Kasama, March 8, 2025 – President Hakainde Hichilema has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to improving health and education by officiating at the handover of 595 School Health Rooms to the Government of Zambia by Healthy Learners.
Speaking at Malama Primary School in Kasama District, Northern Province, President Hichilema emphasized that education and health are key priorities under the Eighth National Development Plan (8NDP). He commended Healthy Learners for its role in transforming public schools into healthcare triage spaces, ensuring learners receive timely health services within school premises.
The School Health Programme, a collaborative effort between the Ministries of Health and Education, aims to bridge the gap between health and education. Through this initiative, 595 Health Rooms have been constructed across 20 districts in eight provinces, benefiting nearly 1 million learners and training over 5,000 teachers as Health Teachers.
In Kasama District alone, 29 Health Rooms have been established, providing safe spaces where learners can access primary healthcare. The programme has also expanded to Muchinga and Western Provinces, extending its reach to all 10 provinces of Zambia.
Healthy Learners CEO, Mr. Lonnie Hackett, expressed gratitude to President Hichilema for the government’s unwavering commitment to the School Health Programme.
“The School Health Programme delivers healthcare where it’s needed most—right in schools—so children stay healthy, stay in class, and reach their full potential. By building and equipping Health Rooms, training teachers in community health, and fostering peer support through buddy groups, the programme ensures students receive care as soon as they need it,” said Mr. Hackett.
Looking ahead, Healthy Learners has pledged to expand the programme to 70 districts, targeting the construction of over 2,000 Health Rooms, training 15,000 Health Teachers, and reaching 3 million learners by 2028.
President Hichilema described the initiative as a major milestone in Zambia’s efforts to enhance child health and education, emphasizing that healthy learners perform better academically. He assured continued government support for school-based healthcare services, ensuring that every child has access to quality education and essential health services.
Health Minister Dr. Elijah Muchima and Education Minister Douglas Syakalima also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving the education, health, and well-being of learners, recognizing the School Health Programme as a transformative step towards a healthier and more educated nation.