United Party for National Development (UNDP) Media Director Mark Simuuwe says the School Health Programme implemented by government has so far attracted about 1.4 million learners to government schools. 

Mr Simuuwe says because of this and other programmes in the education sector, targeting women and girls, Zambia is poised to be a beacon of quality education especially among females in Southern Africa. 

Mr Simuuwe has also noted government’s commitment to integrating education and health through the School Health Programme which has seen about 5000 teachers trained in about 7000 schools, Countrywide.

The UPND Media Director said this during a press briefing held at the UPND Secretariat in Lusaka today.

Mr Simuuwe further noted that the School Feeding Programme which was previously being implemented in 84 districts has now been scaled up to all the 116 districts in the Country. 

Meanwhile UNDP Lusaka Province Vice Chairlady Chishala Kabaso says free education is a form of empowerment for women also as they no longer have to spend money on school fees.

She has since called on women in the Country to take advantage of free education and ensure they enroll their children in school.