First Lady urges govt to invest in health programmes

Fist Lady Esther Lungu

First Lady Esther Lungu has stressed the need for investment in health programmes such as immunization that will ensure the good health and growth of children in the country.

Mrs Lungu has since pledged her commitment to working closely with the ministry of health in advocating for primary health especially pertaining to immunization to reach the doorsteps of all Zambians.

Speaking during the ministry of health better immunization data initiative showcase program in Lusaka today, Mrs Lungu says efforts aimed at ensuring the healthy growth of a child should be taken seriously in all national programs.

She has noted that an absence of common vaccines to prevent childhood diseases jeopardises the future of the children and the nation at large.

She says immunization has been proved to be one of the best methods of keeping children healthy, and therefore the work of the ministry of health in ensuring that children are vaccinated should be given the necessary support.

The First Lady has since commended the ministry of health for the implementation of the Better Immunization Data initiative which is aimed at ensuring better data, better decisions and better health services for children in the country.

Speaking at the same event, ministry of health acting permanent secretary Dr Kennedy Malama pledged the ministry’s commitment to working with various stakeholders in ensuring that healthcare for children and vaccination programs are enhanced.

Dr Malama has stated that the BID initiative will help in ensuring efficiency in data collection on issues of child vaccinations and provision of immunization services for women and children around the country.