Zambia is using the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA81) to push for greater international support for healthcare, with universal health coverage, stronger primary healthcare and access to medicines among its priorities.
Health Minister Professor Roma Chilengi arrived in New York ahead of the UNGA High-Level Week, scheduled for September 22 to 28.
The health agenda includes efforts to strengthen services at the frontline, particularly where shortages of healthcare workers, medicines and infrastructure continue to affect access to care.
Zambia will also use the meetings to seek partnerships and financing for the health sector under the government's wider Grow Zambia Agenda.
One of the key engagements will be a high-level meeting on pandemic prevention, preparedness and response. Zambia is expected to call for more equitable access to vaccines and other medical tools, sustainable financing and stronger health systems.
The country will also take part in discussions on African leadership and regional production of medicines for AIDS and pandemics. The focus is on expanding pharmaceutical production within Africa and improving access to affordable medicines.
For Zambia, greater local and regional production could reduce dependence on external supply chains, particularly during health emergencies.
Other meetings will look at the future of global public health, including how countries can strengthen preparedness while making health systems more responsive to communities.
The Zambian delegation will also participate in the Gavi Leap Dialogue on vaccine financing and access, as well as discussions on maternal and child survival, school meals, climate-resilient healthcare and primary healthcare.
The meetings come at a time when Zambia is trying to improve access to healthcare beyond major urban centres. The Ministry of Health's current plans place greater emphasis on primary healthcare and bringing services closer to communities.
The main question will be what comes out of the discussions once the delegation returns home. International partnerships and funding can support the health system, but their impact will ultimately be measured through the availability of medicines, healthcare workers and quality services at local health facilities.
UNGA81 gives Zambia an opportunity to make that case on an international stage.
