Zambia integrates health services into schools through constituency development fund

The Zambian government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening community-level service delivery by integrating health services into school infrastructure under the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), officials said on Tuesday.

Permanent Secretary–Technical Services in the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, Nicholas Phiri, led a delegation across Chipata and Kasenengwa Districts to engage stakeholders on the initiative, which aligns with the national School Health Programme launched by President Hakainde Hichilema.

Phiri said the government entered into a partnership with the non-governmental organisation Healthy Learners in February to expand the programme, which aims to improve health and learning outcomes for school-going children.

“As we roll out school infrastructure under CDF, it is critical that we simultaneously plan for health rooms within these facilities. These will provide first aid, medical support, and essential health services to learners within the school environment,” Phiri said.

CDF-funded projects currently include classroom blocks, desks, and water and sanitation facilities. Phiri noted that the integration of health rooms would enhance learner wellbeing and improve participation in education.

The initiative reflects a broader strategy to pool resources with cooperating partners, including corporate actors, to maximize the impact of public investments.

The government has pledged to co-finance development projects through matching fund arrangements, particularly in sectors such as health, water and sanitation, and rural electrification.

Phiri also highlighted the importance of stakeholder engagement, stressing that collaboration with local authorities, traditional leaders, and civic stakeholders was key to ensuring sustainability and community ownership of the programmes.

Traditional leaders Chief Madzimawe and Chief Nzamane welcomed the initiative, describing it as a timely intervention to improve access to essential health services for learners. They pledged full support for the programme’s implementation in their chiefdoms.

Through the initiative, the government expects to significantly increase the number of health rooms in schools, thereby expanding access to essential health services and strengthening the overall impact of the School Health Programme across communities.

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