Lusaka, 9 July 2019 – First Lady of the Republic of Zambia, Madam Esther Lungu, today, received a courtesy call from the UNFPA Director Technical Division, Dr. Benoit Kalasa. Dr. Kalasa was accompanied by the UNFPA Zambia Representative, Ms. Gift Malunga. 

The courtesy visit was aimed at discussing initiatives implemented by the Office of the First Lady, as well as key areas of collaboration in promoting women and young peoples' health and development.

Speaking during the meeting, the First Lady commended UNFPA at both global and national level for their sustained partnership with the Government of Zambia, which has contributed to key milestines recorded by the country in the area of sexual and reproductive health.

"As the First Lady of the Republic of Zambia, I reaffirm my commitment to support national and community level programmes aimed at safeguarding the dignity, safety and reproductive health of our women and girls. I also congratulate UNFPA on its 50th anniversary, as well as for its 36 years as a committed partner to the Government of Zambia in improving overal health and wellbieng of marginalized populations"  Madam Lungu said. 

Also speaking during the meeting, Dr Kalasa acknowledged the First Lady’s commitment and support towards advancing the ICPD agenda in Zambia.

"UNFPA acknowledges and commends the First Lady of the Republic of Zambia for championing community level interventions that directly address issues affecting women and girls, including commitment towards improving maternal health outcomes as a catalyst for achieving sustainable development in Zambia. UNFPA reaffirms its commitment to sustain partnerships with the Office of the First Lady in this regard"  Dr Kalasa said.