Zambia cites health spending rise, urges conclusion of WHO pandemic agreement annex

In his remarks, Mr. Malamboi said Zambia has raised domestic health budget allocations ‘‘from approximately 7% to over 10%,’’ linking increased funding to recruitment of health workers, modernization of infrastructure and improved availability of essential medical supplies. He used the point to argue for global cooperation on pandemic preparedness.

The minister urged an "expedited conclusion of negotiations on the pathogen access and benefit sharing annex under the World Health Organization pandemic agreement" and emphasized strengthened access to technology and preparedness capabilities so countries can better detect and respond to future health threats. He also said Zambia is taking steps toward local vaccine manufacturing capacity.

The statement did not include timelines, specific production targets, or donor commitments for vaccine manufacturing or the WHO negotiation process.