Lusaka, Zambia: As part of its support towards increasing the availability and use of data for national development, UNFPA was pleased to hand-over various field and office supplies and equipment to the Central Statistical Office, tuned to the value of an estimated ZMW 477,045 ($47,824). The supplies and equipment are intended to support the collection, processing and dissemination of the 2018 Zambia Demographic and Health Survey (ZDHS) data in Zambia.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, UNFPA Representative Ms. Gift Malunga acknowledged the collaboration between UNFPA and the Central Statistical Office, which continues to facilitate implementation of priority interventions for increasing the availability and use of data for national development. "On behalf of UNFPA in Zambia, I wish to reaffirm our commitment towards improving availability of timely, quality and accurate Census and ZDHS data in support of Zambia’s development aspirations. We are also pleased to have partnered with the Government of Zambia throughout the preparatory phases of this important undertaking, in recognition of the critical role data plays in decision-making, prioritization of budget and expenditure processes, policy formulation and targeted programming in Zambia" Ms. Malunga highlighted.
Speaking as he received the supplies and equipment on behalf of the Central Statistical Office, Acting Director Mr. Goodson Sinyenga appreciated UNFPA's sustained support and collaboration with the Government of Zambia. "The field supplies and equipment we have received from UNFPA today will significantly contribute towards the successful undertaking of the 2018 ZDHS, which could not have come at a more opportune time as the country begins to track progress on the implementation of the 7th National Development Plan (2017-2021). The ZDHS data will equally contribute to the body of evidence that will serve as benchmarks on the country’s progress towards achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals". Mr. Sinyenga said.
In addition to the procurement of field and office supplies, UNFPA Zambia's support to the 2018 ZDHS undertaking has also included the capacity building of staff for in-depth analysis of data, adaptation of survey instruments, communication and publicity.
