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Menstrual Health a Public Responsibility

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NGO WASH Forum, Ministry of Education, calls for stronger policies and collective action to keep girls in school By Francis Maingaila ♥️  Lusaka, Zambia24 -- 28-05-2026 -- Menstrual health is a serious public development issue, not a private or taboo matter, requiring urgent collective action, with stakeholders emphasizing that it is a public responsibility whose neglect affects education, equality, and national development. Bubala Muyovwe, the Zambia NGO WASH Forum National Coordinator, said during the commemoration of Menstrual Hygiene Day that the Forum is calling for stronger policies, increased funding, and better integration of menstrual hygiene management (MHM) into national Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) programmes to address persistent challenges affecting women and girls. She said menstrual health remains under-prioritised despite its direct impact on education, dignity, and gender equality. Muyovwe said many girls continue to miss school due to lack of sanitary product...
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Strong Harvest, Weak Systems

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Zambia records 4.9 million tonnes maize output, but CSPR warns of climate, storage, and market risks The Civil Society for Poverty Reduction (CSPR) says Zambia’s projected maize harvest of about 4.9 million metric tonnes for the 2025/2026 farming season reflects a strong recovery in the agriculture sector, but warns that structural weaknesses could undermine the gains. Isabel Mukelabeli, Executive Director of CSPR, said the estimate from the shows an improvement from last season’s 3.6 million metric tonnes, driven by better production following recent climate shocks. Mukelabeli said the harvest is above Government’s 2026 target of 4.5 million metric tonnes and supports progress toward the 10 million metric tonnes goal by 2030, but stressed that the gains remain fragile. She said Zambia’s continued reliance on rain-fed agriculture leaves production highly exposed to droughts and climate variability, calling for increased investment in irrigation and water harvesting systems. Muke...
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Economic Gains Must Be Protected

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Hikaumba urged the Zambian electorate to re-elect HH, saying Zambia must safeguard economic recoveries, jobs and development progress made under the UPND administration By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia24 — (26-05-2026) — The Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) has urged Zambians to support President in the August 13 general elections, saying the country’s economic recovery and development progress must be protected through continuity in leadership. MDC vice president told journalists in an interview that President Hichilema deserves another term, saying his administration has delivered economic stabilisation, debt restructuring, job creation and improved public service delivery. Hikaumba said citizens are already beginning to feel the impact of ongoing reforms, reflected in improved access to education, employment opportunities and development projects across the country. He said Zambia previously faced high debt, rising living costs and limited government capacity to deli...
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Katuta Promises Teaching Hospitals Nationwide

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Independent presidential candidate says provincial health infrastructure expansion will improve healthcare access and medical training Iusaka, Zambia24-- (26-05-2026) - Independent presidential candidate has pledged to establish teaching hospitals in all provincial headquarters across Zambia if elected in the August 2026 general elections. Speaking on the Power FM Breakfast Show on Wednesday morning, Ms. Katuta said the proposed hospitals would help improve access to quality healthcare services while strengthening medical training institutions across the country. She said her administration would prioritise investment in the health sector to ensure citizens in all provinces have access to specialised treatment and better-equipped medical facilities. Ms. Katuta also urged Zambians to support independent candidates seeking various leadership positions, including Members of Parliament, Mayors, Council Chairpersons and Councillors, arguing that independent leaders are more accountabl...
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Relief Still Limited

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CSPR says policy rate cut may not translate into cheaper credit or meaningful household relief without structural reforms in banking and fiscal policy By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia24  --- (26-05-2026) --- The Civil Society for Poverty Reduction (CSPR) has welcomed the Bank of Zambia’s decision to reduce the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) by 25 basis points to 13.25 percent but says the expected relief for households and businesses remains uncertain. Isabel Mukelabeli told Zambia24 that the rate cut reflects improving economic conditions, including lower inflation and more stable external finances following the Monetary Policy Committee meeting held on 11–12 May and announced by Bank of Zambia Governor Dr. Denny Kalyalya. Mukelabeli said the decision follows a long tightening cycle that began in 2022, when the policy rate stood at 9.25 percent and later rose to 14.5 percent in January 2025 to contain inflationary pressures. Mukelabeli said inflation has now declined from 11.9 ...
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New Rules for Election Broadcasters

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IBA introduces guidelines to ensure fair, balanced and responsible media coverage ahead of 2026 polls By Francis Maingaila Lusaka, Zambia24  -- (26-05-2026) --- The Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) has introduced new rules for election broadcasters aimed at promoting fair, balanced, accurate and responsible media coverage ahead of Zambia’s 2026 General Elections scheduled for August this year. IBA Director General said the guidelines have been developed to provide practical direction to broadcasters in their coverage of elections and election-related matters. IBA Director General Webster Malido said the guidelines have been developed to provide practical direction to broadcasters in their coverage of elections and election-related matters. Mr. Malido explained that the guidelines provide clearer direction on the responsibilities of broadcasters during election periods and set out standards expected of media houses when covering political activities. He said the framework ...
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Frontline Workers Seek Voice

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Community health workers push for formal recognition as government is urged to fast-track CHWAZ registration amid concerns over coordination gaps, weak support systems, and long-standing challenges in Zambia’s primary healthcare delivery. By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia 24 --- (26-05-2026) --- The Community Health Workers Association of Zambia (CHWAZ) is pushing for formal recognition, with growing calls for government to speed up its registration process. The National Coordinating Committee (NCC) of PSI affiliates in Zambia, supported by partners under Public Services International, has urged authorities to urgently register CHWAZ, saying delays are affecting coordination and slowing improvements in health service delivery. Nearly 1,000 community health workers have already joined the proposed association, reflecting strong demand for a unified national platform. Community health workers remain a critical part of Zambia’s primary healthcare system, supporting maternal and...
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