Handover Ceremony for “the Project for the Provision of Infectious Disease Testing and Dental Equipment to the Zambia Tuberculosis and Leprosy Trust (ZATULET)”

On 15^th May 2025, Ambassador Takeuchi attended the handover ceremony of medical equipment for “the Project for the Provision of Infectious Disease Testing and Dental Equipment to the Zambia Tuberculosis and Leprosy Trust (ZATULET)” in Lusaka. The project is funded by Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) with a grant up to 70,000 US dollars.
The ceremony was attended by many guests including Dr. Angel Mubanga, National TB Control Program Manager of the Ministry of Health, representing Honourable Elijah Muchima, Minister of Health.
Through the donation of diagnostic equipment including a biochemical auto-analyser and dental chairs and instruments to ZATULET, the project aims to strengthen the capacity of its medical clinic in its early diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases such as tuberculosis (TB) and HIV/AIDS. These infectious diseases manifest early symptoms in the oral cavity. Therefore, equipping the clinic with proper diagnostic and dental equipment is essential to improve timely and accurate detection of such diseases.
In 2016, the Government of Japan supported the construction of the ZATULET clinic through the same GGP scheme. Since then, the clinic has played a vital role in meeting the increasing healthcare needs of the community, prompting the need for additional equipment to expand its medical service.
During the ceremony, Dr. Angel Mubanga stated that in Zambia, the number of tuberculosis deaths per 100,000 people decreased from 115 in 2015 to 24 in 2025. This progress is a collective achievement, made possible by collaboration between Japan and medical institutions such as ZATULET. He also expressed his gratitude for Japan's continued support in strengthening the health infrastructure, including provision of radiation diagnostic equipment as well as capacity building for healthcare professionals.
Ambassador Takeuchi emphasized the importance of strengthening primary healthcare services and expressed his hope that the donated equipment would contribute to timely and accurate diagnosis, ultimately supporting a healthier future for the people of Lusaka.
Japan remains dedicated to promoting human security and universal health coverage through close collaboration with local communities and stakeholders in Zambia.
 
To read the full speech by Ambassador Takeuchi, please click here.