AGP Executive Report

Polio Push: ZNPHI is gearing up to vaccinate over 3 million children from 2 June across six provinces—Lusaka, Central, Southern, Muchinga, Western and Eastern—after poliovirus was detected in Lusaka in February, with vaccines and materials already moving into districts. Ebola Readiness: Zambia is on high alert as DRC and Uganda respond to Ebola, while Zambia strengthens surveillance and response capacity with WHO and partners. Election Tension: Political heat is rising ahead of August 13 as violence around Mazabuka nomination filings—linked to former minister Gary Nkombo—sparks fresh calls for police action and exposes fractures within the ruling UPND. Health Access: Lusaka Trust Hospital gets a facelift with new specialised services like endoscopy and a dialysis unit, aimed at reducing costly referrals abroad. Eye-Care Outreach: Churches with VisionSpring plan screenings for 45,000 people and glasses for 21,000 across Zambia, Malawi and Uganda. Public Health Messaging: A doctor warns that the “SALT SANA” phrase could be misread and encourage excess salt intake amid rising hypertension cases. Climate Pressure: Zimbabwe faces severe climate shocks—floods, droughts and food insecurity—raising disease risks across the region, including Zambia.

Ebola Border Shock: The US blocked an Air France passenger from DR Congo, forcing a diversion to Canada, as Washington tightens Ebola entry rules—Zambia has also activated full screening at entry points and set up response centres across provinces. Health Messaging Watch: A doctor warns that the “SALT SANA” phrase could be taken literally and push people toward excess salt, as hypertension cases rise. Hospital Upgrade: Lusaka Trust Hospital has been commissioned after an expansion that adds specialised services like endoscopy and a dialysis unit, aiming to cut costly referrals abroad. Politics Turns Violent: Election season flared again after violence and injuries linked to nomination filings, while an independent candidate, “Chibulo Chilema,” died after a road accident following nomination paperwork. Regional Integration Push: AUDA-NEPAD and South Africa’s Mashatile urged faster action on African economic integration, warning slow progress risks falling further behind. Infrastructure Drive (Tanzania): Tanzania unveiled a nearly US$985m works budget to boost roads, bridges, airports and climate-resilient transport.

Ebola Readiness: Zambia has activated full health screening at entry points bordering the DRC and put response centres on high alert across multiple provinces after the regional Ebola emergency was declared. Lung Health Focus: At the World Health Assembly in Geneva, India’s Health Minister JP Nadda pushed TB elimination and lung screening, stressing early diagnosis and equitable access, with Zambia co-hosting the discussion. Digital Medicines Supply Chain: UNDP Zambia and UNDP India are supporting Zambia to adapt India’s eVIN “Track and Trace” platform to improve visibility and accountability for essential medicines through the supply chain. Stroke Care Upgrade: Government commissioned a refurbished Stroke Unit at UTH and launched a client feedback initiative to strengthen how patients’ concerns are handled. Election Tensions Spill Into Health: Violence around Gary Nkombo’s nomination filing in Mazabuka has intensified political fractures ahead of August polls, with calls for police action and investigations.

Ebola Alert in Zambia: Zambia has activated full health screening at entry points bordering the DRC and set up response centres across six provinces after the WHO flagged the outbreak as a public health emergency—while researchers say a Russian Ebola vaccine may offer protection against the Bundibugyo strain, though testing is limited. Home-Grown School Meals: Zambia and Madagascar are on a week-long study tour in Korea to strengthen school feeding, with officials saying the programme boosts nutrition, attendance and local farm incomes. Health Governance & Medicines Tracking: UNDP and partners are supporting Zambia to adapt India’s eVIN “Track & Trace” system for essential medicines supply chain visibility. Non-Communicable Disease Push: Zambia reports about 34% of adults aged 30–79 live with high blood pressure, urging screening and control. Road Safety Upgrade: Tanzania’s Mbeya region has allocated Sh482m for the accident-prone Mlima Nyoka bypass road bridge—showing how infrastructure and emergency services go hand in hand.

