AGP Executive Report

Cholera Outbreak: Zambia’s latest outbreak has killed 15 people, with 115 positive tests among 573 suspected cases. Health Minister Roma Chilengi reported 63 new cases on Tuesday; 62 patients remain hospitalised. Ebola Alert: After Kenya confirmed a fatal imported Ebola case, it has tightened airport screening for travellers from 10 countries, including Zambia. US Health Pact: Zambia is set to sign a five-year health agreement worth US$3.6 billion in combined funding, including US$1.516 billion from the US. The revised deal removes specimen-sharing clauses and excludes individual patient data, though critics are calling for the full agreement to be made public. Kabwe Lead Crisis: Residents of Kabwe are still awaiting justice over contamination from the former Broken Hill Mine. The report says 95% of local children have elevated blood lead levels, while a city-wide testing and treatment programme has yet to be established.

US Health Pact: Zambia is set to sign a five-year health agreement worth US$3.6 billion, including US$1.516 billion from the United States and US$2.107 billion from Zambia. The revised deal removes specimen-sharing and individual patient-data provisions; data may be used to monitor funded programmes. Cholera Alert: Zambia recorded 63 new suspected cases in 24 hours, 10 confirmed, and two deaths. The national total stands at 573 suspected cases and 15 deaths, with 62 patients in hospital. HIV Services: A global survey found more than half of responding health organisations had run out of some HIV medicines or supplies in the past year, including tests, condoms and PrEP, amid cuts to foreign aid. Cancer Screening: The Ministry of Health is urging greater awareness and early screening. Zambia records about 16,000 new cancer cases and more than 9,000 deaths annually, officials say.

US–Zambia Health Deal Update: Zambia’s Health Minister Roma Chilengi says the revised US$1.5bn (over five years) health agreement will be signed this Thursday, after removing clauses that would have required specimen sharing and narrowing data-sharing to what’s needed to monitor and evaluate US-funded programmes; Chilengi also denied any link to critical minerals. Cholera Surge: Zambia recorded 63 new suspected cholera cases in 24 hours, with 10 confirmed; cumulative figures now stand at 573 suspected, 115 confirmed, and 15 deaths, as 62 patients remain hospitalised. Cancer Awareness Push: The Ministry of Health called for stronger cancer screening and public awareness, citing about 16,000 new cases and over 9,000 deaths annually, with cervical and breast cancers highlighted. NHIMA Funding Worries: NHIMA is “running out of money,” prompting calls for higher financing and benefit reviews as some private facilities reportedly stop services over unpaid claims. Cross-Border Safety Warning: Ghana warns citizens in Zambia about fake job offers tied to forced cybercrime, following a Lusaka operation that arrested 79 people including six Ghanaians. Regional Context: The World Bank upgraded Sub-Saharan Africa growth to 4.3% for 2026 and noted Zambia among countries seeing improved outlooks from reforms.

Cancer Awareness: Zambia’s Ministry of Health is urging stronger cancer screening and community education after noting about 16,000 new cases and over 9,000 deaths annually, with cervical cancer highlighted as a leading type among women. US–Zambia Health Deal: Zambia says it will sign a revised US$1.5bn health agreement with the United States after removing contentious clauses on specimen sharing and limiting data-sharing to what’s needed to monitor and evaluate US-funded programmes. Cholera Update: Zambia has recorded 36 new suspected cholera cases in the last 24 hours, with 11 confirmed, one new death, and hundreds of patients either in hospital or recovered and discharged. Maternal & Newborn Gains: Government reports maternal and newborn deaths are falling, with maternal mortality down from 252/100,000 (2018) to 187/100,000 (2024) and neonatal mortality down from 27/1,000 to 17/1,000. ZAMMSA Reset: Health officials say ZAMMSA has been restructured after a forensic audit, with all staff separated but former workers allowed to reapply when recruitment begins. HIV Care Strengthening: CIDRZ and the Ministry of Health are training frontline workers in Western Province to improve early identification and management of advanced HIV disease. Boarding House Health Risks: Authorities warn overcrowded boarding houses often lack sanitation and basic amenities, raising public health concerns in urban areas.

