It expanded services across the country and devised a comprehensive health plan. But Zambia's rapidly growing population and weak economy have made implementing this plan very difficult. The country has few doctors and nurses, and medical equipment, supplies and drugs are scarce. Life expectancy is low. On average, men live to their late thirties.
Women live one or two years longer.
Nearly half the population is under the age of fifteen. Z ambia has both state-run and private hospitals. Most private hospitals are funded by missions, but some have been set up by mining companies for their employees. There are more than 900 community health care centres and clinics across the country. International aid organizations also work in Zambia.