Despite notable progress over the last decade, access to reproductive health commodities remains a significant public health challenge in Zambia, with unmet need for family planning still relatively high especially in rural communities. Current data from the Zambia Demographic and Health Survey highlights that 2 in every 10 married women (20%) would like to use family planning, but are unable to access it.

Informed by UNFPA’s global Transformative Results, and in line with the UNFPA’s 8th Country Programme of Corporation with the Government of Zambia (2016-2022), UNFPA with funding support from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), continues to work towards ending unmet need for family planning by supporting the Government of Zambia with targeted investments in quality reproductive health supplies for hard to reach communities. 

As part of this support, UNFPA has procured and handed over Emergency, Obstetric and Newborn Care (EmONC) equipment and other essential reproductive health commodities and medicines to the Ministry of Health, targeting Central and Western Provinces.

In Kaoma District of Western Province, District Health Director, Dr. Idi Mwinyi affirmed the significant impact this support is already achieving within the various health facilities in the District.

“Through the support we have received from UNFPA in collaboration with FCDO, the District has recorded notable positive strides in the delivery of quality reproductive health services including an increase in access to family planning and adolescent sexual reproductive health services” says Dr. Mwinyi.