The First Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly of Zambia, Honourable Malungo A. Chisangano, MP, has said that the successful hosting of the 17th Network of African Parliamentary Committees on Health (NEAPACOH) Meeting, demonstrates the National Assembly’s firm commitment to strengthening parliamentary action for improved health outcomes across Africa.
She said this in a speech read on her behalf by the Chairperson of the Parliamentary Caucus on Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights Hon. Joseph Munsanje, MP, at the official closing of the Meeting on Friday, 27th February, 2026, at Mulungushi International Conference Center, Kenneth Kaunda Wing.
Hon Chisangano expressed gratitude to the delegates for their valuable contributions and commended the adoption of the Lusaka Call to Action, describing it as timely and progressive.
She said that the deliberations reflected a shared resolve to build responsive, inclusive and resilient health systems for the attainment of Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
"These discussions have been robust and solution oriented, reflecting our shared resolve to ensure that health systems across Africa are inclusive in their reach, responsive to emerging challenges and sustainable for our generations to come," she said.
Hon. Chisangano noted that the meeting further, provided a platform for evidence-based engagement on pressing health priorities, including domestically financed health systems, climate change and health, sexual and reproductive health and rights, non-communicable diseases, antimicrobial resistance and emergency preparedness and responses.
“I am particularly encouraged by the session that challenged us to think beyond aid dependency, especially the deliberations on innovative and sustainable health financing, national health insurance schemes and the growing imperative for local pharmaceutical production,” she said.
The First Deputy Speaker therefore, stressed the urgent need for Parliamentarians to play a decisive role in shaping policy, approving budgets and overseeing implementation in ways that promote self-reliance, equity and long-term sustainability.
Meanwhile, outgoing NEAPACOH Chairperson, Honourable Mokhothu Makhalanyane, MP, said health sovereignty in Africa must move from being a vision to a practical reality through domestic financing, local manufacturing of health commodities and prudent management of natural resources.
He stressed that corruption continues to drain resources through inflated procurement and diversion of medicines and requires decisive parliamentary oversight.
Speaking earlier, Chairperson of the Committee on Health from the Parliament of Chad, Hon. Sebastien Mbaigolmen, MP, lauded the successful deliberations which were guided by technical experts. He said their research and evidence informed parliamentary decisions.
He further expressed gratitude to cooperating partners for their technical and financial support, describing their engagement as a genuine commitment to improving health outcomes on the continent.
The Lusaka Call to Action, presented by the Chairperson of the Committee on Health from the Parliament of Ghana, Hon. Mark Kurt Nawaane, aims to strengthen legislative and policy action to build responsive, equitable, resilient and sustainable health systems.
It also recognises Parliamentarians as central to shaping Africa’s health agenda through progressive legislation, sustainable domestic financing and enhanced accountability.
The resolution also calls for strengthening legal and institutional frameworks for epidemic preparedness, promoting youth and reproductive health, institutionalising self-care and advancing pharmaceutical self-sufficiency across the continent.
