By Adjoa Avamee
Acting Health Minister Cornelius Mweetwa has said cultural and traditional beliefs remain a major barrier to healthcare delivery, particularly in rural areas.
Officiating at the second African Nurses and Midwives Confederation Conference in Livingstone, Mr. Mweetwa called for urgent community sensitisation to improve access to health services.
He cited cases where some men refuse to allow their spouses to be attended to by male nurses and midwives, a practice he said continues to undermine essential healthcare delivery.
Mr. Mweetwa reaffirmed Government’s commitment to strengthening nursing and midwifery education through increased investment in specialised training, regulatory reforms, research, and leadership development.
International Council of Nurses President José Luis Cobos Serrano also reaffirmed the council’s commitment to protecting healthcare workers amidst growing attacks on hospitals and medical personnel worldwide.
Meanwhile, World Health Organisation Representative to Zambia Clement Lugala Peter praised the Government for sustained recruitment of nurses and midwives.
