PRESS STATEMENT
For Immediate Release
New York, 24.09.25 – Hon. Elijah Muchima, M.P, Ministry of Health Zambia, has underscored Zambia’s commitment to inclusive, sustainable, and effective health systems.
During a high-level side event on “Taking Mental Health Beyond Institutions into the Community: Lessons from Uganda’s Multisectoral Success” which was co-hosted by Uganda on the margins of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Hon. Muchima affirmed government’s ongoing dedication to fostering partnerships that drive awareness, improve service delivery, and promote the mental well-being of all Zambians.
The Minister highlighted significant strides that Zambia has made in transforming mental health care by integrating services into primary health care and community structures.
Hon. Muchima underscored that mental health services in Zambia were now more accessible and responsive to community needs.
The Minister highlighted that the Zambian government and stakeholders made deliberate efforts to increase investment in the integration of mental health services at the primary level.
Hon. Muchima stated that the integration led to the significant enhancement of the provision of mental health care through established channels for screening, assessment, and management of mental health conditions.
The Minister highlighted that Zambia embarked on building capacity for both health workers to support mental health services within communities.
Hon. Muchima was accompanied to the meeting by Ms. Mainga Kabika, Permanent Secretary, Gender Division – Office of the President and other government officials.
The side event served as a platform for peer-to-peer learning, donor engagement, and technical exchange. It encouraged member states and partners to embrace multisectoral, rights-based approaches to mental health and to invest in proven, culturally sensitive models that empower communities and improve population well-being.
Issued by:
Namatama Njekwa
First Secretary for Press and Public Relations
Permanent Mission of the Republic of Zambia to the United Nations
