Medrap

09/06/2026

"When faith leaders speak, communities listen."

This was the shared sentiment among faith leaders who recently participated in a Faith Leaders Training of Trainers and Cascading Workshop organized by MedRAP with support from Unicef Zambia in Chienge District from 2–3 June 2026.

For many of the participants, the training came at a crucial time. Chienge District continues to face high rates of adolescent pregnancies, a challenge that affects the futures of many young people and their families.

Gathering at the Resource Centre, 20 faith leaders representing the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops, Churches Council of Zambia, Evangelical Fellowship of Zambia, Islamic Supreme Council of Zambia, and Independent Churches of Zambia reflected on the influence they hold within their congregations and communities.

Inspired by the discussions, the faith leaders pledged to become champions for children and adolescents. They committed to using their platforms to share messages of hope, good morals, and responsibility, drawing on scripture to encourage positive behaviour and help prevent adolescent pregnancies and child marriages.

"We have a responsibility to guide and protect our children," one participant shared. "Through our sermons and teachings, we can help young people make informed decisions and build brighter futures."

As trusted voices in their communities, these faith leaders are now better equipped to support efforts to end child marriage and adolescent pregnancy, demonstrating that lasting change begins when communities come together to protect and nurture their young people.

07/06/2026

Nchelenge Unites to Give Every Girl and Child a Brighter Future

In Nchelenge District, leaders are taking a united stand to protect the lives and futures of children, especially girls. From district leadership to traditional authorities, there is a shared commitment to ending child marriage, reducing adolescent pregnancies, and ensuring that every mother and child has access to quality healthcare.

The District Commissioner Dennyson Chishimba captured this vision, saying:
"Muno Mu Nchelenge Twalachinfya Utu tu fyupo twabula insambu,utwakubuta, As Nchelenge District, we will act to prevent the loss of young children and ensure their success, and we will aim at bringing about positive change in the community."

This commitment is being translated into action in communities across the district. In Kambwali Chiefdom, headmen have taken deliberate steps to encourage expectant mothers to deliver at health facilities, recognizing that skilled care can save the lives of both mothers and babies.

One of the headmen shared: SNR Headman Kafimbwa Kasenge
"As headmen of Kambwali Chiefdom, we agreed that anyone who delivers their baby at home instead of a health facility will be charged five chickens or K500. We have done this because we want to reduce maternal deaths in our community, and we have recorded a high number of facility deliveries."

For the traditional leaders, protecting mothers and children goes beyond safe deliveries. It also means addressing the root causes of child marriage and adolescent pregnancy by encouraging families to keep girls in school, supporting young people with the right information, and promoting community responsibility for the wellbeing of children.

The progress being made in Nchelenge demonstrates that when government, traditional leaders, health workers,Police, Adolescents and communities work together, they can create safer environments where girls are empowered to pursue their education, delay marriage and pregnancy, and build brighter futures.

03/06/2026

ADVOCACY WEDNESDAY SPOTLIGHT

JOACKIM – Chaplain | Youth Leadership Mentor | GBV & Child Protection Specialist

Joackim is a passionate Chaplain, Youth Leadership Mentor, and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) & Child Protection Specialist from Lunga Island, located along the swamps of Lake Bangweulu in Luapula Province, Zambia.

Growing up in a fishing community, Joackim witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by children who were often exposed to dangerous fishing environments, harsh weather conditions, and various forms of child labor. These experiences inspired him to pursue education and dedicate his life to protecting vulnerable children and empowering young people to reach their full potential.

His academic journey began with a Certificate in Ministry from Morning Bible Star College, where he also served as Secretary General. He later earned a Bachelor's Degree in Theological Studies and a Master's Degree in Christian Counselling from Wisdom Bible School in South Africa. He is also set to be honored with a PhD in Christian Leadership in December.

Driven by a desire to help children discover their purpose at an early age, Joackim continues to develop his writing and music talents as tools for reaching people from diverse cultures and backgrounds. His mission is to inspire transformation, hope, and purpose through education, mentorship, faith, and advocacy.

As a leadership mentor, Joackim believes that everyone has the potential to be an effective leader, regardless of whether they hold a formal title. He envisions a world where individuals develop the personal skills necessary to fulfill their God-given purpose and positively impact their communities.

Between 2020 and 2023, Joackim voluntarily led a team of over 100 Christian leaders who helped connect more than 25,000 believers worldwide to Christian Library Nation, a non-profit initiative that provides free Christian books and music through WhatsApp platforms. Through his continued volunteer work as a theological lecturer and mentor, he has contributed to the development of more than 1,000 faith-based leaders across the globe since 2020.

In 2024, he received a Certificate in Professional Foundation, and in 2025, he successfully completed training in the Channel of Hope Child Protection Model under World Vision in Livingstone, Zambia.

Joackim's long-term dream is to establish his own media platforms dedicated to writing, music, leadership development, and advocacy for GBV prevention and child protection. Through these platforms, he hopes to raise awareness, inspire positive change, and reach communities across the world.

"Alone we can go fast, but together we can go far."

03/06/2026

"I do not tolerate child marriages and adolescent pregnancies. Every child should be enrolled in school." These words will forever remind us of Inkosi Yamakhosi Mphezni IV’s vision and commitment to protecting children.

It is with profound sorrow and deep sadness that we at MedRAP learned of the passing of Inkosi Yamakhosi Mphezeni IV.

