Overview
This policy provides an overarching framework for Zambia’s health sector aligned to Vision 2030. It presents a situation analysis using WHO’s health system building blocks, covering key health determinants, service delivery, workforce, medical commodities, infrastructure and transport, leadership and governance, health information, and financing. The policy sets general and specific objectives with measures across maternal, newborn and child health; communicable and non‑communicable diseases; epidemics and surveillance; rehabilitation and palliative care; laboratory and imaging; and integration with traditional and alternative services. It defines service delivery and referral structures from community to tertiary levels and commits to strengthening quality assurance, accountability, and partnerships. Implementation guidance includes a legal and regulatory framework to replace the repealed National Health Services Act, institutional roles from national to district levels, inter- and intra-sectoral collaboration, and a monitoring and evaluation approach anchored in routine and non-routine data systems. Financing directions emphasize free primary health care funded by general revenues, complementary hospital funding through Social Health Insurance, and alignment of external support with national priorities.