Ebola Alert, Zambia Moves Fast: Zambia has activated full health screening at all entry points bordering the DRC after WHO and Africa CDC declared the outbreak a public health emergency. Border screening and response centres: Northern, Luapula and North-Western provinces are running health questionnaires, temperature checks and infection controls, while emergency response centres have been switched on in six provinces to monitor suspected cases. Why it’s urgent: WHO says the DRC outbreak is being worsened by conflict—displacement and mining-linked movement make surveillance, tracing and lab testing harder. Health system push beyond Ebola: In parallel, UNDP Zambia and UNDP India are supporting Zambia to adapt India’s eVIN “Track & Trace” platform for essential medicines supply chain visibility. Governance and capacity: Zambia also commissioned a refurbished stroke unit at UTH and launched a client feedback initiative, as hypertension remains a major “silent killer” locally. Global funding context: The Rockefeller Foundation reports $350m+ in 2025 grants and $133m committed in Africa, reaching an estimated 731 million people amid declining aid.

Telecom Boom: Airtel Africa says it now has 91 million smartphone customers and $6.4bn revenue for the year to March 31, 2026, with data traffic up sharply and 4G coverage at 98%—but investors are watching the currency headache behind the numbers. Police Accountability: A 27-year-old constable, Pythias Mvula, was jailed five years with hard labour for beating a suspect to death while in custody. Stroke Care Upgrade: Zambia’s UTH Stroke Unit has been refurbished and commissioned, alongside a new client feedback initiative to strengthen service delivery. Hypertension Push: Health officials renewed calls for screening as about 34% of adults (30–79) live with high blood pressure, often undiagnosed. Election Calm: President Hichilema urged peaceful, issue-based campaigning and warned that law will apply to anyone who threatens order. Digital Health Supply Chain: UNDP Zambia and UNDP India began work to adapt India’s eVIN platform for Zambia’s essential medicines tracking. Public Health Alert: Zambia reported a localised VHF alert on the Copperbelt; the patient is stable and confirmatory tests are pending.

Digital Health Supply Chain: UNDP Zambia and UNDP India have launched a five-day mission in Lusaka to adapt India’s eVIN platform for Zambia’s essential medicines tracking, aiming to boost real-time visibility, temperature monitoring, and accountability in the supply chain. Hypertension Alarm: Zambia reports about 34% of adults aged 30–79 living with high blood pressure, with many still undiagnosed—health officials are pushing screening and treatment ahead of World Hypertension Day. Governance Crackdown: State House has reiterated a zero-tolerance stance on corruption after renewed public debate around “tokens” linked to public duties, with the Anti-Corruption Commission warning that any such benefits tied to contracts are corruption. Election Calm, Services On: President Hichilema urges peaceful, issue-based campaigning as nominations approach, stressing healthcare and other services must continue uninterrupted. Health Watch: Zambia says surveillance detected a localised VHF alert on the Copperbelt; rapid tests were negative for Ebola and Marburg, and final results are pending. Politics Shifts: PF factions signal major changes ahead of August—Miles Sampa’s camp withdraws from the presidential race, while Robert Chabinga says PF will not adopt candidates outside the UPND alliance.

Election Calm Push: President Hakainde Hichilema says Zambia’s 13 August polls will be peaceful, with security on high alert and services like healthcare and education continuing uninterrupted as nominations begin this week. Health Watch: Zambia’s surveillance flagged a localised VHF alert in Luanshya; the patient is stable, Ebola and Marburg rapid tests were negative, and 70 contacts are under daily monitoring while confirmatory results are awaited. Corruption Line Drawn: State House reiterates “no threshold of moderation” on corruption—any benefit tied to public contracts is corruption, with zero tolerance. Alcohol Poisoning Update: Choma’s suspected illicit beer deaths rise to 16 as authorities intensify crackdowns and community sensitisation. Debt & Diplomacy: Zambia and Israel sign an amendment to restructure about US$460m in debt through 2043, citing reduced pressure and more room for social and infrastructure spending. Church & Community: Tributes follow the death of Emeritus Archbishop Telesphore Mpundu, with requiem mass and burial arrangements underway.

