The Zambian Government says it will this year employ 3000 health workers in order to address the human resource challenges faced by the Ministry.
Minister of Health, Silvia Masebo says Zambia has continued to experience frequent outbreaks of communicable diseases such as cholera, typhoid fever, measles, rabies and trypanosomiasis and shortage of manpower in the health sector remains a challenge in the fight against diseases.
Ms Masebo further said the country is at risk of public health threats from regional and global public health events.
Speaking when she officiated at the opening of the National Planning launch for 2024 to 2026, Medium Term Budget Planning and the 2024 budget.
She said the government has been investing in public health security in order to ensure the security of the nation against outbreaks and public health threats from various diseases and conditions.
The Minister said the country has been focusing on ensuring the constant availability of essential medicines and medical supplies to all groups of society, especially the poor and vulnerable groups.
She further stated that an Increased drug budget from K3.4 billion to K4.6 billion to support the procurement of medicines and medical supplies; and the Procurement of 42,000 Health Centre Kits which are the backbone of the primary health care supply chain to last for 12 months.
Ms Masebo said the Ministry has further initiated bulk procurements of medicines and medical supplies through UNICEF, UNFPA, UNDP and government to government procurement with the Egyptian Government to support hospital supply needs.
And Churches Health Association of Zambia Executive Director, Karen Sichinga said the 2024 to 2026 Mid Term Budget and 2024 plans are being developed at a time when the country is learning to live in a world with Covid 19.
He said the health sector should be realistic enough to adjust the health system to a World of Covid 19 which is an ongoing threat. Ms Sichinga in a speech read on her behalf by CHAZ Director Advocacy Planning and Development, Yoram Siame said the Civil Society Organizations is pleased to see that the Presidential directive on maternity infrastructure and water reticulation for all health facilities has started taking shape
