EU pumps K261.1bn to boost Zambia's health service
By Pelekelo Liswaniso
WE salute the European Union (EU) for committing a grant of K261.1 billion to the government to help improve public health service delivery.
We have no doubt that with such an injection of financial resources, the government will use the funds judiciously to improve the quality of life of the people.
Zambia’s health sector is weak and is challenged by several factors that include a high and complex disease burden, which is compounded by the high prevalence of HIV/AIDS and malaria.
The hospitals across the country face staff shortages while the supply of drugs and other medical requirements needs to be improved.
Most of the medical equipment and accessories need to be upgraded while at the same time improving the general working environment.
The grant, whose agreement was signed in Lusaka last week by the EU commissioner for health and consumer protection, Mrs. Androulla Vassiliou, and Minister of Health, Kapembwa Simbao, has therefore, come as a relief as it will go a long way in addressing the bottlenecks in the health sector.
The grant is under the 10th European Development Fund (EDF) for Zambia, under the period 2009-2011 and it will be channeled through sector budget support, which is Government’s preferred aid modality.
This support is a clear demonstration of the confidence the EU has in President Rupiah Banda’s Government’s to protect core sectors of national development in the light of the global financial and economic crisis.
The assurance from Mr. Simbao that Government was determined to provide a comprehensive policy and legal framework for effective coordination, implementation and monitoring of health services is also commendable particularly now when fears are mounting that the global recession may get worse.
During hard times like now, the nation pins its hope on an effective health system and it is gratifying that the EU has come to our aid when help is needed most.
The country is already feeling the harsh realities of the recession and it would be a tragedy to have a non-functioning health sector.
We urge other cooperating partners to emulate the EU and show compassion to poor nations like Zambia and assist where possible.
WE salute the European Union (EU) for committing a grant of K261.1 billion to the government to help improve public health service delivery.
We have no doubt that with such an injection of financial resources, the government will use the funds judiciously to improve the quality of life of the people.
Zambia’s health sector is weak and is challenged by several factors that include a high and complex disease burden, which is compounded by the high prevalence of HIV/AIDS and malaria.
The hospitals across the country face staff shortages while the supply of drugs and other medical requirements needs to be improved.
Most of the medical equipment and accessories need to be upgraded while at the same time improving the general working environment.
The grant, whose agreement was signed in Lusaka last week by the EU commissioner for health and consumer protection, Mrs. Androulla Vassiliou, and Minister of Health, Kapembwa Simbao, has therefore, come as a relief as it will go a long way in addressing the bottlenecks in the health sector.
The grant is under the 10th European Development Fund (EDF) for Zambia, under the period 2009-2011 and it will be channeled through sector budget support, which is Government’s preferred aid modality.
This support is a clear demonstration of the confidence the EU has in President Rupiah Banda’s Government’s to protect core sectors of national development in the light of the global financial and economic crisis.
The assurance from Mr. Simbao that Government was determined to provide a comprehensive policy and legal framework for effective coordination, implementation and monitoring of health services is also commendable particularly now when fears are mounting that the global recession may get worse.
During hard times like now, the nation pins its hope on an effective health system and it is gratifying that the EU has come to our aid when help is needed most.
The country is already feeling the harsh realities of the recession and it would be a tragedy to have a non-functioning health sector.
We urge other cooperating partners to emulate the EU and show compassion to poor nations like Zambia and assist where possible.
posted by aydpels @ 5:53 AM
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