UNOPS Zambia, Global Fund, and Ministry of Health commission the New Medical Oxygen Production Plant at the National Heart Hospital

On 6 Nov, the Hon. Dr. Elijah J. Muchima, Minister of Health, officially inaugurated the newly completed medical oxygen production plant at the National Heart Hospital. The facility, located in Chongwe District, Lusaka, will provide a steady and reliable supply of medical-grade oxygen to healthcare facilities across the Lusaka region. This development is part of a broader national effort to strengthen Zambia’s healthcare infrastructure and improve access to essential medical supplies for all citizens.

This initiative was made possible through the collaboration between UNOPS Zambia, the Global Fund, and the Ministry of Health, who are working to complete an additional five oxygen plants at provincial hospitals across Zambia. The hospitals benefiting from this expansion include Kasama General Hospital (Northern Province), St. Paul’s Mission Hospital-Nchelenge (Luapula Province), Kabwe Central Hospital (Central Province), Chinsali General Hospital (Muchinga Province), and Kalindawalo General Hospital (Eastern Province). A groundbreaking ceremony for these projects was held on May 13, 2024, at Kasama General Hospital and was officiated by former Health Minister Hon. Sylvia T. Masebo.

Minister for Health Dr. Elijah J. Muchima expressed his gratitude, saying, “I extend my heartfelt thanks to the Government of the Republic of Zambia, His Excellency President Hakainde Hichilema, the Global Fund, and UNOPS for their unwavering support in delivering this oxygen plant at the National Heart Hospital. This project will have a lasting impact on the fight against COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses. Together, we are building a healthier and more resilient future for Zambia.”

Rainer Frauenfeld, UNOPS Director for Eastern and Southern Africa, added, “Investing in healthcare infrastructure is not only about meeting current needs, but also about building a sustainable future. This new oxygen facility, along with others across Zambia, will serve as a beacon of hope, equipping healthcare workers with the necessary tools to deliver high-quality care.”

This project aligns with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDGs 3 (Good Health and Well-being), 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).