AGP Executive Report

HIV Care Update: Zambia’s Ministry of Health, with CIDRZ through PROUDZ, is rolling out updated HIV treatment and prevention guidelines, training 30 Lusaka District health workers to strengthen frontline care. Child Health Alert: Police are investigating a suspected tongue-tie (“akalimba”) cutting procedure in Chilanga that allegedly led to the death of a one-year-old, with a postmortem pending. Cancer Focus: Zambia is reported to record 16,500 new cancer cases annually, while “Cancer patients get a boost” highlights renewed support for those needing timely treatment. Food Security Support: IOM and Bayer Zambia donated 30 metric tonnes of maize seed to vulnerable farmers in five Southern Province districts to improve household resilience. Health Investment Interest: A Brazilian delegation is exploring investment in Zambia’s health sector, including pharmaceuticals, medical devices, digital health and clinical research. Ebola Preparedness: Africa CDC warns Zambia is among 10 countries at risk of Ebola spread from the DRC, urging stronger surveillance and rapid response. El Niño Funding Gap: Zambia’s disaster managers say the Health Cluster needs extra funds as the country faces major El Niño-related risks, alongside large gaps in water and agriculture support.

HIV Care Update: Zambia’s Ministry of Health, with CIDRZ through PROUDZ, is rolling out updated Zambia Consolidated HIV Guidelines, training 30 Lusaka District health workers to strengthen prevention, treatment and care. Child Health Alert: Police in Chilanga are investigating a manslaughter case after a one-year-old reportedly died following a tongue-tie (“akalimba”) cutting procedure at a private home; a suspect is in custody pending postmortem. Cancer Access Boost: A new service-level agreement in Malawi is easing delays for cancer patients by enabling eligible cases to receive treatment at the International Blantyre Cancer Centre in Nyambadwe, with Zambia mentioned as part of past referral disruptions. Ebola Risk Watch: Africa CDC warns Zambia is among 10 African countries at risk of Ebola importation as a DRC outbreak grows, urging stronger surveillance, lab capacity and rapid isolation at points of entry. Water & Health Security: The African Water Facility says its projects since 2006 have improved water access for 23.2 million people and sanitation for 11.3 million, supporting broader health resilience. Trade & Border Efficiency: SADC reports the Cuchamano/Nyamapanda border post is clearing about 80 trucks daily with extended hours, helping reduce delays that can affect access to medicines and care. El Niño Preparedness Gap: Zambia’s Disaster Risk Management Division says it needs about K11 billion to fully fund its 2026/27 El Niño anticipatory action plan, including a smaller but critical Health Cluster shortfall. Health Investment Interest: A Brazilian delegation is exploring health sector investment in Zambia, including pharmaceuticals, medical devices and digital health, as Zambia pushes universal health coverage and primary care strengthening.

Child Health & Safety: Zambia Police are investigating the death of a one-year-old in Chilanga after an alleged “tongue-tie” (“akalimba”) cutting procedure at a private home; the child was taken to Kazionele Clinic and died, with a suspect detained pending postmortem. Cancer Care: Zambia’s Ministry of Health says childhood cancer remains a major concern, citing delays in diagnosis, referrals, specialist treatment access, medicine shortages, and support for families to stay on treatment. Ebola Preparedness: Africa CDC warns 10 countries at risk of Ebola importation, including Zambia, urging stronger surveillance, lab capacity, and rapid isolation at points of entry. El Niño Risk: Zambia’s disaster planners say they need about K11 billion to close a funding gap for the 2026/27 El Niño preparedness plan, including energy continuity, agriculture support, water/sanitation, and a small health cluster add-on. Health System Resilience: President Hichilema told the UN Zambia is building capacity for local vaccine manufacturing and boosting health spending to strengthen epidemic preparedness. Public Health Policy: Zambia targets average 7% growth (2027–2029) as policy shifts from stabilization to expansion, with implications for jobs and household incomes. Health & Wellness Context: A data breach warning in Kenya highlights the growing health-security link between disease screening and personal data protection.

