From Commitments to Action: CAAP Initiative Drives Advocacy for Women’s, Children’s, and Adolescents’ Health in Zambia (2025)

Community engagement and investment in primary healthcare infrastructure emerged as key priorities. Participants reaffirmed the commitment to equipping national health systems with the necessary resources, from functional medical facilities to well-trained health workers who can provide quality and respectful care at the community level. Civil society organizations, particularly those focused on maternal and newborn health, called for immediate action to operationalize medical facilities, ensuring they serve the populations that need them most.

Figure 4. PMNCH Presentation on the Digital Advocacy Hub	Figure 5. Viviane Sakanga, Amref Country Manager, opening remarks

Addressing Adolescent and Reproductive Health Challenges

The event placed a strong focus on adolescent health, particularly tackling teenage pregnancies through a multi-faceted approach. Participants emphasized the importance of improving access to comprehensive sexuality education, expanding adolescent-friendly health services, and ensuring the availability of contraception commodities. Additionally, efforts must focus on engaging parents, the community, and religious leaders in awareness campaigns that promote informed decision-making and uphold adolescents' rights. Decision-makers and civil society called for a strengthened presence and action at the community level, ensuring that commitments translate into real change for adolescent girls, empowering them to live a life they have reason to value.

Participants reinforced the need for meaningful participation of women and adolescents in decision-making spaces. Ensuring their voices are heard in community meetings and political processes is essential for driving solutions that reflect their realities. Discussions also raised concerns about rising rates of illicit substance use among youth, emphasizing the need for awareness-raising and advocacy efforts to address the mental health challenges facing adolescents.

“In communities, alongside supportive programs for healthcare access and preventing teenage pregnancy, we are committed to empowering youth through meaningful activities that foster personal growth and leadership. By providing opportunities to learn, develop, and contribute to society, we can shape future leaders who will drive positive change,” said one of the CSO participants.

Investing in Sustainable Financing for Health

With shifting global development assistance trends, discussions also addressed the need for sustainable financing to support women’s, children’s, and adolescents’ health. Advocacy efforts must now focus on influencing government expenditure and making budgets more efficient and responsive to country needs. Participants acknowledged that budget advocacy requires specialized knowledge, calling for technical support to strengthen national advocates’ ability to engage effectively in budgetary processes.

Constituency development funds were highlighted as a vital resource in advancing maternal and newborn health. When managed with transparency and collaborative oversight by civil society and parliament, these funds can ensure that maternity annexes and health facilities are properly equipped and functional, directly contributing to improved maternal health outcomes.

Turning Advocacy into Action

The CAAP launch in Zambia served as a powerful reminder that the solutions to these challenges are known. What is needed now is collective commitment and action. By strengthening collaboration across government, parliament, civil society, healthcare professionals and the media, and by leveraging dedicated funding streams, Zambia has an opportunity to accelerate progress. Leadership and sustained engagement at the community level will be crucial in ensuring that health rights, access to quality care and effective investments become a reality for all women, children and adolescents in the country.