As Zambia commemorates 60 years of independence, the nation finds itself at a fundamental point in its continuous pursuit of improved maternal health and enhanced access to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) information and services. This milestone aligns with the 30th anniversary of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD), held in Cairo in 1994, where Zambia was among 179 countries that committed to a transformative Programme of Action aimed at empowering women and girls.

The ICPD underscored SRHR as fundamental human rights, promoting gender equality and ensuring universal access to vital information and services. Zambia has been dedicated to implementing the ICPD Programme, working to reduce maternal mortality and expand access to family planning.

Since independence and the ICPD, Zambia has made significant progress in healthcare, marked by some key milestones:

• 1994: Adoption of the ICPD Programme of Action, focusing on SRHR and gender equality.
• 2000: Embracing the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), particularly MDG 3 and MDG 5, aimed at enhancing maternal health.
• 2005: Launch of the National Reproductive Health Policy, which aimed for comprehensive reproductive healthcare.
• 2007: Launch of the National Population Policy to address population dynamics, maternal health, and family planning, aligning with ICPD principles.
• 2010: Initiation of the Campaign on Accelerated Reduction of Maternal Mortality in Zambia (CARMMA), advocating for maternal health.
• 2014: Commitment to Family Planning 2020 initiative, pledging to increase access to contraceptives.
• 2019: Renewal of commitments at the Nairobi Summit ICPD25, focusing on maternal health and gender-based violence.
• 2022: Revised Family Planning 2030 commitment to increase domestic resources for family planning.
• 2023: Marriage Amendment Act No. 13 established 18 years as the minimum legal age for marriage, addressing child marriage.

These milestones reflect Zambia's ongoing dedication to promoting SRHR and maternal health.

UNFPA has played a vital role in supporting Zambia's progress through partnerships with the government and other stakeholders aimed at improving access to SRHR services.  To enhance the availability of essential reproductive health supplies UNFPA Zambia facilitated a remarkable 63% increase domestic funding for reproductive health commodities, from USD2.7million in 2023 to USD4.4million in 2014.

Despite these advances, challenges remain.  According to the 2024 State of World Population Report, maternal mortality ratio in Zambia is estimated at 135 deaths per 100,000 live births, well above the global target of fewer than 70 by 2030. Adolescent pregnancies are a significant concern, with nearly 29% of girls aged 15-19 giving birth, and unsafe abortions contribute to approximately 15% of maternal deaths. Access to family planning remains inadequate, with a contraceptive prevalence rate of only 36% for modern methods. Notably, there is still a 20% unmet need for family planning among married women, and adolescents have alarmingly low access to SRHR services.

To address these challenges, Zambia must prioritize evidence-based policies that promote SRHR. Key actions include:

• Integrating Life Skills and Health Education (LSHE) into school curricula.
• Ensuring widespread access to contraceptives and maternal health information.
• Tackling socio-economic determinants that impact sexual and reproductive health.

As Zambia reflects on its 60 years of independence, there is an opportunity to accelerate progress towards Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and Goal 5 (Gender Equality). Achieving these goals requires a renewed commitment to equity, accountability, and inclusivity in healthcare delivery.

Zambia's journey towards improving maternal health and advancing SRHR stands as both a testament to the progress made and a call to action for the future. By leveraging lessons learned and building on ICPD commitments, UNFPA remains dedicated to supporting Zambia in ensuring that every woman and girl can make informed choices about their health, bodies, and futures. This collective effort is essential for realizing a healthier, more equitable future for all Zambians.