Child Health & Safety: Zambia Police are investigating the death of a one-year-old in Chilanga after an alleged tongue-tie (“akalimba”) cutting procedure; the child was taken to Kazionele Clinic and pronounced dead on arrival, with the suspected practitioner detained pending postmortem. Health System Resilience: President Hakainde Hichilema told the UN that Zambia is building capacity for local vaccine manufacturing and has raised health spending to over 10%, while urging faster WHO Pandemic Agreement negotiations. Cancer Care: Zambia marked Childhood Cancer Awareness Month as the Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary warned that delayed diagnosis, referrals, medicines and specialist capacity remain major barriers, while Zambia targets 60% survival by 2030. Public Health Preparedness: Zambia says it needs about K11 billion to fully fund its El Niño preparedness and anticipatory action plan, including gaps in energy, agriculture, water and health clusters. Epidemic Risk Watch: Africa CDC warns that Zambia is among 10 African countries at risk as DRC’s Ebola outbreak spreads, urging stronger surveillance and rapid isolation at points of entry. Diplomacy & Health Sector Links: Hichilema’s UAE working visit (Sept 29–30) will include cooperation in priority sectors including healthcare, with MoUs expected.

Childhood Cancer Focus: Zambia’s Ministry of Health says childhood cancer remains a major public health challenge, citing delays in diagnosis and referral, limited specialised treatment and medicines, and difficulty keeping families on therapy long enough. Cancer Burden in Numbers: UTH’s Cancer Diseases Hospital reports about 16,500 new cancer cases and 9,700 cancer deaths annually, with cervical cancer the leading cause of new cases and high mortality. Data & Health Funding Risk: Zambia is close to resolving a months-long US health data dispute after talks to remove contentious data-sharing terms, but a separate report from Zimbabwe shows how health funding can be cut when data-sharing deals fail. Health System Strengthening: President Hichilema urged fairer global health systems at UNGA81, stressing that poverty and geography should not determine access to vaccines and medicines, and calling for health-security financing that doesn’t worsen debt. US-Zambia Partnership: The US and Zambia reaffirmed deeper cooperation on health, investment, critical minerals and border transparency, including long-running support through programmes like Peace Corps. Public Health Security Alert: The US Embassy in Nairobi warned of a possible data breach tied to Ebola screening data for travellers entering Kenya from several countries including Zambia. El Niño Health Threat: New projections warn super El Niño heat could drive major additional heat-related deaths across Southern Africa, underscoring the need for preparedness.

Childhood Cancer Focus: Zambia’s Ministry of Health says childhood cancer remains a major public health challenge, citing delays in diagnosis, referrals, specialist treatment, medicine access, staffing gaps and families struggling to stay on therapy; Zambia is pushing toward the WHO goal of 60% survival by 2030. Cancer Burden Update: UTH’s Cancer Diseases Hospital reports Zambia records about 16,500 new cancer cases and 9,700 cancer deaths annually, with cervical cancer the leading cause and thousands still receiving treatment at CDH. Data & Health Funding Risk: Zambia is close to resolving a months-long US health data dispute after talks, with claims that contentious data-sharing terms and a link to critical-minerals issues have been set aside. Global Health Systems: President Hichilema calls for fairer global health systems at UNGA81, stressing that poverty and geography should not determine access to vaccines and treatment. Health Security Alert: The US Embassy in Nairobi warns of a possible data breach tied to Ebola screening at Kenyan ports of entry, potentially affecting travellers including those entering from Zambia. El Niño Heat Threat: New research warns super El Niño could drive major heat-related deaths across Africa, with Zambia and neighbours highlighted for urgent protection planning. Local Health Capacity in Focus: Zambia and the US reaffirm cooperation through Peace Corps, citing long-running support for health, education and agriculture.

