Recent NEWS
#zambiaflyingdoctorservice, #chililabombwemunicipalcouncil, #kasumbalesaboarderpost, #preventcholera
07 December 2025
The Zambia Flying Doctor Service (ZFDS) has successfully concluded a five-day public health intervention at Kasumbalesa border post, focusing on Cholera disease prevention and community health awareness.
The campaign, which was officially launched on Tuesday by Ndola District Commissioner Precious Njekwa, who represented the Minister of Copperbelt Hon.Elisha Matambo, targeted critical areas at the busy international border crossing between Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The comprehensive initiative included sensitization sessions, liming activities, and distribution of essential health supplies across two key wards: Anoya Zulu Ward and Kasumbalesa Ward.
The health team concentrated their efforts on high-traffic areas identified as critical for disease prevention:
*Main shelters and accommodation facilities.
*Ablution blocks and sanitation areas.
*Truck parking zones where drivers congregate.
*Markets where live animals are sold
To equally support hygiene and disease prevention, the team distributed:
*Chlorine for water treatment and disinfection.
*ORS (Oral Rehydration Solution) sachets for managing dehydration and diarrheal diseases
*lime for the pit latrines and drainages that have collected water.
This intervention comes in the context of the Ministry of Healths ongoing efforts to control cholera, following the Country outbreak in history which began in October 2023.
The outbreak, which peaked in early 2024, affected all ten provinces and resulted in over 23,000 cases.
Lusaka was the epicenter, but the Copperbelt Province, where Kasumbalesa is located, also saw significant transmission.
The Government declared a commitment to ending cholera by 2030, with President Hakainde Hichilema serving as the Global Cholera Champion.
The current rainy season, which runs through June, poses heightened risks for cholera transmission, making preventive interventions at high-traffic areas like border posts particularly critical.
The intervention aims to reduce the spread of waterborne diseases and improve sanitation standards at this busy international border crossing.
The Zambia Flying Doctor Service and the Chililabombwe Municipal Council presence at Kasumbalesa underscores the Governments commitment and importance of preventive health measures at border areas, where large numbers of people, goods, and vehicles pass through daily between Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Together we can fight Cholera.
#zambiaflyingdoctorservice, #eyecareforallzambians, #kaputaoutreach
06 December 2025
0 Comments
The Zambia Flying Doctor Service (ZFDS) has identified multiple cases of trachoma, a preventable infectious eye disease, during the ongoing outreach in Kaputa District, Luapula province prompting urgent community health interventions.
Confirmed cases were found in Muchenja, Chocha, and Kasungwe, while suspected cases were noted in Kalaba. All confirmed cases have been assessed and treated according to standard medical guidelines.
Trachoma is an infectious eye disease caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis, which spreads through direct contact with eye or nasal discharge, shared cloths, and flies.
Repeated infections can cause scarring of the eyelids and eventually lead to permanent vision loss if not addressed early.
The disease remains a significant public health concern in parts of Kaputa District, particularly in rural areas where access to clean water and sanitation facilities may be limited.
In response to the findings, ZFDS medical personnel conducted extensive Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) sessions with community members in the affected areas. Residents were educated on recognizing symptoms, preventing the spread of infection, and seeking early treatment.
Some of the Key preventive measures emphasized during the outreach include:
*Regular face washing, especially for children.
*Proper sanitation and safe waste disposal.
*Avoiding sharing towels or cloths.
*Keeping living environments clean to reduce fly breeding.
The district health team has been formally notified and is working to support further interventions. These include broader case finding efforts, increased disease surveillance, and the establishment of community-level preventive programmes to halt further spread in the affected areas.
The ZFDS intervention highlights the critical need for continued health education and improved sanitation infrastructure in rural communities to prevent trachoma and protect residents from preventable blindness.
#zambiaflyingdoctorservice, #ng'angabilondahospital, #eyecareforallzamians, #ZFDSmonthlysurgicalcamps
06 December 2025
0 Comments
The Zambia Flying Doctor Service (ZFDS) flew specialist cataract surgeon Oliver Chenga into Mwansabombwe on Monday, December 1st, 2025, to conduct critical eye surgeries at Ng'anga Bilonda Hospital.
In just four days, the surgeon has performed 16 successful operations, including 10 cataract surgeries that are restoring sight and hope to residents who have long lived without access to specialized eye care.
The surgical team continues to demonstrate the transformative power of accessible healthcare, successfully completing multiple critical operations that had been out of reach for rural residents.
During the ongoing Mwansabombwe Surgical Camp, ZFDS successfully restored sight to a 74-year-old woman from Kasao Village in Kazembe, Mwansabombwe District, Luapula Province.
She began experiencing severely blurred vision at the beginning of this year. The deteriorating condition eventually left her completely blind and fully dependent on family members for daily activities.
