MORE than a thousand children have lost their lives on Zambian roads between 2021 and 2025, prompting the Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA) to join forces with World Vision Zambia in a bid to protect young road users.
According to RTSA, 1,075 children were killed in road traffic crashes over the four-year period, 2,653 sustained serious injuries and 3,568 suffered minor injuries.
Speaking during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between RTSA and World Vision yesterday in Lusaka, RTSA Chief Executive Officer Amon Mweemba said the numbers are a wake-up call and underlined the urgent need for coordinated interventions.
He noted that children remain the most vulnerable road users, particularly around schools, residential areas and busy urban streets.
Mweemba revealed that the agency plans to roll out targeted campaigns, including school-based road safety clubs, awareness drives for parents and guardians and community patrols to reduce accidents involving children.
“The importance of protecting children on our roads cannot be overstated,” Mweemba said.
“Children are among the most vulnerable road users, particularly around schools, residential areas and busy urban roads.”
Meanwhile, World Vision Zambia National Director Marc Nosbach said the NGO, which operates in nine provinces and approximately 75 districts, will leverage its extensive network to promote road safety education.
Through school-based Road Safety Clubs, learners will be empowered to become champions of safe road behaviour, supported by RTSA training materials and technical guidance.
Nosbach, said the organisation views road safety not merely as a transport issue, but as a critical child protection responsibility.
“But I am confident that through our partnership with RTSA and by combining our expertise, our reach and our commitment, we can help create a stronger culture of road safety across Zambia,” Nosbach said.
By George Musonda
Kalemba, March 17, 2026