Court Showdown: Zambia’s Supreme Court of Appeal has set May 29 for the Pretoria High Court repatriation ruling over former President Edgar Lungu’s remains, after an earlier decision backed the Zambian government against the family’s burial rites. Debt Relief for Health-Linked Sectors: Zambia and Israel signed an amendment to restructure about US$460m in obligations through 2043, with the underlying facilities covering agriculture, defence and healthcare—aimed at easing debt service and freeing fiscal space. Election Calm, Services Must Continue: President Hichilema urged peaceful, issue-based campaigning as presidential nominations open, stressing uninterrupted access to healthcare and other essential services while security stays on high alert. Public Health Warning: A doctor at Levy Mwanawasa University Teaching Hospital says hypertension is a “silent killer,” urging screening ahead of World Hypertension Day. Choma Alcohol Poisoning: The suspected illicit beer-related death toll in Choma rose to 16, with 27 cases admitted for treatment as authorities intensify crackdowns and community sensitisation.

Earth Science Breakthrough: Zambia’s Kafue Rift may be actively splitting the land—researchers say deep mantle gases rising through hot springs are a clear sign the rift is still alive, not just a theory. Digital Health Push: Zambia’s Ministry of Health has received e-Registry equipment to digitise records, aiming for faster, more accountable service delivery under the National Digital Health Strategy. Rural Connectivity: Tanzania is rolling out a Sh29 billion plan to build 287 communication towers, targeting remote areas and nearly 3 million people with mobile and internet access. Corruption Line Drawn: State House says there’s “no threshold of moderation” for corruption—any benefit tied to public contracts is corruption, with zero tolerance. Health Progress & Care: A new cervical cancer elimination compendium highlights Commonwealth country steps on vaccination, screening and treatment, while Zimbabwe reports 5,000+ children benefiting from congenital-condition surgeries through public-private partnerships. Drug Enforcement: Zambia’s DEC and Police arrested 36 at a Lusaka music festival over alleged cannabis and codeine trafficking.

Anti-Corruption Clampdown: State House has issued a blunt warning that there is “no threshold of moderation” for corruption—any benefit taken by a public officer linked to a public contract is corruption, with the President’s zero-tolerance message applying “without exception.” Cervical Cancer Push: A new Commonwealth compendium launched in Geneva spotlights how countries are advancing cervical cancer elimination through vaccination, screening, treatment and care. Cardiovascular Skills Boost: Merck Foundation marked World Hypertension Day 2026 by funding nearly 1,000 scholarships for future cardiovascular, diabetes and endocrinology specialists across 52 countries. Child Health Gains: Zimbabwe’s Cure Children’s Hospital says public-private partnerships have helped more than 5,000 children with congenital conditions get specialised surgery and return to school. Digital Health Upgrade: Zambia’s Ministry of Health received e-Registry equipment to strengthen records management, while a low-cost breathing monitoring study for preterm babies is set to test smartphone-linked sensors at UTH.

Zambia Health & Policy: Zambia’s health push stays in focus as Government hands over the final batch of 37 CDF ambulances, bringing the total to 156 across all constituencies to strengthen emergency care. Digital Health: The Ministry of Health also received e-Registry equipment from UNFPA, with Health Minister Alex Katakwe calling it a key step toward a fully digital, people-centred system. Local Energy for Health Access: At a Nairobi climate forum, Zambia’s solar-by-constituency model was highlighted as a way to tackle energy poverty while supporting climate goals. Public Health & Safety: In Mongu, council authorities seized 60 litres of illicit kachasu, warning of serious health risks from unsafe alcohol. Regional Health Data Debate: Zambia is among countries raising privacy and data-governance concerns as some governments resist foreign-linked health data deals. Leadership & Community: Lusaka mourns Emeritus Archbishop Telesphore Mpundu (78), with President Hichilema sending condolences.