In her community, fear and misinformation had spread about eye surgeries, with some claiming that the procedures involved removing patients' eyes entirely.
Despite these rumors, she came to Ng'anga Bilonda Hospital when she heard about the surgical outreach. After screening, she was scheduled for cataract surgery as part of the ZFDS programme.
She expressed gratitude for how warmly the medical team welcomed her and thanked God for the opportunity.
When her eye patches were removed this morning, the transformation was immediate and powerful.
She could see again—recognizing faces and objects instantly. Overcome with joy, she exclaimed, "If I had wings, I could have flown!" expressing the depth of her happiness at regaining her sight.
The moment was particularly significant given what she had endured: the ridicule from community members when they noticed her blindness, the isolation, and the despair that had consumed her.
Now able to see again, she had a powerful message for others suffering from similar conditions: come to Ng'anga Bilonda Hospital. She urged people to ignore the false information circulating in the community about eye surgeries and emphasized that the medical team is there to help, not harm.
The ZFDS surgical outreach continues at Ng'anga Bilonda Hospital, bringing life-changing interventions to those who need them most.
#zambiaflyingdoctorservice, #universalcoverageforall, #mayukwayukwaoutreach
06 December 2025
0 Comments
For three long years, a father watched his five-year-old son suffer with an undescended testis, helpless and without answers.
When he first brought his son to Mangango Mission Hospital in 2022, he was turned away—there was no surgeon available to perform the operation at the time .
"I returned home feeling hopless about when my child would ever receive help," the father recalled, his voice heavy with the weight of those years of waiting.
But hope arrived in the form of the Zambia Flying Doctor Service (ZFDS) surgical team.
This week, the young boy finally received the life-changing surgery he had been waiting for since he was just two years old.
"I am very happy that my son has finally received the medical attention he desperately needed.
Our entire family is greatly relieved," the emotional father said after the successful operation.
This story is one of many unfolding at Mangango Mission Hospital, where the ZFDS surgical team has set up camp to serve the people of Mayukwayukwa Refugee Camp and surrounding areas.
Each day, the dedicated medical team travels 40 kilometres from Mayukwayukwa to Mangango, transporting patients scheduled for surgery and returning those who have recovered.
On the first day of operations, the team successfully performed two procedures: an excision of a pre-auricular skin tag and a herniorrhaphy for a left inguinal hernia.
The following day brought three more successful surgeries, including the five-year-old's operation for right undescended testis and right inguinal hernia, a 10-year-old with bilateral undescended testis, and a patient with right hand hydrocele.
However, the team has also faced sobering challenges that highlight the healthcare gaps in rural areas.
A 77-year-old man with a thyroglossal cyst could not be operated on due to the unavailability of a CT scan.More critically, a 10-year-old boy with a right inguinal hernia and massive splenomegaly causing severe anaemia was referred to Lewanika Hospital because Mangango lacked the blood products necessary for his surgery.
In a dramatic emergency intervention, the ZFDS team saved the lives of a 15-year-old expectant mother and her baby.
The young woman, who had traveled from far beyond Mayukwayukwa and was en route to Kaoma with fetal distress, benefited from the surgical team's presence in the area.
Dr. Simui Silume, performed an emergency caesarean section with assistance from ZFDS anaesthetist Mr. Patrick Chingumbe.
The surgical procedures are being carried out by a skilled team including Dr. Kelly Makonko (General Surgeon), Mr. Patrick Chingumbe (Anaesthetist), Mr. Emmanuel Nyau (Anaesthetist), Dr. Simui Silume (Medical Licentiate Officer), and theatre nurses Simon Tembo, Helen Kayaba, Sinyangwe Changala, and Mutumba Mufungulwa.
For families like this grateful father and his son, the ZFDS surgical outreach represents more than just medical care—it's the restoration of hope after years of waiting, and proof that even the most underserved communities deserve access to quality healthcare.
#zambiaflyingdoctorservice, #mayukwayukwaoutreach, #traditionalleadershipappreciatesZFDS, #healthcareforall
06 December 2025
0 Comments
The Zambia Flying Doctor Service (ZFDS) team on an outreach in Kaoma District, Western Province have paid a courtesy visit on the Kaoma District Commissioner, Mrs.Kashina Muyambango , who expressed her heartfelt gratitude for the team's presence in District and for the free medical services currently being provided in Mayukwayukwa Refugee Camp.
Visibly moved by the initiative, she commended ZFDS for its unwavering commitment to delivering health care to underserved communities, noting that such efforts bring hope to those who often feel forgotten.
The team also paid courtesy calls on Senior Chief Mutondo and Senior Chief Mulena Mbanga Lubosi Yeta, strengthening collaboration with traditional leadership in the district.
The visits left a profound impact on the traditional leaders, who saw firsthand the difference that accessible healthcare makes in their communities.
