President Hakainde Hichilema says Zambia is making deliberate efforts to build capacity for local vaccine manufacturing as part of measures to strengthen the country’s health security and resilience against future epidemics.

President Hichilema has noted that Zambia has increased investment in the health sector, aimed at building a stronger, more resilient system capable of safeguarding lives and livelihoods, while positioning the country to contribute meaningfully to global health security.

He has, however, noted that despite these gains, Zambia remains vulnerable to epidemics therefore calling for the expedited conclusion of negotiations on the Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing Annex under the WHO Pandemic Agreement.

The Head of State said this in a General Debate Statement delivered for him by Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mulambo Haimbe, during the United Nations General Assembly, in New York.

The President reported that the government increased domestic budgetary allocations to the health sector from approximately 7 percent to over 10 percent, enabling the recruitment of health workers, expansion and modernisation of health infrastructure, and improved availability of essential medical supplies.

He however stressed the importance of strengthened access to technology and enhanced preparedness capacities to detect and respond to future health threats.

President Hichilema further urged the international community to build a fairer global system that provides developing countries with affordable financing, policy space for economic transformation, and stronger climate action backed by adequate resources.

He said Zambia continues to face the devastating effects of droughts, floods and changing weather patterns, which have severely impacted agriculture, food security, water availability, energy generation and livelihoods.

The Head of State stressed that while climate impacts transcend borders, vulnerable nations such as Zambia should not be left to bear the greatest costs despite contributing least to global emissions.

He called for predictable, accessible and affordable climate finance, technology transfer, and greater investment in adaptation and resilience, consistent with the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities.

“For Africa, adaptation is not optional. Our farmers require climate-resilient agriculture; our communities and cities need resilient infrastructure; our energy systems must become more diversified; and our water resources, forests and ecosystems must be protected,” the President stressed.

President Hichilema also reaffirmed Zambia’s commitment to strengthening water security, climate resilience and sustainable management of natural resources, while ensuring that climate and water action delivers tangible benefits for future generations.

He noted Zambia’s active participation in preparations for the 2026 United Nations Water Conference, where the country is co-chairing the Interactive Dialogue on Water for Cooperation with Finland, emphasising the importance of water security to climate resilience and sustainable development.

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