Cancer burden: UTH Cancer Diseases Hospital says Zambia records about 16,500 new cancer cases and 9,700 cancer deaths each year, with cervical cancer the leading cause; the hospital reports around 3,000 patients currently receiving treatment. Advocacy gap: A ONE Campaign survey of 482 young people (14–35) across Kenya, Senegal, Togo, Ghana, Tanzania and Zambia finds 89% feel confident speaking up, but only 53% have taken part in advocacy—pointing to a skills and access gap to influence decision-makers. Health diplomacy: Zambia and the United States say they will deepen cooperation on health, investment, critical minerals and border transparency after UNGA81 talks, while Zambia’s foreign minister says a months-long US health data dispute is close to resolution. Polio risk abroad: The US CDC updated a Level 2 travel advisory for Americans to countries with circulating poliovirus in the past 13 months. Workplace health sector: CIDRZ becomes Zambia’s first Certified PeopleFirst™ organisation, earning Silver-level status for a people-centred workplace culture. El Niño threat: Studies warn super El Niño extra heat could drive major additional deaths across Africa, with Zambia named among affected countries.

US–Zambia health funding standoff: The US says it will end funding for Zimbabwe’s health programs after Zimbabwe rejected a proposed deal over sensitive health data-sharing terms, raising fears for HIV and other disease services where patients often buy supplies themselves. Zambia–US health agreement talks: Zambia’s foreign minister Mulambo Haimbe says the US has agreed to remove disputed data-sharing provisions and drop a “linkage” to critical-minerals terms, putting a revised health deal near signing. UNGA81 partnership push: Zambia and the US also reaffirm deeper cooperation on health, investment, critical minerals and border transparency, with talks led by Mulambo Haimbe and US Deputy Assistant Secretary Chris Kulukundis. El Niño heat risk: A new study warns super El Niño could drive major heat-related deaths across Africa, with Zambia and neighbours projected to see additional fatalities unless governments act fast. Anthrax concern in Zambia: Zambia is investigating an anthrax outbreak in Muchinga after 46 hippo deaths, with intensified surveillance and checks for livestock and human exposure at the wildlife–livestock–human interface. Maternal/child safety alarm: Police in Chingola opened a manslaughter case after an eight-month-old died following a traditional “Akalimba” tongue-tissue removal procedure. Workplace health angle: CIDRZ becomes Zambia’s first Certified PeopleFirst™ organisation, highlighting employee belief, belonging and future confidence as part of stronger health-focused service delivery.

Anthrax scare in Muchinga: Zambia is investigating suspected anthrax linked to 46 hippo deaths, with officials warning of possible exposure risks to livestock and people and calling for intensified surveillance around carcass sites. Maternal health at UNGA81: Zambia’s Health Minister Prof. Roma Chilengi used UN meetings to push the “right to development” and argue for resilience to health, economic and environmental shocks under the Grow Zambia Agenda. Road safety in Chipata: A speeding Toyota Mark X crash near Umodzi Highway injured five people after it hit a motorcycle and smashed into mobile money booths, with victims taken to Chipata Central Hospital. Traditional procedure death in Chingola: Police arrested a mother and another woman for manslaughter after an eight-month-old died following an “Akalimba” tongue-tissue removal, with the baby losing heavy blood. Workplace health workforce culture: CIDRZ became Zambia’s first Certified PeopleFirst™ organisation, Silver-level, highlighting employee belief, belonging and future confidence as part of its health mission. Global polio warning: The CDC updated polio travel advisories, urging Americans to take enhanced precautions in countries with circulating poliovirus, including parts of Europe. UN health security push: A UNGA high-level meeting on pandemic prevention, preparedness and response is set for September 25, as global health security faces funding and system strain. Zambia–Zimbabwe power link: Coverage highlights why Zambia and Zimbabwe need a shared power strategy around Lake Kariba and interconnected grids, especially as drought and failures can ripple across borders.

