April 2026- Zambia, through the Honorable Minister of Health, Dr Alex Katakwe has officially launched the WHO STEPwise Approach to NCD Risk Factor Surveillance (STEPS) survey, a nationally representative study that will generate vital data to strengthen the country’s response to noncommunicable diseases (NCDs).
Starting with an intensive five-day training, teams comprising trained data collectors, supervisors, laboratory technicians, IT and data managers, and national coordinators will be equipped to begin fieldwork across all 10 provinces of Zambia. Over the coming weeks, these teams will collect data from approximately 5,762 adults aged 18–69 years, using globally standardized WHO tools.
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The STEPS survey collects information in three key areas:
- Behavioural risk factors (such as tobacco use, harmful use of alcohol, physical inactivity and unhealthy diets)
- Physical measurements (including blood pressure, height, weight and waist circumference)
- Biochemical measurements (such as blood glucose and cholesterol)
The survey is being led by the Ministry of Health Zambia, in coordination with the Zambia National Public Health Institute (ZNPHI), and technical support from the World Health Organization Zambia and World Health Organization (WHO) HQ. This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to protecting lives and building a healthier, more productive Zambia. Globally and regionally, the STEPS approach is developed and supported by WHO as part of its mandate to strengthen NCD surveillance and health information systems worldwide.
