Zambia formally makes NVP on MDGs to UN

Zambia has formally made its National Voluntary Presentation (NVP) to the UN Member States on progress made on Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

The NVP has also included the country’s strategy of transforming MDGs into Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which are due to be adopted in September this year.

Delivering Zambia’s NVP titled: “Managing the transition from MDGs to SDGs: What it will take? The Zambian Experience” to the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) in New York on Friday, Finance Deputy Minister Christopher Mvunga said although Zambia has made progress on some MDGs, it still has challenges to achieve others.

Christopher Mvunga

Mr. Mvunga says notwithstanding Zambia’s robust economic growth during the 15-year period of MDGs, there is also need to transform this growth into tangible development outcomes.

He notes that Maternal and childhood mortality declined over time, but the country missed target in achieving MDG four on reducing child mortality and MDG five on improving maternal health, maternal mortality declined, Under-5 mortality declined, infant mortality declined.

Mr. Mvunga says successes have however been recorded on HIV/AIDS, primary education and gender equality in primary education.

He states that Zambian Government has recognized the implementation challenges in meeting the MDGs that include absence of a comprehensive legal framework and weak linkages between the national development planning and the medium-term expenditure framework and poor coordination.

Mr. Mvunga says Zambia will need to develop capacity to capture revenues from its vast natural resources and equitably allocate them to promote inclusive growth and development.

This is contained in a statement released to Qfm News by First Secretary for Press and Public Relations at the Zambian United Nations Permanent Mission in New York Chibaula Silwamba.