The
restructuring and re-organizing process of the Ministry of Health has recorded interesting
and promissory reforms. It is one process that is tough in nature but the
injury it might cause is only the means to the glorious end. I think.
As
I share on this important subject, I will start with the key directorate that
serves the purpose of ‘hub’ for information to both internal and external
publics of this important Ministry.
Formerly
called the Directorate of Technical Support Services with two key units of
Health Management and Health Education; Health Management oversaw among others
Provincial Health Offices, Statutory Boards or Grant Aided Institutions and did
Performance Assessment for departments. On the other hand was Health Education
were Health promotion, Public Relations and Website Management units sat.
Although
health promotion was one of the units, it has since been primed as it is
regarded as key in the bid to prevent disease in the country with high burden
of diseases.
The
new Department of Health Promotion, Environment and Social Determinants is
mandated to provide efficient and
effective health promotion strategies and
interventions through Social and Behaviour Change Communication, in
order to empower individuals, families and communities with appropriate
knowledge which will enable them make informed decisions and develop personal
skills and sustain healthy lifestyles.
The department is also mandated to promote and
improve hygiene and universal access to safe and adequate water, food safety,
and acceptable sanitation, with the aim of reducing the incidence of water and
food borne diseases throughout Zambia. Additionally,
the department will facilitate the multisectoral response with all key
stakeholders.
