The Development Aid from People to People, DAPP in Zambia has secured a US$49,777 grant from the Government of Japan to support the installation of a solar power system at Railway Surgery Health Centre in Kabwe District, Central Province.

The solar system, funded under Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects, will enable uninterrupted operation of testing equipment, and improve access to timely testing for lead poisoning.

“…testing capacity is expected to increase from about 1,360 to up to 3,400 samples per month. For the children of Kabwe, this is not just a number, it is a chance for a healthier future for them,” said DAPP Managing Director, Elise Soerensen during the signing ceremony Wednesday afternoon.

She added; “For many years, communities in Kabwe have lived with the effect of lead pollution. Children, in particular, continue to face serious health risks that affect their growth, learning and future. Those with high lead levels in the blood suffer from neurodevelopment and physical damages caused by the toxic exposure. …that is why the testing is very, very important.”

And Japanese Ambassador to Zambia, H.E. Mikami Akiteru stressed the importance of access to healthcare in human development.

“…access to healthcare is fundamental to human development. Without good health—education and future opportunities are compromised. What may appear to be a simple installation of a solar power system will, in reality, have a profound impact on children's health growth, their educational attainment, and ultimately the future of this country,” he said.

Meanwhile, Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary for Donor Coordination, Dr. George Sinyangwe thanked the Government of Japan and DAPP Zambia for responding to the real-life challenges facing people of Kabwe district.

“We are also grateful to Development Aid from People to People for the proactive effort in mobilising and securing this grant from the government of Japan, which will greatly enhance the operations of the Railway Surgery Health Centre. The partnership between the Ministry of Health and DAPP is highly valued and appreciated. The role of civil society organisations, development partners, and cooperating agencies is also critical in complementing government's effort to deliver health services to where our people live, work, and go to school,” he added.

Among those in attendance at the signing ceremony included, Ministry of Community and Social Services Permanent Secretary, Angela Kawandami, Kabwe Mayor, Patrick Chishala, Kabwe Central Member of Parliament, Chrizoster Phiri and other senior government and nongovernment officials.

DAPP Zambia’s Child Aid Kabwe project has been working with over 4,500 households, raising awareness about the risks, planting trees to help trap lead dust, facilitating linkages to health facilities for lead testing and offering nutritional support to children on treatment since 2020.