US-Health Deal Update: Zambia is set to sign a US$1.5bn, five-year health agreement with the United States after dropping a clause that would have allowed biological specimen sharing outside the country, with the Health Minister saying Lusaka is now “completely aligned” on data, specimens, intellectual property and benefit sharing. Maternal Health Gains: Zambia reports progress in cutting maternal and newborn deaths, with maternal mortality falling from 252 per 100,000 live births (2018) to 187 (2024), and neonatal mortality dropping from 27 per 1,000 to 17. Cholera Watch: The country recorded 11 new cholera cases and one death in the latest update, with cumulative figures rising as health teams manage outbreaks in affected districts. ZAMMSA Reset: Government says fired ZAMMSA staff can reapply for jobs under a new structure, while calls grow for a systems-focused reset with transparent, merit-based recruitment to avoid losing competent supply-chain professionals. HIV Care Strengthening: CIDRZ and the Ministry of Health are training frontline workers in Western Province to improve advanced HIV disease screening and management at primary healthcare level. Anti-Corruption Pressure: TI-Z flags 467 unresolved audit issues worth about K18.1bn, and AAC warns corruption and weak funding for oversight bodies could derail the Grow Zambia Agenda. Tobacco Illicit Trade: A dashboard review estimates illicit cigarette prevalence at 12.2% in Zambia, linking the trade more to enforcement and supply-chain vulnerabilities than tax levels. Water & Climate Risk: A climate-smart agriculture expert warns solar irrigation expansion could trigger groundwater stress unless communities get education on groundwater conservation and sustainable water use.

ZAMMSA Reset: Zambia’s Health Minister Prof. Roma Chilengi says a forensic audit found systemic failures across procurement, warehousing and distribution at the Zambia Medicines and Medical Supplies Agency, including inflated prices, missing stock records and alleged diversion of medicines—leading to the separation of all 150 staff, with an interim team to keep supplies running and a promise that former workers can reapply when recruitment starts. US Health Deal: Zambia is ready to sign a revised US$1.5 billion, five-year health agreement after dropping a requirement that would have allowed biological specimens to be shared outside the country; opposition leader Antonio Mwanza demands the full contract be published before signing. Grow Zambia Push: President Hichilema urged a production drive under the Grow Zambia agenda, linking agriculture, mining, tourism and energy to jobs and food security, while warning households to keep enough maize ahead of drought. Cholera & Sanitation Pressure: Lusaka’s cleanup is underway, but enforcement politics are tense as cholera cases rise, highlighting the public-health stakes of sanitation and food trading. Malaria Prevention: Kabompo District received 46,140 long-lasting insecticide-treated nets for distribution starting October 6 under the End Malaria campaign. Drug Enforcement: DEC arrested two female university students over cannabis-laced cupcakes and nabbed 10 people at a reggae festival, seizing 10.8kg of cannabis. Eye-Care Investment: Government welcomed K918m expansion by Dr Agarwal’s Eye Hospital, including new branches and mobile eye-care clinics.

Zambia Medicines Supply Shock: Health Minister Prof. Roma Chilengi has started a “reset” of ZAMMSA by separating all staff after a forensic audit flagged inflated procurement prices, missing stock records and alleged diversion of medicines meant for public facilities—while assuring medicine supply won’t stop and an interim team is in place. Food Security Warning: President Hakainde Hichilema told traditional leaders to urge households to keep enough maize for family consumption as an El Niño drought warning stands, advising farmers to store grain in granaries and noting government plans to rehabilitate community storage sheds with the Food Reserve Agency. Cholera & Urban Health Pressure: As Lusaka pushes to remove street vendors from undesignated areas, the UPND says the move is tied to preventing waterborne diseases amid a declared cholera outbreak. Eye-Care Investment: Government welcomed K918m expansion by Dr Agarwal’s Eye Hospital, including new branches and an additional mobile eye-care clinic. Malaria Prevention: Kabompo received 46,140 long-lasting insecticide-treated nets for distribution under the End Malaria campaign starting October 6. Agriculture Insurance Push: ZSIC urged farmers to use agricultural insurance to cushion drought, floods and pests, citing payouts under the Grain for Premium programme.

