The Government of the Republic of Zambia, has once again extended the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) coverage, to the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services Social Cash Transfer (SCT) Beneficiaries, through the National Health Insurance Management Authority (NHIMA) on a pilot project supported by cooperating partner.
The pilot project was launched on Wednesday 15th October 2025 in Mwinilunga District, North-Western Province. The launch was graced by the Guest of Honour, Minister of Health, Honourable, Dr. Elijah Muchima MP, and attended by other senior government officials and NHIMA Senior Management.
The pilot project is expected to directly impact more than 40,500 households (principal members) countrywide in 20 selected districts. In additional, the project is aimed at potentially benefiting over 283,500 Zambian citizens of the poor and vulnerable population, under the Social Cash Transfer Program with the goal of providing social protection to the beneficiaries and their families.
Speaking at the project launch, Dr Muchima said that the government understood the struggles of families living in poverty particularly the women who head their families and carry the burden of keeping their households afloat with little support.
“Let me express, on behalf of the Zambian government, our sincere appreciation to our partners for their generous support and belief in President Hakainde Hichilema’s leadership. Their investment is more than financial, it is lifesaving for many Zambians,” he said.
“With this NHIMA coverage, these households will now be able to access free quality healthcare, therefore, protecting them from out-of-pocket expenses that they simply cannot afford.”
He added that the government was confident that the initiative would bring Zambia closer to her goal of equitable access to healthcare for all Zambians, regardless of income, geographical location, or gender.
“This is a deliberate and powerful choice. When we empower women with health security, we protect the future of families and communities,” he remarked.
This project follows a similar exercise that started in 2024, sponsored by the Global Fund, which saw the successful onboarding of 20,000 poor and vulnerable Zambians to the Scheme.
And speaking at the same event NHIMA Director General Mr Michael Njapau, credited the Health Minister for initiating the partnership and negotiations for the pilot project during the Minister’s work trip in 2024 to the United States of America. 
“Many people may never know this, but you personally negotiated for this money for the people of Zambia and because of your efforts and skill, we are here today witnessing this launch. We are therefore harvesting the fruits of your labour. Thank you,” he said.
He also explained that the pilot project was because of a grant secured by NHIMA to register people under the SCT Program who could not pay the contributions required to be a member of the scheme under NHIMA on their own.
“This project means that those that will be registered as members of NHIMA will be able to access free health services because the money sourced from our cooperating partner will pay for them,” he said.
The event was held at Freedom Square in Mwinilunga district and was characterized by remarks from the Health Minister, the North-Western Provincial Minister’s representative, NHIMA Director General, a vote of thanks from a beneficiary, entertainment from local arts-performance groups, and a ribbon cutting ceremony to signify the launch of the project.
Additionally, with the current registration exercise, NHIMA has recorded its highest and most successful NHIS coverage extension exercise registering over 40,000 individuals in only 5 districts in the space of 30 days.
The 5 districts covered so far are Ikelenge, Mwinilunga, Kabompo, Chavuma and Chingola.
