—-–Government has commissioned the first prefabricated Anti-Retroviral treatment (ART) clinic at Liteta District Hospital in Chisamba District in Central Province.
The clinic is part of the 39 ART sites that are being constructed across the country at a cost of more than US $ 5 million.
The 39 prefabricated ART sites are being constructed with the support of the Global Fund through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Zambia.
And speaking during the commissioning of the clinic at Liteta District Hospital, Health Deputy Minister, Chitalu Chilufya, said the completion of all 39 ART clinics will be a milestone in government’s bid to take health services as close as possible to the people, especially those in rural areas.
Dr Chilufya further said the completion of the ART clinics will also increase the ministry’s capacity to deliver ART services to the people.
Meanwhile, Dr Chilufya has made an assurance that all the clinics that will be built under the UNDP Global fund Programme will be electrified immediately they are completed.
And UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative Janet Rogan said the other ART clinics which are being constructed in other parts of the country are expected to be completed by December, this year.
Ms Rogan said all the clinics will be fully equipped with furniture, medical equipment and all necessary equipment to ensure quality delivery of services.
She also commended government for its continued support and collaboration in the successful construction of the ART clinics and in addressing many health challenges in the country.
And moving a vote of thanks on behalf of Chief Liteta, and other headmen, Senior Headman Liteta thanked government and the UNDP for constructing an ART clinic in the district.
Senior Headman Liteta said a government that works hard to provide equitable and improved health services to its people is the best and caring government.
He also urged UNDP to continue partnering with government in the quest to ensure adequate access to ART services and primary healthcare to all the people in the country.