ZAMMSA Reset: Health Minister Prof. Roma Chilengi has begun a “national interest” reset of the Zambia Medicines and Medical Supplies Agency, separating all staff after a forensic audit flagged inflated procurement prices, missing stock records and alleged diversion of medicines meant for public facilities—while promising uninterrupted supply via an interim team. Systems Over People: Pharma consultant Obbie Musunga Chomba backs the reform but warns against blanket dismissals that could lose competent staff, urging transparent, merit-based recruitment and a focus on strengthening controls and the supply chain. Eye Care Investment: Government welcomed a K918m expansion by Dr Agarwal’s Eye Hospital, including new branches and a second eye-care mobile clinic, saying it will boost specialised services and access. Malaria Prevention: Kabompo District received 46,140 long-lasting insecticide-treated nets for distribution starting October 6 under the End Malaria campaign, with calls for better net use sensitisation. Urban Health & Cholera Risk: Lusaka’s street-cleanup push is colliding with vendor livelihoods as authorities link poor sanitation and waste to waterborne disease risk, while UPND supports removing traders from undesignated areas. Drug Enforcement: DEC arrested two female university students with cannabis-laced cupcakes and nabbed 10 more at a reggae festival, underscoring efforts to keep controlled substances out of communities. Agriculture & Health Link: ZSIC urged farmers to take up agricultural insurance to cushion losses from drought, floods, pests and diseases, citing payouts to insured farmers.

ZAMMSA Reset: Health Minister Prof. Roma Chilengi says the “reset” of the Zambia Medicines and Medical Supplies Agency has started, with all staff separated after a forensic audit flagged inflated procurement prices, missing stock records and alleged diversion of medicines meant for public facilities. Systems Focus: Pharma consultant Obbie Musunga Chomba backs the move but warns Government to avoid blanket blame and to run a transparent, merit-based recruitment process that preserves competent staff while fixing weak controls. Eye-Care Investment: Government welcomed an estimated K918m expansion by Dr Agarwal’s Eye Hospital, including new branches and a second eye-care mobile clinic, saying it will boost specialised services and access. Malaria Prevention: Kabompo received 46,140 long-lasting insecticide-treated nets for distribution starting October 6 under the End Malaria campaign, with calls for better net use sensitisation. Cholera Update (Chilanga): Chilanga recorded eight cholera cases; patients were treated and discharged, contact tracing is ongoing, and clinicians and community volunteers are being mobilised for prevention messaging. Street Vending & Health: Lusaka authorities and UPND back the removal of street vendors from undesignated areas, linking street trading to risks including waterborne diseases and cholera. Laboratory Quality: CIDRZ and the Ministry of Health launched a national orientation on the Quality Management System Minimum Package to strengthen lab quality across Zambia. Cannabis Crackdown: DEC arrested two female university students with cannabis-laced cupcakes and detained 10 others after a reggae festival operation seized 10.8kg of cannabis.

Medicines supply shake-up: Health Minister Prof. Roma Chilengi has started a “reset” of the Zambia Medicines and Medical Supplies Agency (ZAMMSA), separating all staff after a forensic audit cited serious weaknesses across procurement, warehousing and distribution, including inflated purchases, missing records and diversion of medicines; an interim team says supply to facilities will continue. Quality lab push: CIDRZ and the Ministry of Health launched a national orientation on the Quality Management System (QMS) Minimum Package to strengthen laboratory quality and rollout quality improvements nationwide. Eye-care investment: Government welcomed K918m investment by Dr Agarwal’s Eye Hospital, including expanded branches and a second eye-care mobile clinic, saying it will boost specialised services and access. Malaria prevention: Kabompo received 46,140 long-lasting insecticide-treated nets for distribution starting Oct 6 under the End Malaria campaign. Cholera update (Chilanga): Chilanga recorded eight cholera cases; patients were treated and discharged, with contact tracing and community sensitisation underway. Public health and hygiene enforcement: Lusaka plans to remove street vendors to curb waterborne disease risks, with enforcement starting Saturday. Drug crackdown: DEC arrested two female students with cannabis-laced cupcakes and nabbed 10 more at a reggae festival after cannabis seizures. Agriculture-health link: ZSIC urged farmers to use agricultural insurance to cushion losses from drought, floods, pests and diseases. Wellness tech: Thirty2give launched the “Is It Well” app in Brazil, Japan, Kenya and Zambia to prompt support when people need encouragement.

