Government Strengthens Vaccine Capability to Reach Every Child in Zambia

The Zambian government has reported progress in strengthening national vaccine capability through enhanced domestic and alternative financing, alongside reinforced partnerships. The push aims to ensure every child in the country is vaccinated.

Speaking at the opening of the 2025 Zambia Civil Society Immunisation Platform (ZCSIP) Annual Conference in Livingstone, Health Permanent Secretary for Technical Services, Kennedy Lishimpi, reaffirmed that civil society remains a key partner in achieving immunisation targets. He noted that debt restructuring has freed up funds for the health sector, providing new opportunities for investment.

More than 65 civil society organisations, united under the ZCSIP umbrella, gathered for the conference with a shared belief that “immunisation for all” is an achievable goal. Lishimpi commended ZCSIP for its role in expanding vaccine access through community-based initiatives, supporting the rollout of new vaccines, and promoting equitable healthcare across the region.

Karen Sichinga, Chief Executive Officer of the Churches Health Association of Zambia, stressed the importance of increasing domestic financing to sustain immunisation efforts and meet national targets.

ZCSIP Chairperson, Ronnie Jere, pledged the organisation’s continued collaboration with the Ministry of Health and other partners to ensure vaccine coverage reaches every corner of the country.