Lusaka, Zambia: As part of its support to the Government of Zambia’s efforts to increase availability of data to inform development processes, UNFPA was is 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 as she handed over the items to the Central Statistical Office Director, Mr. Goodson Sinyenga, UNFPA Representative Ms. Gift Malunga commend the Government of the Republic of Zambia, through the Ministry of Health and the Central Statistical Office, for the leadership provided in the successful planning for the 2018 Zambia Demographic and Health Survey (ZDHS).

"The 2018 ZDHS undertaking could not have come at a more opportune time as the country begins to track progress on the implementation of the Seventh National Development Plan (2017-2021). The ZDHS data will equally contribute to the body of evidence that will serve as benchmarks for the country’s progress towards the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals to ensure marginalized and under-served populations and areas are reached. Ultimately, the ZDHS will also benchmark progress towards Zambia’s Vision 2030 of becoming a prosperous middle-income country by 2030. In this regard, UNFPA is pleased to have partnered with the Government of Zambia throughout the preparatory phases of this important undertaking, in recognition of the critical role disaggregated demographic and health data plays in decision-making, prioritization of budget and expenditure processes, policy formulation and targeted programming in Zambia" Ms. Maluga Highlighted.

Speaking as he received the supplies and equipment on behalf of the Central Statistical Office, the Director - Central Statistical Office Mr. Goodson Sinyenga appreciated UNFPA's sustained support and collaboration with the Government of Zabia, towards increasing the availability of data to guide sustainable development.

"On behalf of the Central Statistical Office, 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. The field supplies and equipment we have received from UNFPA today will significantly contribute to the successful undertaking of the 2018 ZDHS" Mr. Sinyenga said.

In addition to the procurement field and office supplies, UNFPA has also supported the capacity building of staff for in-depth analysis of ZDHS data, adaptation of survey instruments, communication and publicity.