In 2014, the 20-year review of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD@20) revealed what the world can achieve if it focuses on inclusive social development - including access to sexual and reproductive health for marginalized populations - that is underpinned by human rights.
In 2015, the world marked the end of the 8 Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) implementation period, with identification of key unfinished business across some of the MDGs, including MDG 5 – Improve maternal health and its associated targets. 2015 also heralded in the launch of the successor comprehensive and far reaching 17 Sustainable Development Goals, also known as Agenda 2030.
Within this context, UNFPA in Zambia in partnership with the Government of the Republic of Zambia renewed its country programme in September 2015, with the UNFPA Executive Boards’ approval of the 8th Country Programme for the period 2016-2020. Focused on inclusive social development and ensuring that “no one is left behind”, the 8th country programme is guided by analytical studies and assessments, and benefited from multi-sectoral consultations with the Government, civil society organizations, academia, the private sector, young people, in addition to other United Nations agencies and organizations. It is aligned with Zambia’s revised 6th national development plan; Zambia’s Vision 2030; and the United Nations Sustainable Development Partnership Framework (UNSDPF) 2016 – 2021.
The 8th Country Programme will support national level policies, programme design, and implementation of nationwide interventions, while providing targeted support to marginalized population groups, and under served districts in six provinces to ensure continuity and significant programme coverage.
