About the Churches Health Association of Zambia

The Churches Health Association of Zambia (CHAZ), formerly known as Churches Medical Association of Zambia (CMAZ) was created in 1970 as an umbrella organization to represent work done by Church health institutions in Zambia. CHAZ complements government efforts in the delivery of quality healthcare by bringing to the health sector human, material, financial resources, innovation, and more importantly, Christian love and care.

Before 1970, the Medical Committee of the Christian Council of Zambia and the Catholic Episcopal Conference met regularly since 1950 to discuss matters of common interest and adopt common positions in dialogue with the government. With assistance from the Christian Medical Commission of the World Council of Churches, it was decided that one organ should be created, to represent and provide support to all Church administered health institutions in the country.

There are 135 affiliates representing 16 different churches both Catholic and protestant, with a majority of them based in rural areas of Zambia. The membership is comprised of hospitals, health centres, faith based organizations and community based programs. Altogether, these institutions are responsible for over 50% of formal health services in the rural areas of Zambia and about 30% of health care in the country as a whole.

Learn more:

• Mission Statement, Vision and Values
• The Role of CHAZ
• Advocacy and Representation
• Strategic Direction
• Governing Structure
• The Secretariat
• Trustees
• Advisory Committees