Minister of Health Alex Katakwe says government remains committed to strengthening healthcare delivery through strategic partnerships and infrastructure development.

Speaking during a debrief ahead of the launch of Zambia National Polio Laboratory upgrade and the rollout of a Polio vaccination campaign at the University Teaching Hospital, Dr Katakwe described the two initiatives as critical milestones in improving disease surveillance and safeguarding public health.

He stated that the Ministry of Health continues to face significant challenges but emphasised that collaboration with cooperating partners, including UNICEF and World Health Organization, is helping to address key gaps in the sector.

Dr Katakwe said the government has placed health at the top of its development agenda, in line with directives from President Hakainde Hichilema, who has consistently called for equitable access to healthcare services for all citizens.

Dr Katakwe further highlighted that the establishment of the virology laboratory positions Zambia among a selected group of countries with advanced diagnostic capabilities, noting that the facility will serve as a regional referral centre.