PROGRESS FOR 2026:

Drug availability is a vital measure of trust in the health system. The 2026 Budget allocates K26.2 billion to the health sector, with a significant focus on medicines and medical supplies.

The President has prioritised sustained drug supply and equitable access as a key national priority. This involves strengthening supply chain management systems, governance reforms within the drug distribution system, and enhanced accountability and feedback mechanisms.

The Ministry of Health leads implementation, supported by the Zambia Medicines and Medical Supplies Agency (ZAMMSA), the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) and the Zambia Medicines Regulatory Authority (ZAMRA), among other key players in the sector.

Access to essential medicines is not just about logistics; it is about saving lives and restoring public confidence. Stocked clinics mean safe deliveries for mothers, treatment for chronic conditions, and protection against preventable diseases. For citizens, drug access is a matter of dignity and survival.

The PDU’s evidence-based monitoring ensures that reforms and budget allocations result in tangible improvements at health facilities. Civil society and community health committees are also key in tracking shortages and reporting gaps. Local pharmaceutical manufacturers can complement efforts by increasing production capacity.

Delivering equitable access to medicines strengthens the social contract between citizens and government. It ensures that healthcare is not an abstract policy but a lived reality for every person, reinforcing trust and advancing the President’s vision of improved health outcomes nationwide.