ZFDS Team Lead Dr. Mesha Shimumba stated that the ZFDS team has been operating in the district since Sunday and will continue offering services to the people of Mayukwayukwa and surrounding areas for a week.
Senior Chief Mutondo expressed deep appreciation for the work being done by ZFDS, saying he was "extremely happy and at a loss for words" to describe his gratitude.
He recounted a personal experience: "You airlifted my nephew in Chinsali, and for that I am truly grateful. You did not just save a life—you saved my family."
Senior Chief Mulena Mbanga Lubosi Yeta warmly welcomed the ZFDS team at his palace, expressing how the Service brings dignity and relief to communities that have long struggled with limited access to quality healthcare.
The medical mission, which began on Monday, December 1st, 2025, has revealed that the team attend to over 423 patients within the first 3 days .
It has been noted that Malaria remains the most prevalent condition, alongside other infectious tropical diseases.The team also identified significant cases of non-communicable diseases, particularly hypertension and osteoarthritis among adults.
The comprehensive healthcare services have reached hundreds of patients across three clinic locations.
These courtesy calls reflect a strong spirit of cooperation and goodwill between ZFDS and the traditional leadership, demonstrating their shared commitment to improving health outcomes and enhancing the wellbeing of communities.
#zambiaflyingdoctorservice, #ng'angabilondahospital, #healthcareforall
04 December 2025
0 Comments
A team of specialist surgeons is offering free operations to residents of Mwansabombwe District this week as part of the Zambia Flying Doctor Service's monthly surgical camp at Ng'anga Bilonda Hospital.
Operating from Ng'anga Bilonda Hospital from December 2nd to 8th, the medical team includes cataract surgeon Oliver Chenga and theater nurse Clifford Malichi from Solwezi General Hospital, general surgeon Dr. Tazrussell Mwenya from Mansa General Hospital, and anesthetist Elizabeth Mutale.
The outreach brings essential surgical services directly to residents of Mwansabombwe, Kazembe, Mbereshi, Chitolwe, Lifubu, and Kifwemamine.
The team is performing cataract removals for patients experiencing cloudy or blurred vision, difficulty seeing at night, or faded colors. They are also treating general surgical conditions including hernias, gallbladder disease, appendicitis, and the removal of masses or lumps.
Dr. Sage Mukoya, Senior Medical officer, emphasized the mission's importance: "The ZFDS specialized team is essential in that it provides services that are available in major hospitals. This combined surgical camp is critical as it is more cost-saving than medical evacuations, helping several patients without the need to travel to either Lusaka or Ndola."
Patients can attend Ng'anga Bilonda Hospital for screening and, if surgery is required, receive their operation and post-operative care at the same facility.
The initiative is part of ZFDS's ongoing commitment to bring specialist medical care to underserved rural communities, with surgical camps held monthly at Ng'anga Bilonda Hospital.
#zambiaflyingdoctorservice, #chasefuoutreach, #healthcareforall
04 December 2025
0 Comments
A medical team led by ZFDS Dr. Hanna Chilando has screened over 320 patients and identified critical cases, including suspected cervical cancer requiring urgent intervention in Chasefu District, Eastern Province.
The outreach, which began December 1st at Lunzi Rural Health Centre and continued at Malandula RHC, received extraordinary community support.
Chief Phikamalaza personally welcomed the team during a courtesy visit, expressing profound gratitude for bringing specialist services to his people.
"This is the first time our community has received such a dedicated specialist team," the Chief stated, visibly moved.
He noted the particular importance of cervical cancer screening, highlighting the district's history of numerous referrals to Lusaka.
Cervical cancer remains a major public health challenge in Zambia, making the team's focused screening efforts particularly vital.
Four patients identified for immediate follow-up and referral, including one confirmed VIA-positive case requiring LEEP (Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure) and another with suspected Invasive Cervical Cancer referred for biopsy.
Beyond cancer screening, the team managed acute and chronic conditions, identifying urgent general medical referrals.
The team continues its mission in Chasefu District, bringing essential specialist care to underserved rural communities.
#zambiaflyngdoctorservice, #kaputaoutreach, #healthcareforall
04 December 2025
0 Comments
The Zambia Flying Doctor Service (ZFDS) medical outreach team successfully launched its Kaputa mission on December 2nd, 2025, despite vehicle breakdowns and treacherous roads, demonstrating unwavering commitment to remote communities.
Traveling to Kaputa by road, the ZFDS team faced a difficult journey, experiencing two vehicle breakdowns due to the poor state of the roads.
This challenge highlights the harsh realities of accessing remote areas.However, the team received crucial assistance from the Kaputa District Health Office (DHO).
The team paid courtesy calls on key district leaders, meeting with Chief Kaputa, the Kaputa DHO, and the District Commissioner (DC), Mr. Cosmas Mwaya.
