ZAMBIA: ZCCB Calls for Stronger Support for Catholic Health Facilities

Bishop Evans Chinyemba, the director of the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB) Health Department, has called for increased support and collaboration to strengthen Catholic health institutions across Zambia. Speaking at the department's annual general meeting in Lusaka, Chinyemba identified several obstacles facing these facilities, including aging infrastructure, insufficient grants, limited mobility, and poor road networks in remote regions. He also noted how recent cholera cases have affected the communities these facilities serve.

Chinyemba urged the Church, the Ministry of Health, and other partners to work together more closely. He specifically requested a review of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Catholic Health Association of Zambia (CHAZ) and the government, noting that the current agreement has not been updated since 2011.

ZCCB National Health Coordinator Sr. Astridah Chibale stated that the Church's health work is a mission rooted in the healing of Jesus Christ rather than just a partnership with the state. She noted that Catholic facilities and training centers serve all patients regardless of their creed, tribe, or ability to pay. Chibale also addressed the challenges of increasing workloads and staffing shortages, encouraging health workers to maintain their faith and humility.