UNGA81 Health & Climate Push: Zambia’s ministers used UN General Assembly engagements to stress climate resilience, financing for development, and the “right to development,” with Health Minister Prof. Roma Chilengi linking long-term growth to health shock preparedness. Maternal Health Risk: A new review highlights how obstetric emergencies like postpartum hemorrhage and pre-eclampsia need better risk prediction and faster, evidence-based response to cut preventable deaths. El Niño Health Warning: WHO classifies the expected El Niño impacts as a Grade Three emergency, warning Zambia and neighbours could face flooding-linked outbreaks (including cholera) and drought-driven food and malnutrition risks. TB Survivor Care: Health stakeholders urge Zambia and the region to move beyond TB treatment completion toward integrated long-term care for post-tuberculosis lung disease. Organ Donation Hope: A Zambia-linked transplant story celebrates a “second chance at life” for a sickle cell patient after stem cell donation, underscoring the need for donor systems. Workplace Culture Milestone: CIDRZ becomes Zambia’s first Certified PeopleFirst™ organisation, Silver-level, based on employee belief, belonging and future confidence. Road Safety: Chipata crash injures five after a speeding Toyota Mark X hit mobile money booths and a truck. Food Safety Crackdown: Kitwe City Council seizes 529 unsafe items in routine inspections.

El Niño Health Emergency: WHO has classified the expected El Niño impacts in Africa as a Grade Three emergency, warning of flooding-linked outbreaks (including cholera and other waterborne diseases) and drought-driven food insecurity and malnutrition, with Zambia and Zimbabwe among high-risk countries. TB Survivor Care: Health stakeholders are urging African systems to move beyond TB treatment and provide integrated long-term care for post-tuberculosis lung disease, which can leave survivors with chronic respiratory problems and repeated infections. Syphilis Push in Zambia: Zambia’s Ministry of Health says syphilis remains a serious public health concern, especially among young people (15–25) and pregnant women, as a Stop Syphilis campaign and condom distribution roll out. Food Safety in Kitwe: Kitwe City Council seized 529 unsafe food items worth K49,259 in routine inspections, citing breaches of the Food Safety Act. Acute Hunger Warning: Save the Children warns that up to 8 million children in six countries, including Zambia, could face acute hunger by early 2027 if urgent action isn’t taken. Global Surgery Support: ACS H.O.P.E. reports expanded surgical training and access work in Ethiopia, Rwanda and Zambia, despite disruptions from outbreaks and instability.

Global Surgery Support: ACS H.O.P.E. released its 2025–2026 annual report, saying it expanded surgical capacity and training through partnerships in Ethiopia, Rwanda and Zambia, completing 32 volunteer trips and launching a new Global Health in Surgery Certificate for 34 scholars. TB Survivor Care: Health stakeholders are urging African systems to go beyond TB treatment and add long-term, integrated care for survivors with post-tuberculosis lung disease. El Niño Health Emergency: WHO classifies the developing El Niño’s health and humanitarian impacts as a Grade Three emergency, warning of flooding-linked outbreaks and drought-driven food and malnutrition risks across multiple African countries, including Zambia. Syphilis Push: Zambia’s Ministry of Health says syphilis remains a serious public health concern, with high burdens in several provinces and rising concern over cases among pregnant women, as a Stop Syphilis campaign rolls out condom distribution. Food Safety in Kitwe: Kitwe City Council seized 529 unsafe food items worth K49,259 in routine inspections, citing expired, contaminated and damaged goods. Local Crime With Health Impact: In Lumezi, masked men posing as C5 police robbed a couple and left them injured, prompting a police investigation.

