Zambia Seeks to Strengthen Long-term Health Sustainability through Increased HIV Funding

The Zambian Government under President HH have portrayed their desire to increase domestic ownership of HIV, STI and TB programmes.

The Government appreciates that now is the correct time to increase funding in HIV programmes as foreign assistance becomes increasingly less relevant. Furthermore, their plan to increase funding in HIV will significantly increase the countries long-term sustainability.

HIV levels within Zambia have dropped over recent years, however, there has also been a spike of cases within the younger generation. Whilst other challenges with the disease persist. Despite this, Zambia’s growing capacity in training doctors and healthcare professionals illustrates Zambia’s declining reliance on foreign financing to fund these programmes.

Professor Kasonka – Permanent Secretary for Special Duties – noted that increased local funding for HIV will require sustainable national financing mechanisms. The Government supports the efforts to create a financing mechanism which, will in part be funded by the private sector. Furthermore, the Zambia HIV Trust Fund will increase National health security. This will effectively enable the country under President Hichilema’s lead to continue to effectively fight these diseases.

Director of Policy and Planning Peter Ndemena – who represented the council – mentioned the council has created a strategy for the next three years aimed at increasing corporate investment into HIV programmes.

Consequently, greater investment from the private sector, the Zambian HIV Trust Fund and corporate entities is enhancing efforts to mobilise sustainable funding for Zambia's HIV response.