The FP2030 East and Southern Africa (ESA) Hub, recently met with the Zambia Family Planning Technical Working Group, in Lusaka on the eve of the launch of the Zambian FP2030 Commitment, to discuss the FP2030 devolved structure and the utility of the Focal Point Structure.

The ESA Hub, Advocacy, Accountability and Partnership Manager, Peter Ngure, took time to present the new FP2030 structure to the Zambian Family Planning Technical Working Group, who welcomed the structure as it allows for countries to easily interact with the regional structure and adapt their structures to suit the context and repurpose it to fit the local needs in the consultation with the local hub. Ngure said FP2030 is exploring ways to ensure countries are ready for shocks caused by climate change through the Rapid Response Mechanism, which is set to be rolled out later this year. Zambia is prone to cyclical floods and droughts.

Central to the success of the hub is learning from country to country, through the south-to-south learning initiative the hub is spearheading. Some of the areas of interest include adolescent contraceptive response, postpartum family planning and the impact of crises and natural disasters on family planning supply chains and access.

During the meeting, Dr. Angel Mwiche, Director Reproductive Health at Ministry of Health of Zambia, said his government was committed to bringing family planning to the center of national development, and for this to succeed there was need for accountability from both the government and members of the civil society organizations.

“Zambia aims to be a middle-income country by 2030. The Ministry of Health acknowledges offering quality consistent and timely health services for all citizens requires optimal health systems functioning, including strong accountability for impact.”

MOH values partnering with health and other sectors to ensure social and economic determinants of health are addressed progressively. Zambia government appreciates the importance of investing in family planning and SRH programs to achieve 2030 goals. Since 2012, Zambia has committed to increase the modern contraceptives prevalence rate and increasing financing toward family planning,” said Dr Mwiche.