WHO Hands Over Critical Assets to Strengthen Health Systems in Zambia

Lusaka, Zambia - The World Health Organization (WHO) Country Office in Zambia has officially handed over essential equipment to the Ministry of Health (MoH) aimed at strengthening national health systems, improving service delivery, and enhancing preparedness and response to public health threats.

The handover included:

• 10 vehicles and 1 truck
• 216 motorbikes
• 229 laptops
• 100 Samsung Galaxy tablets

The assets were procured with the generous support of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and the Pandemic Fund, reflecting continued global partnership to build resilient and sustainable health systems in Zambia.

The equipment will significantly enhance vaccine delivery and logistics, particularly in hard-to-reach areas, while also strengthening disease surveillance, early detection, and rapid response systems across the country through improved data collection, reporting, and coordination.

The Minister of Health, Hon. Dr Alex Katakwe, MP, received the items on behalf of the Government of the Republic of Zambia during an official handover ceremony held at Ndeke House in Lusaka.

Speaking at the event, WHO Zambia Representative, Dr Clement Peter Lasuba reasserted WHO's dedication to supporting the Government of Zambia in strengthening health systems and ensuring equitable access to essential health services. He stated: "WHO reaffirms its commitment to continue working closely with government of Zambia in our shared responsibility to improve health and wellbeing of all Zambians. In collaboration with partners, WHO will support the Government to ensure such investments deliver measurable health outcomes."

The handover underscores the importance of sustained investment in infrastructure, workforce support, and digital tools to protect public health and deliver lifesaving services to communities.

This milestone marks another step forward in the ongoing collaboration between WHO, the Government of Zambia, and key partners to improve health outcomes and strengthen capacity for immunization, disease surveillance, and public health emergency preparedness nationwide.