OFFICIAL OPENING OF MATERO HOSPITAL COMPLETED BY JAPAN’S GRANT ASSISTANCE FOR THE PROJECT FOR THE UPGRADING OF LUSAKA HEALTH CENTRES

　

　Following the opening of Chilenje Hospital on 18^th April, Matero Hospital, completed by Japan’s grant assistance for the Project for Upgrading of Lusaka Health Centres, was officially opened by His Excellency Mr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu, President of the Republic of Zambia on 22^nd April. Mr. Hidenobu Sobashima, Ambassador of Japan to the Republic of Zambia attended this ceremony, among other invited guests and residents present there, totaling about 700. The Government of Japan provided a grant of 1billion 999 million Japanese Yen, or approximately 200 million Kwacha for this project.
 
　　While the population of Lusaka District is around 2.5 million, the District has only one major third level hospital, the University Teaching Hospital (UTH). Because of this, many people were not able to receive necessary health and medical care services.
 
In order to improve such health and medical situation, Japan extended the grant to construct new wards and facilities and provide the necessary medical equipment at health centres in Matero and Chilenje in Lusaka District to upgrade both health centres to the first level hospitals.
 
　With the completion of Matero and Chilenje Hospitals, they are now able to conduct obstetrics and other operations including Caesarean operation, thus they do not need to request the UTH to conduct them anymore. As a result, a large scale reduction of congestion will be realized at the UTH.
And indeed great improvements for health are expected, in respect of maternal mortality and child mortality rates, among others, at the new Hospitals as the patients are now able to access quality medical services close to their respective homes, thereby also reducing their burden.
 
　　To read the speech by Ambassador Sobashima at this ceremony, please click here.