Memorandum on Implications of the 2024 Budget on Community Development, Social Services and Health - Submitted to the National Assembly Committee on Health, Community Development and Social Services

When consulting the 2022 Poverty Assessment in Zambia, one can see that there is an increasing need for effective social support systems. The poverty level for the country was at 60% in 2022. The incidence of extreme poverty levels was recorded at 48% for the same period. The Social Cash Transfer System is a core part of Zambia’s social support infrastructure, as well as the Food Security Pack Programme and the School Feeding Programme. These support frameworks are aimed at responding to the needs of the poor and the marginalised, making sure that their dignity is respected. This parliamentary committee submission paper analyses the 2024 budget from the perspective of expenditure on health, community development and social services. It also analyses the expenditure of the 2024 budget against the challenges experienced by Zambia in these sectors, paying particular attention to the call of Pope Francis to all societies to take care of the poor, the marginalised and to treat all with respect. It as well proposes recommendations for possible consideration by the Committee on Health, Community Development and Social Services.