The issues before the General Assembly Special Review Session are: Achieving Full Employment; The Eradication of Absolute Poverty; and, Achieving Universal and Equitable Access to Primary Health Care.

The Republic of Zambia is strongly committed to supporting programmes and initiatives which further progress toward full employment. Our nation currently suffers from oppressive unemployment, around 22%. This is unacceptable considering the rate of growth and development in other nations around the globe. The Republic of Zambia has, in the past, worked with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the World Trade Organization (WTO), and according to the terms of the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) to establish conditions for achieving full employment. Regrettably, these steps have not resulted in substantial economic growth in the Republic of Zambia. Additionally, our nation as sought investment opportunities in the European Union (EU), the United States of America (USA), Japan, and China. These moves have helped improve the Zambian economy. However, no amount of aid and economic development can achieve truly significant progress toward full employment without debt restructuring and forgiveness.

The Republic of Zambia is committed to the principles and goals outlined in the Copenhagen Declaration on Social Development (1995). Likewise, Zambia respects the efforts of the G-8 and its efforts to provide some debt relief to the poorest countries of the world. Additionally, Zambia is committed to the strength and development of the Organization for African Unity (OAU). The Republic of Zambia recognizes that productive and gainful employment is a prerequisite to meeting the basics of life and placing the human being on a path of assured material security and independence. Thus, only through continuing efforts of both developing and developed nations can the principles and goals of the Copenhagen Declaration be fully achieved.

The Republic of Zambia is firmly committed to the eradication of absolute poverty. Our country currently faces a crisis situation in regards to poverty. Socio-economic indicators such as low per capita income, low levels of household expenditure, limited access to social services, as well as productive resources all indicate that Zambia has a major problem with poverty. The epidemic of poverty is a result of limited employment opportunities and the poor economic conditions in Zambia. While our nation has made improvements in recent years, large proportions of Zambians remain living in poverty. This poverty has resulted in social problems such as street children, drug abuse, weak family structures, and disease. Zambia is not alone in its struggle against oppressive poverty. Many nations around the globe, but particularly in Africa suffer from the plague of poverty.

The Zambian government recognizes that high debt burdens and restricted foreign markets contribute to high levels of poverty in nations around the globe. The eradication of absolute poverty can only be achieved through aid and trade conditions which makes it possible for Africa to trade with the international community. Zambia suggests reviewing the inequitable conditions imposed by the WTO, which if maintained will condemn developing nations to poverty and instability. Furthermore, Zambia encourages the G-8 to further its commitment to the HIPC nations by offering more flexibility and aid. As stated before, Zambia is committed to the principles and goals of the Copenhagen Declaration, but recognizes that more steps need to be taken before poverty can be eliminated from the globe.

The Republic of Zambia remains committed to providing access to primary health care. In Zambia, our socio-geography makes access to health care a major problem. Many of our citizens live in rural communities which makes providing health care difficult and expensive. Our nation has the additional problem of low physician to patient ratio. A major concern is for the training and development of new doctors to insure that future generations of Zambians have access to health care. Additionally, our nation, like many in sub-Saharan Africa suffers from the plague of HIV and AIDS. Estimates indicate that 20% of the urban population in Zambia is HIV-positive. This means that many of our human resources are being depleted. The Republic of Zambia has begun efforts to educate our young people about AIDS and prevention measures. This has created problems with our traditional beliefs, which means the process will take time.

Zambia is dedicated to achieving universal and equitable access to primary health care. A large rural population, an AIDS epidemic, and poverty make this goal difficult. Zambia recognizes the work of the World Summit for Children, the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), the World Conference on Human Rights, and the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD). Zambia also recognizes the work of the Eleventh International Conference on AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Diseases in Africa (ICASA), which Zambia hosted. This Conference set the programme of action to fight the spread of AIDS in Africa. ICASA also highlights Africa's commitment to fighting AIDS and providing health care for all Africans. Zambia calls upon the nations of the developed world to help African nations achieve access to health care through medical assistance and physician training. Furthermore, Zambia calls upon Africans to develop innovative method for fighting AIDS, which will lead to the freeing of resources to provide access to health care for more people.

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