ZAMMSA Reset: Health Minister Prof. Roma Chilengi has ordered the separation of all Zambia Medicines and Medical Supplies Agency (ZAMMSA) staff “in national interest,” citing repeated problems and a forensic audit by the Auditor General, with entitlements to be paid under the law. Laboratory Quality Push: CIDRZ and the Ministry of Health launched a national orientation on the Quality Management System (QMS) Minimum Package to strengthen laboratory quality across Zambia, using practical checklists and rollout planning. Cholera Update (Chilanga): Chilanga recorded 8 cholera cases; patients were treated and discharged, contact tracing is underway, and clinicians plus community volunteers are being mobilised for prevention sensitisation. Health Workforce & Research: Malawi’s VP Jane Ansah urged SADC health workers to boost local research and innovation, improve working conditions, and strengthen mental health support for clinicians. HIV Prevention Breakthrough: A twice-yearly injectable HIV prevention drug (lenacapavir) has shown strong results in trials, but access questions remain as HIV funding tightens. Grow Zambia Agenda & Health City: President Hichilema says his UAE trip was for investment, not medical treatment, announcing deals worth US$2.14bn and plans for a Health City near KKIA. Agriculture Insurance: ZSIC urged farmers to insure crops against drought, floods and pests, reporting payouts under the Grain for Premium programme. Street Vending Enforcement (Lusaka): Lusaka City Council and police will remove street vendors from key roads, citing sanitation and safety, while pointing to market spaces for traders. Local Health Supply Chain Governance: Government called for protecting health-sector gains amid reduced donor funding, urging stronger public-private partnerships and more domestic production of essential health commodities.

ZAMMSA Shake-up: Health Minister Prof. Roma Chilengi says all staff at the Zambia Medicines and Medical Supplies Agency (ZAMMSA) have been separated “in the national interest,” citing concerns over alleged cartels and manipulation in the medicines supply chain. Laboratory Quality Push: CIDRZ, with the Ministry of Health, launched a national orientation on the Quality Management System (QMS) Minimum Package to strengthen laboratory quality across Zambia. Cholera Update (Chilanga): Chilanga recorded eight cholera cases; patients were treated and discharged, with contact tracing and community sensitisation underway and no deaths reported so far. Health Financing & Local Supply: Government urged citizens and the private sector to protect health-sector gains as donor funding pressures rise, calling for stronger partnerships and more domestic production of essential health commodities. HIV Prevention Breakthrough: A twice-yearly injectable HIV prevention drug (lenacapavir) is hailed as a major advance, but access questions remain as global HIV funding tightens. Farmers’ Insurance: ZSIC urged farmers to insure crops against drought, floods, pests and diseases, reporting thousands of insured farmers receiving payouts. UAE Medical City Deals: Zambia signed $2.14bn in UAE agreements covering healthcare and other sectors, while President Hichilema said the trip was for work under the Grow Zambia Agenda. Workplace Health Policy: Zambia’s government-backed push for menstrual leave in civil service bill discussions is gaining attention as a workplace health and rights issue. Street Health & Safety: Lusaka City Council and police plan to remove street vendors from key roads, aiming for a cleaner, safer city while traders seek alternatives. Local Health Workforce Research: Malawi’s VP Jane Ansah urged SADC health professionals to invest in local research, innovation, and better working conditions, including mental health support for clinicians.

Cholera Update (Chilanga): Chilanga District has recorded 8 cholera cases. All patients were treated and discharged, while health teams are tracing contacts linked to a suspected additional case at Tubalange Mini Hospital; clinicians and community volunteers are also being mobilised for prevention sensitisation. School Nutrition & Irrigation: Five Chilanga schools received over K800,000 under the Presidential Irrigation Initiative to boost school gardens, improve nutrition for learners, and extend food production beyond the rainy season. Street Health & Safety Enforcement (Lusaka): Lusaka City Council and police plan to remove street vendors from key roads, citing the need for a clean, healthy and orderly city—while officials say markets have thousands of trading spaces available. Health Leadership & Workforce Support (Regional): A Vice President in Malawi urged African health professionals to invest in local research and innovation, and to improve working conditions and mental health support for clinicians. HIV Prevention Breakthrough (Global): A twice-yearly injectable HIV prevention medicine (lenacapavir) is hailed as highly effective, but access questions remain as global HIV funding tightens. Workplace Health Policy (Global): A proposal for menstrual leave for female civil servants is gaining attention, reflecting growing focus on health needs and labour rights. Accidental Chemical Exposure (Siavonga): Thirteen schoolgirls were hospitalised after pepper spray was mistakenly opened in a dormitory, with police investigating the incident. Drug Abuse Response (Zambia): Zambia is partnering with churches to educate communities on drug and substance abuse, as plans for a K250m national rehabilitation and skills centre move forward.

