About Surveillance

ABOUT MORTALITY SURVEILLANCE

Zambia HIV Associated Mortality Surveillance

About Us

Mission: To provide accurate and actionable mortality data to strengthen public health interventions and policies in Zambia.

Vision: A Zambia where every death informs a healthier and more equitable future.

The Ministry of Health (MOH) Zambia initiated its mortality surveillance program in 2020 to address significant gaps in community mortality data. With 46% of deaths occurring outside health facilities, understanding the causes of these deaths is critical to improving public health outcomes. By employing advanced methods like Verbal Autopsy (VA), we aim to provide reliable data for evidence-based policy-making.

Our history of planning and innovation stems from the recognition of gaps in death registrations and cause-of-death ascertainment. In alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), this program plays a critical role in building a robust civil registration and vital statistics system in Zambia.

We collaborate with local and international organizations such as the CDC, CDC Foundation, D4H Bloomberg, WHO, and Zambian community leaders to scale our operations and ensure sustained impact. Join us in transforming mortality data into action for a healthier Zambia.

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Our Expert team.

Lumbani Phiri

Senior Lab Epidemiologist

Muya Mwansa

Business Analyst

Mutinta Monga

Administrative Coordinator

Mainga Chinda

Data Manager

Saviour Moyo

HIV Data Management Coordinator

Dr. Mwiche Siame

Technical Lead

Funders
Donor’s Perspective

"Supporting Zambia’s mortality surveillance program has been one of the most impactful investments we’ve made. The program’s data-driven approach ensures resources are directed where they are needed most, improving health outcomes and saving lives."

Erin Nichols - Director of Global Division CRVS, CDC|NCHS

Clients Opinion
Family Member’s Perspective

"When my sister passed away, we were devastated and didn’t know what caused her death. The Verbal Autopsy process not only gave us answers but also highlighted health issues in our community. It feels good to know her story is contributing to saving others."

Rebecca Mulenga - Lusaka Resident

Ministry of Health
Policymaker’s Perspective

"The information generated by the Ministry of Health’s mortality surveillance program has been instrumental in shaping national health policies. For example, we’ve strengthened our malaria prevention efforts in areas with high mortality rates thanks to their reports."

Hon. Dr. Elijah Julaki Muchima - Health Minister

Employee Opinion
Health Worker’s Perspective

"As a field officer, I’ve seen firsthand the impact of this program. Families are more willing to share their stories, and we are uncovering the true causes of deaths. This initiative is giving us the tools to save lives by addressing preventable causes."

Claudia Muselepete - Field Mortality Surveillance Officer

Community
Beneficiary’s Perspective

"Before this program, we didn’t understand the reasons behind the deaths in our community. Now, thanks to Verbal Autopsy interviews, our leaders can advocate for better health services based on actual data. This program is a blessing for our village."

Maimbo Hamaundu - Community Leader, Southern Province

partners opinion
CDC Country Office

"Working with the Ministry of Health Zambia on the mortality surveillance program has been a transformative experience. The data collected through Verbal Autopsies provides critical insights into the causes of death in underserved communities, enabling us to design targeted health interventions. This collaboration is a model for data-driven decision-making in global health."

Priscilla Kapombe - Senior Survey Epidemiologist