Zambia records over 70% drop in child mortality rates, Health ministry says

Zambia has recorded a significant reduction in child mortality over the past 25 years, with under-five mortality dropping by more than 70 percent—from 168 per 1,000 live births in 2001 to 64 per 1,000 in 2024.

The infant mortality rate has also seen a substantial decline, falling from 95 to 29 per 1,000 live births during the same period, according to Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary for Technical Services, Dr. Kennedy Lishimpi.

Speaking at a dissemination meeting held on Wednesday at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Lusaka, Dr. Lishimpi attributed the progress to robust immunization efforts under the Immunization 5-Point Plan, a collaborative initiative between the Zambia Red Cross Society and the American Red Cross.

“Immunization is a vital primary healthcare service that significantly contributes to the prevention and control of many communicable diseases in children,” he said.

Lishimpi underscored the importance of strategic partnerships, highlighting how the introduction of new vaccines, improved infrastructure, and expanded cold chain equipment have bolstered the national immunization programme.

He called for continued investment and coordination in immunization efforts to sustain and advance Zambia’s progress toward child health targets outlined in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Representing Zambia Red Cross Society, Secretary General, Cosmas Sakala, Director of Programming, Dr. Jack Bbabbi, explained that the 5-Point Plan was developed in close partnership with the Ministry of Health and other stakeholders.

“The plan’s core components include mapping and identification, coordination and action, social mobilization, and evaluation,” Bbabbi said.

He emphasized that the plan had shown strong potential to combine community knowledge, evidence, and joint action to drive impactful outcomes.

Sakala, through his representative, reiterated the organization’s commitment to strengthening public health systems and community-based interventions that support child survival and immunization coverage.

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