Syphilis alert in Zambia: The Ministry of Health says syphilis remains a serious public health concern, with high burdens reported in Lusaka, Copperbelt, Eastern, Central and Southern provinces, especially among 15–25-year-olds; AIDS Healthcare Foundation reports about 9% of people tested at its wellness centres are positive, with growing concern over cases among pregnant women. UNGA81 health focus: Zambia’s Minister of Health Prof. Roma Chilengi addressed UNGA81 on self-care, community resilience and universal health coverage, stressing that health resilience starts at home and in communities. Grow Zambia diplomacy: Zambia used its first days at UNGA81 to build partnerships under the Grow Zambia agenda, including new diplomatic relations and meetings aimed at boosting trade, investment and health cooperation. Road safety tragedy: A five-year-old died and five others were injured after a tyre burst caused a vehicle overturn on the Great East Road in Nyimba District, with police investigating. Community health tech push: Yango Fellowship 2026 wrapped up in Abidjan with 24 fellows from six countries pitching projects including medicine supply visibility for community health workers and low-cost water-quality testing for rural communities.

Road Safety: A five-year-old boy died and five others were injured after a Toyota Noah overturned on the Great East Road in Nyimba when a tyre burst, with the driver detained as police investigate. Health Policy at UNGA81: Zambia’s Health Minister Prof. Roma Chilengi told UN leaders that health resilience starts at home, pushing self-care and community support as pillars for Universal Health Coverage during UN General Assembly discussions. Diplomacy for Growth: Foreign Affairs Minister Mulambo Haimbe is in New York for UNGA81, advancing the Grow Zambia agenda through new partnerships and calls for UN programmes aligned to national priorities. Community Health Tech: Yango Fellowship 2026 wrapped up in Abidjan with 24 fellows from six countries pitching locally rooted projects, including medicine supply visibility for community health workers and low-cost water testing for rural areas. Public Health & Food Safety: A warning on cassava highlights that improper processing can release cyanide and contribute to konzo, urging safe preparation practices. Conservation & Health Link: World Rhino Day coverage notes conservation gains and ongoing poaching pressure, while Zambia’s UN-linked health resilience message echoes the broader push for protecting communities and ecosystems.

Road Safety: A five-year-old boy died and five others were injured after a Toyota Noah overturned on the Great East Road in Nyimba when a rear-left tyre burst, with police detaining the driver as investigations continue. Health Workforce Politics: ZANU PF officials in Masvingo are demanding a party quota for nurse training places, alleging recruitment is politicised and pushing for every trainee nurse to go through MPs. Public Health Threat: Zambia’s Muchinga Province is on alert after an anthrax outbreak killed dozens of wild animals, including hippos and elephants; authorities warn people not to eat or handle dead carcasses and report 12 human cases receiving treatment. Maternal Health & Systems: A Saving Mothers, Giving Life initiative highlighted in Zambia and Uganda reported major reductions in maternal mortality, pointing to community-trust driven care and responsive interventions. Global Health Policy: Zambia’s Health Minister Roma Chilengi joins Foreign Affairs Minister Mulambo Haimbe in New York for the UN General Assembly, with Zambia pushing the Grow Zambia Agenda and health-aligned partnerships. Eye Health Spotlight: Duchess of Edinburgh’s Zambia visit included support for trachoma survivors at Mukuno Rural Health Centre, celebrating restored sight and renewed attention to preventable blindness.

Trachoma Care in Focus: The Duchess of Edinburgh ended her Zambia visit by dancing with trachoma survivors at Mukuno Rural Health Centre near Livingstone, highlighting preventable blindness and sharing patient stories of restored sight. Public Health Safety Alert: Zambia’s National Disaster Risk Management Division reports an anthrax outbreak in Muchinga Province that has killed dozens of wild animals and infected 12 people after they ate meat from dead wildlife; residents are warned not to handle or consume carcasses. Maternal Health Impact: A feature on CIDRZ’s Saving Mothers, Giving Life initiative credits community-trust building and responsive care with cutting maternal mortality in Zambia by 41% (480 to 284 per 100,000 live births). Health System & Policy: Australia’s Andrew Leigh urged governments to fund programmes only after rigorous evaluation shows they improve people’s lives, pushing for decisions over reports. UN Engagement with Health Leadership: Zambia’s Foreign Affairs Minister Mulambo Haimbe arrived in New York for UNGA81 with Health Minister Roma Chilengi, tying the trip to the Grow Zambia Agenda and health-aligned partnerships.