Zambia has launched a nationwide initiative to digitize healthcare systems, aiming to improve access to medical services and enhance the availability of essential medicines. Announced on September 4 by the Ministry of Science and Technology in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, the Digital Health Systems project seeks to transform healthcare delivery through modern technology, particularly in rural areas where access is limited.
During the project’s launch in Gwembe, Southern Province, Minister of Science and Technology Felix Mutati emphasized the crucial role of technology in expanding healthcare services across the country. The new system will enable hospitals to use digital tools to extend healthcare access to more Zambians. Additionally, it will track pharmaceuticals from procurement to patient use, addressing the issue of drug theft in healthcare facilities.
Currently, access to healthcare in Zambia is uneven, with urban areas benefiting from greater proximity to health facilities compared to rural regions. The new digitization initiative aims to bridge this gap, particularly in underserved rural areas, by using digital technologies to ensure that essential medical care reaches those in need.
Drug theft has long been a challenge for Zambia’s healthcare system, with national drug stock levels falling below the World Health Organization’s minimum threshold. Transparency International raised concerns in 2020 when irregularities were uncovered in a $17 million health kit procurement. By digitizing the pharmaceutical supply chain and leveraging AI, the government aims to boost transparency and accountability, ensuring that medicines are tracked throughout the entire supply process.
This initiative aligns with Zambia’s ‘Health Information Systems Strategy 2022–2026,’ which envisions a national health information system that harnesses digital innovation to support evidence-based decision-making and deliver equitable, high-quality healthcare services.
