A Unified Approach to Pediatric Care and Wellness
By Francis Maingaila
Lusaka, Zambia – (23-11-2024) - The importance of collaboration in enhancing pediatric care and child wellness took center stage at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Pediatrics Association of Zambia (ZPA).
The event, which attracted healthcare professionals, stakeholders, and industry partners, focused on efforts to strengthen Zambia's healthcare system, especially in the area of pediatric health.
Representing the Minister of Health, Dr. Asper Choonga reaffirmed government’s dedication to strengthening pediatric healthcare within its universal health coverage agenda.
Dr. Choonga highlighted substantial investments in healthcare infrastructure, workforce expansion, and strategic initiatives. Over 14,000 health workers have been recruited in recent years, with plans to onboard 4,000 more by the end of 2024.
Notable projects include the King Salman bin Abdulaziz Specialized Hospital for Women and Children, an 800-bed facility now 70% complete and scheduled to open in 2025.
The hospital will deliver advanced care in specialties such as neurology, cardiology, and intensive care.
The government’s expanded immunization initiatives for measles, polio, pneumonia, and malaria were lauded for their role in combating preventable diseases.
Plans to introduce a malaria vaccine in 2025 represent a significant milestone in reducing deaths among children under five.
Moreover, a partnership with the Zambia Industrial Development Corporation and China-based EZA International Campaign Limited will facilitate local production of cholera vaccines, positioning Zambia as a regional leader in managing outbreaks.
Dr. Choonga outlined ambitious goals, including reducing neonatal mortality to 12 per 1,000 live births and maternal mortality to 200 per 100,000 live births by 2026.
Efforts to achieve the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets in HIV prevention are also being intensified.
Despite these advances, Dr. Choonga acknowledged persistent challenges such as insufficient infrastructure, unequal access to healthcare, and the dual burden of infectious and non-communicable diseases.
He emphasized the need for sustained investment, innovative strategies, and reinforced collaborations to address these gaps.
“Positive stories and success narratives are powerful tools to build confidence and trust in our health system,” he said, urging stakeholders to amplify impactful stories to counter misinformation.
The conference concluded with participants committing to expand essential newborn care, adopt preventive measures for diseases like TB, and advocate for greater access to pediatric surgery.
Dr. Choonga praised the ZPA’s pediatric algorithms, which are designed to standardize care and improve outcomes.
“Through resilience, innovation, and robust partnerships, we can overcome challenges and secure a brighter future for Zambia’s children,” he remarked.
This gathering served as a call to action for all stakeholders to advance pediatric healthcare and ensure every child has access to the care they deserve to thrive.
In addition to government efforts, the private sector’s role in improving child healthcare was also highlighted.
Sachin Narang, Head of Marketing at Big Tree, confirmed the company’s ongoing partnership with the Zambia Private Sector Alliance (ZPSA) to improve healthcare and wellness across the country.
Narang emphasized the vital role of healthcare professionals in ensuring the safety and well-being of Zambia’s families, especially children, and highlighted the importance of private sector involvement in advancing healthcare initiatives.
“Because of the dedication of our healthcare professionals, families in Zambia are thriving. The partnership between ZPSA, doctors, and the private sector is essential for driving progress in healthcare,” Narang stated.
Big Tree, part of the Great Kings Group, has been actively involved in promoting health and wellness through its food and beverage products.
The company recently won the Product of the Year award for its contributions to the sector. In addition to its product offerings, Big Tree has partnered with ZPSA on initiatives targeting student health, focusing on critical issues such as bullying and obesity.
These programs aim to raise awareness among young people about the importance of maintaining healthy lifestyles, with guidance from healthcare professionals.
“We remain committed to empowering the next generation to prioritize their health,” said Narang, emphasizing Big Tree’s long-term commitment to improving Zambia’s healthcare system and community wellness.
Dr. Ameck Kamango, Country Director for PATH, also shared insights at the AGM, highlighting PATH’s contribution to Zambia’s health sector.
He underscored the organization’s commitment to advancing health equity through partnerships and innovation. “Health equity cannot be achieved by healthcare providers alone. It requires collaboration across various sectors,” Dr. Kamango explained.
Dr. Kamango highlighted PATH’s involvement in the development of the malaria vaccine, a crucial step in the fight against malaria.
He expressed confidence that the vaccine would be approved by the World Health Organization (WHO), marking a significant milestone in the country’s health efforts.
PATH is also addressing critical areas such as tuberculosis (TB), drug development, medical devices, diagnostics, and healthcare system strengthening.
Additionally, Dr. Kamango emphasized PATH’s focus on digital health and reproductive health, areas key to improving healthcare access and outcomes in Zambia.
He reiterated the importance of collaborations with organizations like the Pediatrics Association of Zambia to improve services for children in the country.
As PATH continues its mission to accelerate health equity, Dr. Kamango’s address underscored the organization’s significant role in Zambia’s healthcare sector, particularly in vaccine development, disease prevention, and strengthening healthcare systems.
This multi-sectoral collaboration between government bodies, the private sector, and global health organizations is pivotal in addressing Zambia’s healthcare challenges and ensuring the well-being of its children.
The unified efforts aim to create a robust healthcare system where all children have access to the necessary care for healthy and thriving futures.
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