DC Mwaya expressed sincere appreciation for the visit and acknowledged the long-standing partnership.
He provided encouraging news, confirming that works on the Kaputa airstrip are progressing well.
"The district looks forward to welcoming ZFDS aircraft once the facility is ready, a development that will dramatically improve emergency medical access and enable ZFDS aircraft operations.," he said.
The outreach immediately began clinical services at Kalaba Rural Health Centre (RHC), providing comprehensive screenings of patients and dispensing drugs.
The Ophthalmological team was highly active, screening 87 people, diagnosing 5 cataracts and 11 presbyopia cases, and dispensing 11 pairs of reading spectacles.
The Laboratory team conducted 43 tests on 25 patients. Among the key findings were 13 positive malaria cases detected through rapid tests. This rapid diagnostic work is crucial for immediate patient management and containing disease spread.
The successful execution of the first day's mission, despite the travel challenges, reaffirms ZFDS's vital mission: bringing quality healthcare to Zambia's most underserved communities.
#zambiaflyingdoctorservice, #workerscompensationevacuation, #healthcareforall
02 December 2025
0 Comments
The Zambia Flying Doctor Service (ZFDS) did yesterday 2nd December, 2025 execute an urgent air evacuation, transporting a beneficiary of the Workers' Compensation Fund Control Board (WCFCB) from Lusaka to Kasempa.
The request for the air transfer was initiated by the WCFCB, citing the provisions of their MOU with ZFDS for medical services.
The beneficiary, along with their caregivers, required transportation to Kasempa following their discharge from a Lusaka hospital where they had been receiving medical attention.
The operation required a specialized two-stage flight plan due to the condition of the local airstrip.
A fixed wing aircraft carried the patient from Lusaka into Ndola.The flight crew for this leg included ZFDS Chief Pilot Patrick Kawanu and Co-Pilot Sipho Zulu.
Upon landing at Zuze Airforce Base in Ndola, the beneficiary was promptly and safely transferred into a ZFDS helicopter waiting at Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe airport for the final leg of the journey to Kasempa.
This change of aircraft was necessary because the Mukinge airstrip in Kasempa is currently not conducive for fixed-wing plane landing, making the helicopter the safest and most practical means of transport.
The helicopter was piloted by Col. Zacharia Mbewe with Timothy Gibbes serving as co-pilot.
The request for the evacuation was formally submitted on November 24th, 2025, by Mr. Maybin Nkholomba, Director of Compliance and Compensation Services at WCFCB.
In his correspondence to the ZFDS Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Nkholomba expressed the Board's reliance on their partners, stating, "We look forward to your usual prompt action on the matter."
The successful execution of the evacuation, despite the logistical challenge posed by the airstrip condition, underscores ZFDS's capability to provide timely and essential air medical services across Zambia, fulfilling its role in ensuring that WCFCB beneficiaries receive necessary post-hospital care and transportation.
#zambiaflyingdoctorservice, #cholerasensitization
02 December 2025
0 Comments
The Zambia Flying Doctor Service(ZFDS) and The Chililabombwe Municipal Council(CMC) did today kickstart a Sensitization Program in the Fight Against Cholera,A Critical Undertaking in public Health intervention at the Strategic Kasumbalesa Border Post.
This Integrated Campaign prioritizes extensive Cholera prevention and sanitation efforts to address the immediate health needs of the border community. This kick-starting of the sensitisation program was to execute Effective cholera prevention activities. Which included :
a. Sensitisation, which the ZFDS and CMC team are doing from today up until Saturday with a full complement of the ZFDS medical team,
b. Chlorine distribution , which the ZFDS has been able to collect from various stakeholders like trade kings and the Chinese Association of Zambia.
C. Liming with lime donated to ZFDs from institutions like Chilanga Cement and Neelkanth Mining.
d. Cleaning by employees of the ZFDS and CMC.This collaboration brought about community goodwill and demonstrated the commitment by the Government of the Republic of Zambia through the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development.
e.Mass garbage collection and disposal.
The event was graced by the Provincial Minister of Copperbelt Province, Hon. Elisha Matambo, represented by the acting Copperbelt permanent secretary and Ndola DC-Madam Precious Njekwa.
Other notable people present were his worship, the mayor of Chililabombwe, Mr Lucky Sichone, the Chililabombwe district commissioner, Mr Kelly Jibinga, the Copperbelt provincial health director, represented by Dr Christopher Dube, the Chief Executive Officer, ZFDs, Dr George Ng’uni, the Chililabombwe town clerk, Ms Shila Songolo.
The project will also see the rehabilitation of the existing ablution blocks, and working together with CMC will provide clean water.
The Service through the Ministry of Health will continue to prioritise health care service delivery is enhanced for the people of Chililabombwe and Kasumbalesa effectively and efficiently in a clean environment.
0 Comments