24/06/2025
π It's Child Health Week in Zambia! π
The Zambia Paediatric Association (ZPA) is proud to join the Ministry of Health in raising awareness of Child Health Week, a very important period dedicated to ensuring the well-being of every child in our nation! This year's theme, "Building Resilient Systems for Universal Health Coverage: Leaving No Child Behind," truly resonates with our mission at ZPA, which is the provision of quality health care to all children in Zambia.
Child Health Week is a biannual campaign that provides a vital platform to deliver essential health services to our youngest citizens. It's a time when clinics and health posts across Zambia amplify their efforts to reach every child in every part of the country.
A Little background story about Child Health Week: Child Health Week in Zambia officially began in 1999, evolving from earlier immunisation campaigns. Its inception came from the understanding that a consolidated, campaign-style approach could effectively deliver a package of high-impact health and nutrition services to children under five. Since then, it has grown to become a cornerstone of our national child health strategy, held twice a year to ensure sustained access to life-saving interventions.
What activities can you expect during Child Health Week?
You'll find a range of critical services available, including:
* Vitamin A supplementation for children aged 6-59 months, crucial for vision and immunity.
* Deworming for children aged 12-59 months.
* Immunisation campaigns, ensuring all children are up-to-date with their vaccinations, including routine immunisations and potentially specific campaigns like measles-rubella or polio in at-risk areas.
* Growth monitoring and nutrition assessments to identify and address malnutrition.
* Early Childhood Development (ECD) services and health promotion activities.
* Screening and management of common childhood illnesses.
* HPV vaccinations for eligible older girls (9 to 14 years).
As ZPA, our members are passionate about advocating for the health of every Zambian child. We are excited to share a series of short videos featuring our dedicated paediatricians, paediatric associates and affiliates and child health professionals discussing the immense importance of Child Health Week and why every parent and caregiver should participate.
Look out for these videos on our page throughout the week!
Let's all work together to ensure that no child is left behind in accessing the health services they deserve. Visit your nearest health facility or outreach point this Child Health Week!
Zambia Medical Association Ministry of Health Zambia