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Government, WHO Sign MOU, Paving Way for Office Building Handover [1]

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Date: 2026-08 

Lusaka, 7 August 2026 — The Government of the Republic of Zambia today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the World Health Organization (WHO) Country Office, formalising the handover of an office building for WHO's use and fulfilling a long-standing commitment enshrined in the basic agreement signed between the two parties in 1964. The agreement commits the Government to provide suitable office accommodation for WHO's operations in the country.

The signing ceremony, held at the Ministry of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development, brought together senior government officials and WHO Country Office marking a significant milestone in the six decades-long partnership between the Government and WHO.

The commitment to provide WHO with a dedicated office space was reaffirmed by the President, Mr. Hakainde Hichilema during the 75th Session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa (RC75) in August 2025, when he pledged the government to provide office space to WHO as per the obligations under the 1964 agreement.

This gesture comes at a critical time, as it will ease pressure on WHO's operational costs amid a constrained global health financing landscape, allowing the Organisation to redirect resources to increase delivery of health services in the country.

Speaking during the event, the Permanent Secretary for Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development, Prof Albert Malama, PS – Ministry of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development, said:

“Today's ceremony signifies more than the execution of an agreement for the occupation and use of government premises. It reaffirms the enduring partnership between the Government of the Republic of Zambia and the World Health Organization, founded on our shared commitment to improving the health and well-being of the Zambian people through effective collaboration and sustainable institutional support.”

The Permanent Secretary for Technical Services, Dr. Kennedy Lishimpi, PS – Ministry of Health, echoed similar sentiments, noting the importance of the partnership with WHO in strengthening the country's health systems:

“This agreement is more than the provision of office accommodation; it is a clear affirmation of Zambia's commitment to multilateral cooperation, stronger health systems, Universal Health Coverage, and enhanced preparedness for public health emergencies.”

In his remarks, the WHO Representative, Dr. Clement Lugala Peter Lasuba, expressed gratitude to the Government for honouring the agreement and reaffirmed WHO's commitment to supporting the country's health priorities:

"Today's signing of this Memorandum of Understanding is more than the signing of a document; it is a celebration of the longstanding collaboration between the Government of Zambia and the World Health Organization, and a testament to our shared commitment to improving the health and well-being of the people of Zambia."

The WHO Country Office has supported Zambia's health priorities for decades, working alongside the Ministry of Health and other partners on disease prevention and control, health systems strengthening, emergency preparedness and response, and progress toward Universal Health Coverage and the health-related Sustainable Development Goals.

As Zambia continues to advance its national development agenda and health sector priorities, the strengthened partnership symbolised by today’s MOU signing will support continued collaboration toward improving health outcomes and expanding access to quality health services, including progress toward increased Universal Health Coverage and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.

WHO sincerely thanks the Government of the Republic of Zambia for its steadfast partnership and for providing suitable accommodation for its office and operations.



For more information, please contact:

Kangwa Bwalya , Public Relations, Ministry of Ministry of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development Kangwa.Bwalya [at] mihud.gov.zm (Kangwa[dot]Bwalya[at]mihud[dot]gov[dot]zm)

Twaambo Siavwapa, Head of Communications and Public Relations, Ministry of Health, twaambo.siavwapa [at] cabinet.gov.zm (twaambo[dot]siavwapa[at]cabinet[dot]gov[dot]zm)

Gift Sitenge, Programme Management Officer/M&E, WHO, sitengeg [at] who.int (sitengeg[at]who[dot]int)

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[1] Url: https://www.afro.who.int/countries/zambia/news/government-who-sign-mou-paving-way-office-building-handover

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