By 
President Hakainde Hichilema has urged African Member States to enhance investment in both their own nations and the Africa Centre for Disease Control (CDC) to promote self-reliance and improve domestic resource mobilization.
In a statement delivered on his behalf by Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister, Mulambo Haimbe, Hichilema highlighted that increased investment would reduce Africa’s dependency on external funding and strengthen its ability to tackle health challenges.
The statement was part of the Report of the Africa CDC Heads of State and Government, delivered during the 38th Ordinary Session of the African Union Assembly in Addis Ababa on February 15, 2025.
Hichilema emphasized that reducing reliance on donor funding was crucial for Africa’s growth.
He expressed Zambia’s full support for the African Union’s decision to recognize the Africa CDC as an autonomous public health body, responsible for disease prevention and control across the continent.
Read More: Trump’s key ally, Musk, tags USAID ‘beyond repair’ as thousands of staff set to be placed on leave“As a country and President, we have endorsed the recognition of Africa CDC’s vital role, as outlined in its Statutes,” Hichilema said, stressing Zambia’s commitment to the CDC’s mission. He also reaffirmed Zambia’s role as the host of the Africa CDC Southern Africa Regional Collaborative Centre.
In his address, Hichilema highlighted Zambia’s proactive efforts, including a partnership with a Chinese company to establish cholera vaccine manufacturing in Zambia, positioning the country as one of the first in Africa to do so.
Addressing ongoing health challenges like Mpox, cholera, and anthrax, Hichilema underlined their severe impact on public health across the continent.
He called for strengthened healthcare systems to effectively manage and mitigate these diseases, which continue to threaten public health, economies, and societies in Southern Africa and beyond.
Meanwhile, President Hichilema has called for an end to wasteful expenditure and a redirection of resources toward the health sector following the suspension of USAID funding to Zambia and other African nations.
Speaking at the African Union Summit in Addis Ababa after a high-level meeting with UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima, President Hichilema warned that the aid freeze would severely impact Zambia’s healthcare system, particularly in areas such as HIV/AIDS prevention, malaria control, and maternal health.
“This is a moment of reckoning for Africa. We must take charge of our own destiny by ensuring that every Kwacha is spent wisely. We cannot continue relying on external support while failing to manage our own resources effectively,” Hichilema stated.
He stressed that African nations must prioritize essential sectors such as health, agriculture, and education to ensure long-term sustainability.
To mitigate the impact of the USAID funding cut, President Hichilema called for a crackdown on excessive and non-essential government spending, insisting that financial discipline is crucial to maintaining critical health programs that millions of Zambians depend on.
“The USAID funding freeze has sent shockwaves across Africa, with several countries facing disruptions in key health services,” he acknowledged.
Hichilema reaffirmed government’s commitment to securing alternative funding sources while strengthening economic management to safeguard vital social services.
“In difficult times, we must make tough but necessary choices. Cutting unnecessary expenses will allow us to fund essential services like healthcare, education, and agriculture,” he said.
The funding freeze followed President Donald Trump’s re-election, with his administration signaling potential cuts to various USAID projects worldwide.
WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.
Comments