MNDP/5/6/1
Media Statement For Immediate Release
Govt. committed to promote women, girl’s reproductive health and rights – PS Daniels Chisenda
…as GRZ, UNFPA and other multi-sectoral stakeholders map-out 2021 priorities
LUSAKA, Thursday, 10 December 2020 –
PS Daniels Chisenda
Ministry of National Development Planning
Permanent Secretary Danies Chisenda says the Government remains steadfastly committed to
uplift people’s well-being especially women and girls by upholding sexual and reproductive
health and reproductive rights for all.
In a statement read on his behalf by the Ministry’s Director for Population and Development Mr.
Charles Banda at the official opening of the 2020 GRZ/UNFPA 8th Country Programme Annual
Review and 2021 Planning Meeting in Lusaka, Mr. Chisenda commended the United National
Population Fund (UNFPA) for its continued collaboration with the Zambian Government to
improve the welfare of the people.
Director for Population and Development Mr.
Charles Banda
Mr. Chisenda, who is Permanent Secretary in charge of Development Cooperation, Monitoring
and Evaluation, said the 2020 annual review and planning meeting presented a great opportunity
to all multi-sectoral participants to reflect on the implementation status, and determine to what
extent the work was leading towards the desired development outcomes.
“Government has sharpened its resolve in guiding the country on population matters by
launching the 2019 National Population Policy and its Implementation Plan this year. The
implementation plan has clear targets; and as we plan for next year, it will be vital that all
stakeholders refer to the two documents to guide our immediate results,” Mr. Chisenda said. “I
assure you that the Government through our ministry is committed to track progress on the
implementation of the 8th GRZ/UNFPA Country Programme on population and development to
ensure that critical targets are achieved as detailed in our various work plans.”
Director for Population and Development Mr.
Charles Banda
The Permanent Secretary noted that the Government of Zambia was cognisant of some setbacks in the implementation of the 2020 annual works due to COVID-19 and other natural disasters.
“Whatever the context, whether COVID-19 or a climate-related disaster or any other crisis, the
8th Country Programme’s focus remains on uplifting people especially women and girls by
upholding sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights for all. You all may be aware
COVID-19 has unmasked the extent to which such crises exacerbate inequalities,” Mr. Chisenda
said. “Zambia and UNFPA have worked well together even in this COVID-19 environment and
for this, the UNFPA Country Office – through the able leadership of the Country Representative
Madam Gift Malunga – is greatly appreciated.”
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