His Royal Highness was a true champion for children and adolescents. His unwavering commitment to ending child marriages and adolescent pregnancies, promoting education, and protecting the rights and future of every child will remain an enduring legacy. We will always remember his strong stance against harmful practices and his passionate advocacy for ensuring that every child is enrolled in school and given the opportunity to thrive.

During our engagement with him on the Ending Child Marriage and Adolescent Pregnancies Project, we witnessed firsthand his dedication to transforming lives across Eastern Province. His leadership, courage, and conviction inspired communities and stakeholders alike to work towards a better future for young people.

As MedRAP, we mourn the loss of a remarkable traditional leader, partner, and advocate. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the Royal family, the people of the Ngoni Kingdom, and all those whose lives were touched by his wisdom and service.

May his soul rest in eternal peace, and may his legacy continue to inspire generations to come.

Hamba Kahle, Lala Ngoxolo, Rest well, Your Royal Highness. Your impact will never be forgotten.

01/06/2026

"If we do not protect our girl children, we will have fewer women participating in decision-making positions in the future," said Luapula Province Permanent Secretary, Prudence Kangwa.

Speaking when Medicines Research and Access Platform (MedRAP) paid a courtesy call to introduce a project called Ending Child Marriage and adolescent pregnancy supported by Unicef Zambia, Ms. Kangwa commended the efforts being made through the programme and acknowledged the support of various partners working alongside Government.

Government alone cannot effectively tackle this problem. It requires collective action from all stakeholders. It is therefore incumbent upon all of us to find the best ways of dealing with this challenge.

If we do not intervene and support programmes such as this, the problem will continue to grow. Our girl children will remain vulnerable, and we will continue to see fewer women in leadership and decision making positions in the future. The girls we are talking about today are the women of tomorrow. When their education and opportunities are disrupted, their destinies are affected.

As part of the mission to strengthen collaboration and stakeholder engagement in Luapula Province, the MedRAP team also paid courtesy calls on the Provincial Community Development Office, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Health, and the Chiefs Affairs Office.

These engagements provided an opportunity to discuss ongoing efforts to protect and empower girls, strengthen partnerships, and align interventions aimed at ending child marriage and adolescent pregnancy promoting access to education and essential services.

20/05/2026

Advocacy Wednesday spotlight

My name is Innocent Chilombo, a 20-year-old from Mansa District, Zambia. I am currently pursuing a Diploma in Secondary Education (Science) at Mansa College of Education, specializing in Chemistry and Biology.

I completed my primary and secondary education at Lubende School under challenging learning conditions, which taught me resilience, adaptability, and determination. Despite limited educational resources, I successfully completed my studies and developed a strong passion for teaching and mentorship through helping classmates understand difficult science concepts.

I am actively involved in youth advocacy focusing on sexual and reproductive health rights, ending child marriage, preventing gender-based violence, and discouraging drug abuse. I have participated in advocacy activities at local, district, provincial, national, and international levels, using my experiences to inspire and guide young people toward positive life choices.

Through leadership roles in church, school, and community spaces, I continue to mentor adolescents and support young people facing social and emotional challenges. I believe that background does not determine future success and that consistency, self-belief, and hard work can create meaningful opportunities.

Outside academics and advocacy, I enjoy gospel music, chess, and building positive relationships with others. My vision is to continue empowering young people and serving as a positive example in my community and beyond.

18/05/2026

18/05/2026

Presentations are important… but so is learning how to escape traffic on a motorbike 😂🏍️. Wishing you a productive week ahead 😁

15/05/2026

“It is truly heartbreaking to see a child carrying another child.” — His Royal Highness Mwanta Ishima of the Lunda speaking people of Zambezi.

His voice softened as he reflected on the painful reality faced by many communities across rural Zambia.

The Medicines Research and Access Platform (MedRAP) is currently in Zambezi District to introduce a European Union-funded project, implemented with support from UNICEF, focused on promoting Equal Chances for Human Development through Ending Child Marriage and Adolescent Pregnancies (ECM/AP).

HIGHLIGHTS FROM ZAMBEZI DISTRICT

-MedRAP conducted entry meetings with Zambezi District leadership to officially introduce the Ending Child Marriage and Adolescent Pregnancies Project.

-A successful three-day stakeholder workshop brought together:
• Traditional Leaders Representatives
• Ministry of Health
• Ministry of Education
• Ministry of Community Development
• Ministry of Social Welfare
• Victim Support Unit
• Representatives from the District Constituency Office
• Youth Representatives
• Peers, Media, and Social Media Influencers

The workshops were graced by the Zambezi District Administrative Officer, Ms. Sombo Mazeze Chiteta.

Together, we can protect the future of our girls, keep children in school, and build safer and healthier communities.

13/05/2026

Mwinilunga Pacesetters Give a Reflection on the Toolkit

The Mwinilunga Pacesetters continue to inspire through their reflections on the Ending Child Marriages toolkit, sharing experiences, lessons learned, and the positive impact it will make within the community. Together, we are building stronger and healthier communities through knowledge and teamwork.

The toolkit is designed to promote positive change to help end child marriage and reduce pregnancies in Zambia. It guides users through the learning Journey from understanding the basics to planning and taking action, and finally to reflection and identifying next steps.

For more details on the toolkit, please visit our website:
🌐 www.medrapzambia.org