Early Childhood Development

Families, especially women and children, in Luangwa District will always remember Wednesday, March 6, 2023, as a milestone in their access to quality healthcare. On this day, Republican Vice President Mutale Nalumango visited the district to officially commission the Sinyawagora Rural Health Center, a facility constructed by ChildFund as part of its ongoing commitment to strengthening healthcare systems in Zambia.

Hundreds of community members turned up not only to witness the first visit of the newly elected Vice President but also to celebrate the realization of a long-awaited dream—a fully equipped health center right at their doorstep. The facility boasts a maternity wing, a pharmacy, a water reticulation system, and staff housing, among other vital amenities.

For decades, women and children in this part of Luangwa District had to endure treacherous journeys of up to 24 kilometers to access specialized healthcare at one of the Catholic-run mission hospitals (Katondwe). This challenge was particularly dire for pregnant women, many of whom were forced to give birth at home due to the lack of nearby maternal health services. The newly commissioned health center now eliminates this barrier, bringing essential medical services closer to thousands of families.

“Universal access to healthcare is a fundamental right, and the Government of Zambia is committed to ensuring that every citizen, especially women and children, can access the services they need without barriers. This is a key priority in our Seventh National Development Plan and the Health Sector Strategic Plan. I commend ChildFund for contributing to our vision of an equitable healthcare system. This facility represents our shared responsibility to ensure that no one is left behind,” said Vice President Nalumango.

The ChildFund Country Director Simba Machingaidze officially handed over the facility to the Zambian Government on behalf of the organization. He emphasized the importance of universal healthcare access, particularly for children, and its alignment with child rights principles.

“Access to quality healthcare is a fundamental right for every child, and this facility brings us one step closer to ensuring that all children, regardless of where they live, can grow up healthy and thrive. It is a step toward dismantling the barriers that have prevented children from receiving the care they need. I urge the community, working with the government, to take ownership of this achievement, ensuring that it remains a place where children and their families can access the healthcare they deserve for generations to come,” said Simba.

A key highlight of the event was the Government’s pledge to deploy qualified healthcare professionals to the facility. The Ministry of Health has since assigned 11 medical personnel, ensuring that the health center is fully operational and adequately staffed to provide quality care. This move underscores the Government’s commitment to working with development partners like ChildFund to improve the well-being of rural communities.

The commissioning ceremony was graced by several high-ranking government officials, including the Minister of Health, the Minister of Transport, the Minister of Tourism, and the Lusaka Province Minister. Their presence reaffirmed the Government’s dedication to enhancing healthcare services and recognizing the role of organizations like ChildFund in driving positive change.

The Sinyawagora Rural Health Center

ChildFund’s intervention in the health sector goes beyond infrastructure development. The organization continues to support maternal and child health programs, immunization campaigns, and health education initiatives to promote sustainable community well-being. The construction and operationalization of the Sinyawagora Rural Health Center mark another significant step in ChildFund’s broader mission to ensure that every child has access to quality healthcare, regardless of where they live.