Govt urged to sustain momentum in expanding healthcare infrastructure

The Medical for Quality Healthcare in Zambia (MQHZ) has called on the government to maintain momentum in expanding healthcare infrastructure and maximize the impact of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF).

MQHZ Director General, Quince Mwabu, stated the need for continued investment in equipping healthcare facilities and ensuring adequate staffing.

In a statement issued on Thursday, Mwabu commended the government for significant strides in improving healthcare access, highlighting the construction of 269 health posts, 142 maternity annexes, and 157 staff houses as key achievements.

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“The addition of maternity annexes has led to a 30 percent reduction in maternal mortality rates, from 278 to 195 deaths per 100,000 births, while newborn mortality rates have dropped by 37 percent, from 27 to 17 deaths per 100,000 live births between 2018 and 2024,” Mwabu said.

He stressed that these developments were critical in improving maternal and child health outcomes, especially in rural areas where access to healthcare remained a challenge.

Mwabu further noted that the construction of staff houses has helped retain healthcare workers in rural areas, enhancing service delivery and overall healthcare quality.

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