PRESS STATEMENT
For Immediate Release
New York, 20th September 2026 — Minister of Health Hon. Prof. Roma Chilengi, M.P., says the Grow Zambia Agenda is key in the health sector, as emphasised by President Hakainde Hichilema.
He said this in New York upon arrival for the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA81) High-Level Week scheduled for 22nd to 28th September 2026.
Prof. Chilengi said the UN General Assembly gives Zambia an opportunity to fully engage stakeholders in the health sector.
Zambia’s health sector focus under the wider Grow Zambia Agenda centre on achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and strengthening frontline service delivery.
On the sidelines of UNGA81, Prof. Chilengi will engage international partners on support for the Grow Zambia Agenda through partnerships and resource mobilisation for the health sector.
Key engagements will include the high-level meeting on pandemic prevention, preparedness and response, where Zambia will deliver a national statement and press for equitable access, sustainable financing and stronger health systems. The Minister will also participate in a high-level roundtable on African leadership and regional production of frontier AIDS and pandemic medicines, advancing Zambia’s push for health sovereignty, local pharmaceutical production and affordable medicines.
Prof. Chilengi will also participate in a side event entitled “Reimagining Global Public Health Architecture: Regional Approaches for Equity, Preparedness and Shared Security,” reinforcing Zambia’s commitment to inclusive, community-centred public health approaches.
Other engagements include the Gavi Leap Dialogue on sustainable financing and equitable vaccine access and the 40th Anniversary of the Declaration on the Right to Development, underscoring Zambia’s human-rights centred development approach. The delegation will also participate in high-level meetings on maternal and child survival, school meals, climate-resilient and primary health care among others.
Issued by:
Charles Tembo
First Secretary Press and Public Relations
Embassy of Zambia Washington-DC
