mauritania, with support for schools, digital learning spaces, teacher capacity and youth job readiness. US–Tanzania Health Pact: The US signed a $1.3bn/5-year health-sector MoU with Tanzania under its “America First” strategy; Tanzania will commit $1.8bn, with the deal drawing scrutiny over possible conditions and data concerns—Zambia is noted as having rejected mineral-linked demands. Health Infrastructure: Government plans a University Teaching Hospital in Solwezi, alongside a Solwezi university, as part of broader social cash transfer and road commitments. School Feeding Nutrition: Zambia signed an MoU with Food for Education Foundation to scale the National School Feeding Programme to 5.6 million learners, linking meals to education, nutrition, health and agriculture. Cleft Care Capacity: Smile Train launched its first Africa Alumni Network to strengthen locally-led cleft care, bringing together surgeons and speech professionals from multiple countries including Zambia. Mining Health & Substance Use: A UNODC assessment in Zambia’s mining communities found alcohol is the most used drug, with cannabis also common, and risks tied to working conditions and access to health services. Wildlife & Ecosystem Health: Zambia confirmed plans to reintroduce cheetahs to Greater Luangwa after nearly three decades, starting with six translocated animals. Violence & Safety: Police detained suspects over campaign-related killings in Mazabuka and Kaputa, with bodies taken for postmortems as investigations continue.

Health infrastructure: President Hakainde Hichilema says government plans to build a University Teaching Hospital in Solwezi, alongside a university, as part of broader social and economic commitments. Political violence and safety: Zambia Police report 10 suspects arrested after the stabbing death of a UPND supporter in Kaputa, and are also investigating a separate fatal attack in Mazabuka involving an independent candidate’s driver. School feeding and nutrition: Government signs an MoU with Food for Education to expand the National School Feeding Programme to over 5.6 million learners, linking meals to education, nutrition, health and agriculture. HIV/TB/malaria care access: A new report urges countries to better integrate private pharmacies into HIV, TB and malaria services, estimating major gains in ART starts, TB notifications and malaria treatment. Medicines and local manufacturing: QCIL posts strong pharma results, including new sickle cell medicines and continued expansion of manufacturing capacity. Energy for health services: Chisamba Solar Plant exceeds first-year targets, with benefits tied to jobs and support for health, education and water projects. Drug use in mining communities: UNODC reports alcohol is the most used drug among mine workers, with cannabis next, and links risks to working conditions and access to health services.

Banking Access Gap: A new report says millions across sub-Saharan Africa can transact via mobile money but still lack bank accounts, limiting savings, borrowing and investment opportunities. Mining Health & HIV Risks: UNODC highlights alcohol as the most used drug among mine workers, with cannabis also common, linking working conditions and health access to HIV transmission risks. School Feeding Boost: Government signed an MoU with Food4Education to scale Zambia’s National School Feeding Programme to 5.6 million learners, with nutrition, health and agriculture support. Private Pharmacies for HIV/TB/Malaria: A regional report urges Zambia and partners to better integrate private pharmacies to expand HIV treatment starts, TB case detection and malaria care. Cleft Care Network: Smile Train launched a Smile Train Africa Alumni Network to strengthen locally-led cleft surgery and speech care across Africa, including Zambia. Solar Power Impact: Chisamba’s 100MW solar plant generated over 187.69GWh in its first year, cutting carbon and supporting health, education and water projects. Wildlife Conservation: Zambia plans to reintroduce cheetahs to the Luangwa Valley after nearly three decades, backed by major conservation partners. Energy Independence: ZEMA approved a USD 1.1bn crude oil refinery in Ndola to reduce reliance on imported refined fuel. Disability Advocacy: Orben Muluti’s disability rights message—“Nothing About Us Without Us”—is spotlighted in a new interview. Public Safety & Justice: Police investigate fatal political violence in Kaputa and Mazabuka, as election tensions rise.

