World Vision Zambia handovers Healthcare and Water Infrastructure in Kasenengwa District of Eastern Province

Maternity Annex
Sunday, May 18, 2025

In a significant public health and community development milestone, World Vision Zambia officially handed over vital healthcare infrastructure and water systems during a ceremony held today at Kadama Rural Health Post. The event culminated in substantial investments to improve maternal health, sanitation, and access to clean water across eight healthcare facilities in the region.

Speaking at the event, World Vision Zambia, National Director Marc Nosbach,highlighted the importance of these developments. 

“This facility will serve over 1,984 women of childbearing age and is expected to facilitate approximately 469 deliveries annually, contributing significantly to reducing maternal mortality in the area,” said Mr. Nosbach.

The handover also included VIP ablution blocks and mechanized piped water systems installed at seven healthcare facilitiesKhoza, Chizenje, Kamlaza, Samuel, Kamboma, Chikungu, Madzimoyo and at Kadama itself. These water systems will benefit an estimated 60,422 residents, ensuring access to safe and reliable water sources in health and community settings.

“The construction of the maternity annex and incinerator is complemented by medical equipment,” Nosbach noted. “Furthermore, the seven mechanised water systems and eight ablution blocks, constructed across the facilities, reflect our firm commitment to improving health infrastructure in Zambia.”

The project is part of the Survive to Thrive project, which aims to promote health-seeking behaviour and sanitation practices within communities. As part of this effort, World Vision Zambia built capacity among 90 neighbourhood health committee members, 25 targeted counsellors, and 150 community champions using a community-led total sanitation approach. Additionally, over 120 bicycles were distributed to volunteers supporting community health initiatives.

“These investments are not just physical structures but are foundational to achieving sustainable health outcomes,” Nosbach emphasized. “Our collective efforts contribute directly to Sustainable Development Goal 3, Good Health and Well-being, and demonstrate our shared commitment to building resilient health systems.”

Speaking at the eventEastern Province Deputy Permanent Secretary Dr. Lewis Mwape expressed strong support for the partnership. 

“World Vision remains the only independent and dependable partner of the government,” he stated. “Through these investments, the lives of the people will improve. Water access will enable girls to stay in school, households to venture into agriculture and gardening, and overall, our communities will thrive.” 

He further commended World Vision’s role in national development. 

“World Vision is the number one partner in the development of our country,” Dr. Mwape affirmed. “The entire infrastructure will benefit over 250,000 people, both directly and indirectly, and these developments will have a lasting impact on our health and economic resilience.”

An expectant mother from the community, Foster Ndhlovu, expressed her excitement about the new maternity facility. 

“I am so happy about this new building,” she said. “I cannot wait to deliver here. The previous challenges of limited bed spaces, lack of water, and poor hygiene made it difficult for us. Now, I feel more confident that I will have a safe and clean environment for my baby’s birth.”

Her words echoed the sentiments of many in the community, as she recalled the hardships faced before the upgrades. 

“We used to struggle with hygiene and sanitation issues, and sometimes there was not enough space for all the women, which was very stressful. This new facility gives us hope for better care and safer deliveries,” Foster added.

The event was attended by representatives from the Ministry of Health, traditional leaders, donors, volunteers, and community members, all expressing gratitude for the partnership that made these achievements possible.