THE Ministry of Health has officially handed-over 12 ambulances and one vaccine delivery truck to hospitals across the country in a bid to strengthen emergency healthcare services and vaccine distribution.
The vehicles, procured under the World Bank Zambia COVID-19 Project and administered by the Zambia National Public Health Institute (ZNPHI) will serve critical healthcare needs in underserved districts, aiming to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality while enhancing access to vaccines.
The neonatal ambulances were allocated to Kanyama Level One Hospital, St Francis Mission Hospital, Choma Central Hospital, Macha Mission Hospital, Arthur Davison Children’s Hospital and Solwezi Central Hospital to improve emergency care for newborns. 
Meanwhile, Basic Life Support ambulances were distributed to Chililabombwe Level 1 Hospital, Sisheke Mini Hospital, Solwezi Central Hospital, Kazungula District Hospital, Arthur Davison Hospital and Ikeleng’i Hospital.
The vaccine delivery truck was assigned to the Child Health Unit under the Expanded Programme on
Immunisation (EPI).
Speaking at the handover ceremony, Health minister Elijah Muchima expressed gratitude to the World Bank for its continued support in strengthening Zambia’s healthcare system.
Muchima said the ambulances would serve as vital lifelines, particularly in rural areas where emergency services remain limited.
He noted that the handover marked a significant milestone in Zambia’s healthcare progress and reaffirmed government’s commitment to providing quality healthcare as outlined in the National Health Strategic Plan 2022-2026.
He noted government’s ongoing efforts to revitalise the health sector including the recruitment of over 18,000 health workers but acknowledged that challenges persist, particularly for citizens who still travel long distances to access healthcare.
Muchima urged other development partners to support Zambia’s health initiatives and assured the public that the ambulances would be properly deployed and maintained with trained health personnel at the helm.
Ministry of Health principal public relations officer Georgia Mutale confirmed in a statement that Muchima also called for increased investment in Zambia’s healthcare workforce and digital innovations to build a resilient and responsive healthcare system.
