Govt targets 2.5 million children in expanded school health programme by 2028

The government has announced that the School Health Programme is set to reach over 2.5 million children across all 10 provinces by 2028.

Through the Ministry of Education, the initiative aims to train more than 15,000 School Health Teachers and construct approximately 2,000 health rooms nationwide.

Northern Province Minister, Leonard Mbao, made the announcement on Tuesday in Kasama District during a media briefing on the programme, which is expected to cover 70 districts by 2028.

He stated that the programme, implemented by the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Health with support from Healthy Learners, reflects the government’s commitment to strengthening health services in schools through a unified approach.

“For Northern Province, Kasama in particular, 29 Health Rooms have been constructed at a total cost of US$300,000,” Mbao said.

Similar facilities have been set up in Lusaka, Copperbelt, Central, North-Western, Luapula, Eastern, and Southern provinces, with an overall investment of US$20 million.

Mbao also commended President Hakainde Hichilema for choosing Northern Province, particularly Kasama, as the venue for this year’s International Women’s Day celebrations.

“On behalf of the people of Northern Province, I extend our sincere appreciation to the Republican President of Zambia, Mr. Hakainde Hichilema, for celebrating this year’s International Women’s Day with us. We were deeply honored by his thoughtful gesture,” he said.

He further thanked the people of Northern Province, especially women, for their enthusiastic participation in the event.

Mbao also acknowledged President Hichilema’s donation of Blood Pressure Machines to all 595 Health Rooms constructed nationwide.

He emphasized that the President’s visit to the province reinforced government’s commitment to addressing key issues, including gender equality, women’s empowerment, health, education, and social justice.

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