LUSAKA, 24-28 June 2019 - A delegation of 10 visiting parliamentarians from Armenia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Finland, Ghana, Lithuania, Portugal, Romania, Turkey and the UK joined their Zambian counterparts for a four-day study tour to Zambia on Universal Health Coverage, Health Financing, Immunization and ICPD.
The first day saw the Lusaka Parliamentarians' Dialogue on ICPD25, universal health coverage (UHC) and immunisation take place at the National Assembly of Zambia. Rt. Hon. Dr. Patrick Matibini, Speaker of the National Assembly of Zambia delivered a keynote address recalling the critical role of parliamentarians to achieve the SDGs by 2030. Following this, Dr. Gifty Addico, Chief, UNFPA Commodity Security Branch delivering a technical presentation on key issues in reproductive health supplies. The Dialogue culminated with the Launch of the Zambia Parliamentarians UHC Communique (see attachment below) with Zambian MPs committing to leave no one behind, reiterating that “UHC, particularly primary healthcare is the cornerstone of the health system and a critical step to achieving health for all.”
On the second day, the parliamentary delegation was hosted at the Ministry of Health for a courtesy call with Zambia Minister of Health H.E. Dr. Chitalu Chilufya and his staff to reaffirm Zambia's progress towards improving SRHR outcomes for women and young people UNFPA Zambia. The delegation then visited the Planned Parenthood Association of Zambia Health Facility in Rhodespark, Lusaka before a press briefing at the National Assembly in Lusaka to present the "Zambia Parliamentarians UHC Communiqué". The day ended with a development partners roundtable on UHC and SRHR in Zambia held at the Swedish Embassy in Zambia under the patronage of H.E Henrik Cederin, Swedish Ambassador to Zambia.
The third day included a visit to Lusaka Matero Level 1 Hospital, George Clinic as well as the Mother and Child Unit of the University Teaching Hospital. Back at the National Assembly of Zambia, the Parliamentary Delegation attended a session during which H.E. Dr. Chitalu Chilufya, Minister of Health, presented the launch and roll-out of the HPV vaccine throughout the country.
For the fourth day, the delegation visited the Marie Stopes and Africa Directions centres in Lusaka to discuss the specific needs of young people and adolescents in Kalikiliki and Mtendere neighbourhoods. Finally, the parliamentarians attended a visit of Medical Stores Limited to learn about the achievements and challenges of storing, dispatching and shipping medical supplies throughout the country.
Upon return from Zambia, participants are expected to carry out follow-up actions within their respective Parliament, political parties and constituencies, emphasising the importance of sexual and reproductive health and rights in sustainable development strategies including for:
- Political and financial commitments made support increased access to UHC and RH commodities.
- Signature of the Ottawa Declaration and dissemination of adopted UHC Communiqué