School Feeding Boost: Zambia signed an MoU with Kenya’s Food4Education to strengthen the National School Feeding Programme, aiming to scale nutritious meals to 5.6 million learners by end-2026, with support across policy coordination, operations, data/digital systems, budgeting and infrastructure. HIV/TB/Malaria Care via Pharmacies: A new regional report urges governments to better integrate private pharmacies into HIV, TB and malaria services, estimating potential gains like 650,000+ extra ART starts and improved TB detection and malaria treatment. Pharma Growth in Zambia: Quality Chemical Industries (QCIL) reported record performance, including new sickle cell medicine production capacity, as it expands beyond antiretrovirals and antimalarials. Maternal Health Access Gap: A global report highlights “maternity care deserts” and points to ultrasound innovations that could bring pregnancy checks closer to rural clinics—relevant to Zambia’s ongoing maternal health push. Nutrition from Indigenous Trees: FAO warns indigenous fruit trees are being lost in Southern Africa, threatening a key nutrition and income source during dry spells—an angle for Zambia’s food and health security.

Child Protection in Court: A Chisamba man accused of defiling his seven-year-old great-granddaughter denied the charge as the case was adjourned to July 8, with the state calling more witnesses and relying on sworn testimony and a medical report. Sexual Violence Alert: Police in Eastern Province arrested a Malawian man accused of raping his 18-year-old stepdaughter, resulting in pregnancy; the victim reported repeated abuse and threats while her mother was away for medical treatment. Nutrition & Health Systems: Government committed over K500m per year to Zambia’s School Feeding Programme and signed a four-year partnership with Kenya’s Food4Education to expand nutritious meals from 4.6m to 5.6m learners by end of 2026. Food Security Watch: FAO warns Africa’s fish supply is lagging behind rising demand, raising nutrition and food security concerns. Mining Rights & Public Health: A new report says allegations of human rights abuse in mining are rising, including harms linked to pollution, public health problems, and labour abuse. Livestock Disease Prevention: Zambia moved to import millions of livestock vaccine doses to tackle lumpy skin disease and foot-and-mouth disease, aiming to close supply gaps.

School Nutrition Boost: Zambia has signed a four-year partnership with Kenya’s Food4Education to strengthen the national school feeding programme, aiming to raise coverage from 4.6 million to 5.6 million learners by end of 2026, with support across policy, operations, data/digital tools, budgeting and infrastructure. Cancer Support Network: Government launched the Zambia Cancer Survivors Network to help survivors connect, access resources and advocate for better care, alongside donations and screening/awareness activities marking National Cancer Survivors Day. Water Access Gap: A data-driven mapping report highlights where safe drinking water is still out of reach, underscoring the scale of the clean-water infrastructure challenge. Livestock Vaccine Push: Government moves to import and expand supply of vaccines to protect animals from diseases including Lumpy Skin Disease and Foot-and-Mouth Disease, while increasing local production to close gaps. Health Governance & Accountability: A regional initiative led by Transparency International Global Health is expanding work on transparency and integrity in sexual and reproductive healthcare systems, including Zambia. Campaign Politics vs Economy: As the UPND election campaign ramps up, debates over foreign reserves and economic management continue to dominate headlines, with health and social services often cited in the wider cost-of-living discussion.

Cancer Care & Survivorship: Zambia has launched the Zambia Cancer Survivors Network to help survivors connect, access resources and advocate for better care, alongside donations for screening and awareness. SRHR Governance: Transparency International Bangladesh rolled out a multi-country project (including Zambia) to strengthen integrity and accountability in sexual and reproductive health services, with field monitoring at health centres. Livestock Health: Government plans to import about 40 million livestock vaccine doses to tackle Lumpy Skin Disease and Foot-and-Mouth Disease, while expanding local production. Clean Water Access: A data-driven map highlights where safe drinking water is still out of reach, underscoring ongoing gaps in safe water services. Food Security Ahead of El Niño: Agriculture authorities unveiled a response framework to protect crop production and farmer livelihoods, including climate-resilient practices and stronger pest and disease surveillance. Public Health Promotion: NOCZ urged citizens to embrace physical activity during Olympic Day 2026 to support healthier lifestyles. Research & Innovation Funding: Zambia invested over K53 million in science, technology and innovation, including health research support through national research and technology funds.