HIV Prevention: A twice-yearly injectable HIV prevention drug, lenacapavir, has been hailed as a major breakthrough after trial results showed no HIV infections among participants, but the big question now is who will get access as global HIV funding drops. Cholera Update: Zambia’s Ministry of Health reports 11 cholera deaths across seven districts in five provinces, with 304 cases as of Sept. 29, urging faster care-seeking as community deaths are a concern. Medical City Deal: Zambia signed six UAE investment agreements worth about US$2.4bn, including a US$2bn Lusaka Medical City near KKIA aimed at making Zambia a regional medical tourism hub with specialised centres. Paediatric HIV Training: The Ministry of Health, with CIDRZ PROUD-Z, updated and rolled out training for healthcare providers on paediatric HIV care through Training of Trainers sessions in Lusaka and Eastern Province. Drug Abuse Response: Zambia is partnering with churches to educate communities on drug and substance abuse, alongside plans for a K250m national rehabilitation and skills development centre. Public Health Incidents: Thirteen Siavonga schoolgirls were hospitalised after accidentally opening pepper spray in a dormitory, highlighting the need for safer handling and supervision. Governance & Health Financing: Government called for stronger public-private partnerships to protect health gains amid shrinking donor funding, pushing for more sustainable domestic financing. Workplace Health Policy: Government proposes menstrual leave for female civil service employees, framing it as a health and labour rights issue. Community Health & Safety: Lusaka City Council began clearing street vendors from major roads after an ultimatum expired, raising the question of where large numbers of traders will go.

Cholera Update: Zambia’s Ministry of Health reports 11 deaths and 304 cases across seven districts in five provinces, with Lusaka, Chilanga and Chongwe among the affected areas; officials say community delays in seeking care are a key concern. School Safety: In Siavonga, 13 schoolgirls were hospitalised after a pupil accidentally opened pepper spray thinking it was mosquito repellent, prompting police investigations. Cancer Awareness: Government has approved Zambia’s first male breast cancer awareness communication materials, enabling the Male Breast Cancer Foundation to roll out posters nationwide to tackle stigma and encourage early care. HIV Care Training: The Ministry of Health, with CIDRZ PROUD-Z, ran Training of Trainers sessions to strengthen paediatric HIV care using updated, practical guidance across Lusaka and Eastern Province. Medical City Deal: Zambia signed a US$2bn agreement with the UAE to build a Medical City in Lusaka’s Airport City, including a national paediatric cardiac centre and renal transplant/kidney disease centre, aiming to keep patients at home and attract regional health tourism. Drug Abuse Response: Zambia is partnering with churches to educate communities on drug and substance abuse, alongside plans for a K250m national rehabilitation and skills development centre.

Medical City Deal: Zambia has signed six UAE investment agreements worth about US$2.4bn, including a US$2bn Medical City in Lusaka’s Airport City aimed at making the country a regional health tourism hub, with plans for a National Paediatric Cardiac Centre and a National Renal Transplant and Kidney Disease Centre plus expanded oncology, diagnostics, robotic surgery, and training. Cancer Awareness: The Ministry of Health has approved Zambia’s first male breast cancer awareness communication materials, enabling the Male Breast Cancer Foundation to print and roll out posters nationwide to tackle stigma and late diagnosis. HIV Care Training: CIDRZ and the Ministry of Health are strengthening paediatric HIV services through updated, evidence-based Training of Trainers sessions to improve skills for caring for children and adolescents living with HIV. Drug Abuse Response: Zambia is partnering with churches to educate communities on drug and substance abuse, alongside plans for a K250m national drug rehabilitation and skills development centre. School Safety Incident: In Siavonga, 13 schoolgirls were hospitalised after a pupil accidentally opened pepper spray thinking it was mosquito repellent. Policy & Access to Care: Law reform talks in Solwezi highlighted how expanded Constituency Development Fund support is being used for classrooms, health facilities and boreholes, linking legal change to community services.