Speech by the Board Chairperson of Coalition Health Zambia Limited
Coalition Health Zambia Launch
Mulungushi International Conference Centre
November 26, 2024
Ladies and Gentlemen, Distinguished Guests, Honored Partners, and Esteemed Colleagues,
I would like to begin by expressing my heartfelt gratitude to the Government of the Republic of Zambia, and especially to the Ministry of Health, for the invaluable support they have provided to John Snow Health, now Coalition Health Zambia, to operate within our country’s health system. It is only through this open collaboration and trust that we are here today, launching an organization that is not only local but extremely committed to the health and well-being of our people.
I extend a sincere thank you to John Snow Inc. (JSI) for their selfless dedication to facilitating the creation of this organization and for supporting us in building strong, effective management systems that uphold transparency, accountability, and impact. We are forever indebted to them, and their foresight and guidance have brought us to this momentous and proud occasion.
Our appreciation also goes to USAID, for placing their faith in John Snow Health Zambia and recognizing our potential to deliver health solutions tailored to the needs of Zambian communities. USAID entrusted us with your resources/funds when we were a novice organization. Your belief in our mission has been instrumental in our success, and we are grateful for the strong and mutual partnership we share.
To the numerous organizations who have journeyed with us as part of various consortia in delivering health projects across the country your partnership has amplified our reach and effectiveness. Together, we have made strides towards a healthier Zambia. Thank you for your collaboration, and shared vision. This collaboration reminds me of an old African adage that says: “Move alone and you will walk faster, move with others and your will reach far and make an impact”
And to all of you here today, who have come to witness this significant transformation, thank you for being part of story. Your presence reaffirms the importance of our work and motivates us to continue striving for excellence in health service delivery.
Allow me to take a brief moment to reflect on the origins and purpose of our organization. John Snow Health, now Coalition Health Zambia, was established and registered in 2019 with a clear mission: to improve the lives of individuals and communities across Zambia.
Let me emphasize that Coalition Health Zambia (CHZ) is a Zambian organization dedicated to enhancing public health services through collaboration with various stakeholders, including government entities, non-governmental organizations, the private sector, civil society, and local communities.
It is very important to underscore the fact that the fundamental objectives upon which this organization was founded remain valid, relevant and impactful especially even as we transition to CHZ as they were when JSH was first conceived. These four objectives are as follows:
- Strengthening and developing resilient public health systems
- Establishing and enhancing health equity
- Increasing health system capacity to allow for improved accessibility in local communities
- Promote both public and private health service delivery and best practices
In our short history, we have grown tremendously, managing impactful projects such the USAID Electronic Supply Chain Management Information Systems (eSCMIS), USAID Zambia Accessible Markets for Health (ZAM-Health and the USAID CHEKUP II Project, as we continue to drive forward initiatives that address some of Zambia’s most pressing health challenges.
I would like to acknowledge our first Chairperson, Mr. Andrew Fullem, and our founding Board of Directors, Dr. Mutinta Nyumbu, Mrs. Mika Bwembya, and Dr. Muka Chikuba-McLeod. Your dedication and leadership during the formative years laid a strong foundation that we build upon today.
The Executive Committee members – Wendy Nicodemus, Matthew Osborne-Smith, Dwan Dixon, and Louise Henderson – played a crucial role in our development, particularly when we had no substantive corporate office. Their unwavering support ensured that we could thrive as a young organization, enabling us to win major projects as well as many smaller, yet impactful initiatives. Thank you for being pillars of strength during those early days.
Special thanks to ABSA, for believing in our story. They believed in our vision, and the bank was very instrumental in financing our startup operations as a start-up entity. We are truly grateful to the CEO/MD Mrs Mizinga Melu and her team, for taking up such a risk. Look at where we are today, and it’s all thanks to you.
I am proud to stand before you as the Interim Board Chairperson, alongside our Board members: George Mpundu Kanja, Sarah Mbewe Banda, Deirdre Allison and Dr. Muka Chikuba-McLeod. This evolution to a fully Zambian-led Board signifies our commitment to local ownership and sustainability.
As we look to the future, we recognize that we will not exempt from f both opportunities and challenges. Coalition Health Zambia aspires to expand our impact beyond traditional human health to encompass animal and environmental health as well. This holistic approach will better serve our communities and address the interconnected health needs of people, animals, and our environment.
Lingering Question in most minds: Where are we coming from, where are we and where do we want to be?
Where are we coming from?
John Snow Health Zambia Limited, has been instrumental in enhancing public health services in Zambia through collaboration with various stakeholders, including government entities, non-governmental organizations, and local communities thereby contributing to improving health outcomes across the nation.
Current Position:
As of November 2024, CHZ continues to play a pivotal role in Zambia’s health sector. The organization has been actively involved in significant projects, such as the USAID Electronic Supply Chain Management Information System (eSCMIS), aimed at improving the efficiency of health commodity distribution. Additionally, CHZ has managed resources under the Zambia Accessible Markets for Health Activity (ZAM-Health), focusing on increasing access to quality health services as well as the CHEKUP II Project which serves Key and Priority Populations.
Future Direction:
Looking ahead, we are excited to note that Coalition Health Zambia is committed to aligning its initiatives with Zambia’s National Health Strategic Plan (NHSP) 2022–2026. This plan emphasizes equitable access to quality health services, with a focus on primary health care, maternal and child health, and the control of communicable and non-communicable diseases. CHZ aims to support the government’s efforts in decentralizing health services, ensuring that interventions are community-centered and sustainable.
In these exciting and complex times, Coalition Health Zambia stands ready to navigate the evolving landscape of health. We are here to work alongside you, our partners and communities, in addressing a wide range of health issues. Whether it be infectious diseases like HIV/AIDS, whether it is infestations like malaria, and bilharzia, or be it mental health support for employees in banks, mines, and factories; whether it’s non-communicable diseases, substance abuse, or health rights advocacy, we are here ready to collaborate with you.
Once again, thank you all for your support, encouragement, and belief in Coalition Health Zambia. With this launch, we begin a new chapter with renewed determination and an open invitation for partnership. Let’s talk, collaborate, and create a healthier future for all Zambians. We are indeed a PROUDLY ZAMBIAN PRODUCT…….
Nylepitha Chirambo-Musonda
Interim Board Chairperson
Coalition Health Zambia