Election Pressure in the Ruling Party: Former ministers and MPs were rejected in UPND adoption primaries, with high-profile names like Sylvia Masebo, Jack Mwiimbu, Cornelius Mweetwa and Rodney Sikumba losing—fueling claims that grassroots voters are turning away ahead of August 13. Health System Push: Zambia received the final batch of 37 CDF ambulances, completing 156 units for councils nationwide, while the Ministry of Health also received UNFPA e-Registry equipment to speed up digital records. Digital Health & Care: CIDRZ launched a low-cost breathing monitoring study for preterm babies at UTH, using a chest-worn sensor linked to smartphones. Debt & Diplomacy: Zambia and Israel signed a US$460m debt restructuring deal running to 2043, easing repayment pressure. Data Sovereignty Debate: Zambia is among countries raising privacy and data-governance concerns in US-backed health data access deals. Clean Energy Deals: Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi drew major clean energy and infrastructure commitments, with hospitals also in the mix.

Clean Energy Push: At the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, European and African leaders announced about €27bn ($31.5bn) for roughly 30 projects, with energy taking the biggest slice and plans to create 600,000+ jobs. People-first Trade Debate: In Washington, civil society warned that AGOA changes could tilt toward corporate interests—especially around pharma IP and critical minerals—urging stronger labor and human-rights standards. Zambia’s Digital Health: Zambia’s Ministry of Health received e-Registry equipment to strengthen digital records, while the tech ministry framed connectivity as life-saving for remote clinics. Newborn Care Trial: CIDRZ launched a low-cost breathing monitoring study for preterm babies at UTH using a chest-worn sensor linked to smartphones. Emergency Response Boost: Government completed delivery of 37 CDF ambulances, bringing the total to 156 across Zambia. Wildlife Safety: In Eastern Province, radio and satellite alerts are helping farmers manage dangerous human-wildlife conflict. Local Enforcement: Mongu Municipal Council confiscated 60 litres of illicit kachasu, warning of serious public health risks.

Health Sector Update: Minister of Health Alex Katakwe says Government has spent five years rebuilding Zambia’s health system—reaching 3,500 facilities, expanding health worker support, upgrading infrastructure and diagnostics, and strengthening referrals and emergency services. Election Mode: Parliament dissolved at midnight May 15, starting a 90-day countdown to the August 13 general election, with President Hakainde Hichilema framing the campaign around economic recovery, expanded free education, higher Constituency Development Fund allocations, and teacher recruitment. Emergency Care Boost: Government completed delivery of 156 CDF ambulances nationwide after receiving the final 37, aiming to strengthen community emergency response through local councils and ZAMMSA. Skills for Value Addition: Kagem donated cutting and polishing equipment to the Gemstone Processing and Lapidary Training Centre in Ndola, alongside a two-year partnership for student visits and training. Cross-Border Health: A Binga–Zambia pact is pushing coordinated care for border communities along the Zambezi Valley.

Ambulance Rollout: Government has completed delivery of 156 CDF ambulances nationwide, with the final 37 handed over to councils and commissioned for use—an emergency-care boost aimed at reaching every constituency. Road Safety Tragedy: A six-year-old in Chinsali died after being hit by a speeding car; the driver was detained and the vehicle impounded. Education Second Chances: FAWEZA enrolled 750 learners in its GCE remedial programme, including a 20-year-old at UNZA getting another shot at Grade 12. Tobacco Control Push: Parliament adopted the Tobacco Control Bill No. 40 of 2025 after a unanimous third-reading vote, backing bans on advertising and tighter protections against tobacco harms. Cross-Border Health: Binga and Zambia’s partners in the Zambezi Valley are strengthening cross-border healthcare access through a shared cooperation model. HIV Testing Gap: New reporting highlights that many young women across Africa still haven’t tested for HIV, keeping prevention and treatment out of reach.