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Minister of Health, Dr. Elijah Muchima, has acknowledged the support from the Ministry of Finance and National Planning to the health sector despite the withdrawal of aid from key stakeholders.
Muchima emphasized the need for investment in the National Health Insurance Management Authority (NHIMA) to expand health coverage for the poor and vulnerable.
The Minister made these remarks during the 2025 Spring Meetings in Washington D.C., where he participated in a high-level dialogue on sustainable health financing in Africa, organized by the AfroChampions Initiative.
In a statement issued on Monday by First Secretary for Press and Public Relations Charles Tembo, Muchima shared his thoughts with the Zambian delegation at the residence of Zambia’s Ambassador to the USA, Dr. Chibamba Kanyama.
The forum aimed to bring together stakeholders to develop actionable strategies and partnerships to strengthen health systems across Africa. Muchima noted the success of his discussions, particularly focusing on ways to sustain healthcare in Africa in light of the aid withdrawal.
He expressed gratitude for the Ministry of Finance’s strong support to Zambia’s health sector, especially amid the reduced financial aid. “How do we sustain ourselves after the withdrawal of funding? These were critical issues we addressed, starting from domestic to regional and continental solutions,” Muchima said.
Muchima also highlighted the importance of using local funds wisely in the face of limited external aid. He assured that the Government would ensure that the poor, unable to pay for NHIMA, still have access to essential health insurance coverage.
“We need to invest in NHIMA to broaden our health schemes, reduce wastage, and extend coverage to the poor and vulnerable,” Muchima stressed.
He also acknowledged the fiscal constraints Zambia faces, underlining the need for sustainable solutions to address funding gaps for health commodities.
Ambassador Kanyama reiterated that the Mission would continue to engage stakeholders in the health sector despite the challenges posed by the withdrawal of funding.
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