Minister of Health Elijah Muchima says despite the increase in contraceptive prevalence rates, Zambia continues to face challenges and barriers to contraceptive access.
Dr Muchima says in order to address the gap government through the ministry of health is implementing strategic interventions aimed at scaling up life skills and enhancing community based sexual reproductive health services.
Speaking at the Sexual Reproductive Health Alliance conference in Lusaka the Minister explains that the conference serves as a reminder that men can be valuable partners in health and development playing a critical role in supporting family planning and sexual reproductive health initiatives.
Dr Muchima emphasized the need for enhanced commodity security ensuring the availability and effective management of essential health commodities including family planning.
The World Vasectomy Day Zambia organized the conference under the theme, “Fostering Family Planning Collaborations.”
Minister of Health Dr. Elijah Muchima called for strengthened collaborations to enhance access to sexual reproductive Health services in Zambia.
Dr. Muchima emphasized the importance of partnerships in achieving universal access to family planning and improving health outcomes.
The Minister of Health further noted that collaborative efforts are essential to ensure that every individual, regardless of age, gender, or socioeconomic status, has access to quality sexual reproductive health services.
Dr. Muchima outlined key focus areas, including improving commodity security, strengthening healthcare infrastructure, promoting integrated service delivery, and supporting research and innovation in family planning.
Meanwhile, Dr. Muchima underscored Zambia’s significant strides in sexual reproductive health, such as increased contraceptive prevalence and reduced maternal mortality.
He outlined Government initiatives which include expanding service delivery points, introducing new contraceptive methods, and enhancing community education and healthcare provider training.
However, Dr. Muchima acknowledged persistent barriers, particularly in rural and marginalized areas such as limited access to information and services, cultural and social norms restricting women’s access to contraception, financial constraints, and shortages of healthcare personnel and contraceptive supplies.
And the Minister of Health indicated that to address the gaps, the government is scaling up life skills education, enhancing community-based services, strengthening partnerships with civil society and the private sector, and promoting male involvement in family planning.
The conference is expected to generate actionable strategies to advance Zambia’s reproductive health agenda and foster sustainable development.
And World Vasectomy Day Chief Executive Officer Sheila Gabeya says shared commitment to advancing social reproductive health will help foster dialogue between likeminded organization.
Meanwhile, WVD Chief Executive Officer Jonathan stark revealed that about 150 men have so far shown up to get Vasectomy, having 21clients per week and hopeful to reach over 500 Vasectomy services done in 2024.
