President HH pledges stronger WHO ties as he marks six decades of partnership

President Hakainde Hichilema has reinforced the country’s commitment to the World Health Organization, celebrating a partnership spanning more than six decades as he addressed health officials from across Africa.

Speaking at the 75th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa, President Hichilema emphasised the transformative impact of the organisation's work in the country since the partnership began 61 years ago.

"WHO's presence and initiatives in Zambia reflect the value we place on this organisation and the vital support it has provided over the years," the president said during the opening ceremony.

President Hichilema announced plans to provide dedicated office space for WHO within the country, describing it as a concrete demonstration of the nation's commitment to the longstanding partnership.

The president used his address to call for enhanced regional cooperation on critical health challenges facing the continent, particularly in areas of hygiene, water and sanitation infrastructure.

"We must unite and commit to the health of humanity," he declared, urging fellow African leaders to make strategic decisions that prioritise the wellbeing of their populations.

The WHO Regional Committee for Africa serves as the organisation's primary decision-making body for the continent, bringing together health ministers and senior officials annually to shape policies and endorse financial plans aimed at improving health outcomes across the region.

The announcement of dedicated WHO office space signals the government’s intention to play a more prominent role in regional health governance under President Hichilema's administration.

Since taking office in 2021, the president has made healthcare reform a cornerstone of his domestic agenda while positioning Zambia as an active participant in continental health initiatives.

The 75th regional session comes at a critical time for African health systems, which continue to grapple with the lasting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic while addressing endemic challenges including malaria, tuberculosis and maternal mortality.

The government’s renewed commitment to WHO partnership reflects broader efforts across the continent to strengthen multilateral health cooperation and build more resilient healthcare infrastructure.