Health Minister, Muchima, launches three-year roadmap to promote healthy living

Minister of Health, Dr. Elijah Muchima. has unveiled a three-year roadmap aimed at empowering communities, promoting healthy lifestyles, and preventing diseases across Zambia, alongside the launch of the Maternal and Child Health Handbook.

Muchima officially launched the National Health Promotion Strategic Framework (2022–2026), the Maternal and Child Health Handbook, and the Health Promotion Aerobics Fridays initiative at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Lusaka on Friday.

Reflecting on lessons from COVID-19, the rise of Non-Communicable Diseases, and recurring outbreaks of cholera, anthrax, measles, and other preventable illnesses, Muchima emphasized that prevention must now take centre stage.

He noted that Zambia’s traditional Antenatal and Under-5 cards, while essential for decades, could no longer accommodate the growing volume of critical information.

“In fact, the under-5 card had been stretched, literally, to nearly a meter in length, and still, space was insufficient,” he said.

The new Handbook merges both cards into one integrated record, tracking care from conception to a child’s fifth birthday. It is more user-friendly, cost-effective, and provides richer content for both mother and child.

“A Zambia where every expectant mother receives the care and information she needs, and every child grows up not just surviving, but thriving in a clean, informed, and supportive environment is envisaged,” Muchima stated.

He added that the National Health Promotion Strategic Framework translates principles such as health promotion, equity, empowerment, participation, and sustainability into actionable steps, providing a common roadmap for volunteers, policymakers, teachers, traditional leaders, youth advocates, and health professionals.

“It places people at the heart of our strategies, empowering communities to take ownership of their health, and fostering environments where everyone can thrive,” Muchima said.

The Minister also announced Health Promotion Aerobics Fridays, a nationwide wellness initiative encouraging public offices and communities to take a collective health break every Friday at 14:00 hours.

“This is not merely about exercise. It is about fostering a culture of wellness, reducing stress, building teamwork, and setting an example. When leaders and public servants prioritise their own health, communities follow,” he said.

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