Recent NEWS
#medicalevacuations, #zambiaflyingdoctorservice
23 August 2025
The Zambia Flying Doctor Service (ZFDS) successfully executed a critical medical evacuation, airlifting a 38-year-old mother from a remote hospital in Mbala,northern province to Lusaka for urgent, specialist treatment.
The swift action was initiated to save her life after she developed severe complications following childbirth.
The patient was initially admitted to Mbala General Hospital on August 9, 2025, for a ruptured uterus during her fifth pregnancy .
Further investigations revealed that the mother needed immediate attention by Uro-Gynaecology specialists in Lusaka.
According to Dr. Bornface Chisenga, the Medical Superintendent at Mbala General Hospital, the patient's condition was critical, and she needed urgent transfer to the specialist team at the Women and Newborn Hospital.
The team had already been contacted and was prepared to receive her.
The patient was successfully flown from Mbala aboard the ZFDS aircraft 9J-AGC on the 22nd of August,2025.
The plane departed from Ndola, arriving in Mbala at 10:35 hours.
After immediately loading the patient, the aircraft departed Mbala at 10:35 hours and landed in Lusaka at 11:20 hours.
The medical team from the university Teaching Hospital (UTH) emergency department was on the ground to receive the patient and transport her to the facility.
The mission underscores the importance of a robust emergency medical transport system in the country's ongoing efforts to reduce maternal mortality rates and ensure the well-being of mothers and their families.
#zambiaflyingdoctorservice, #childreninternationalzambia, #ministryofhealth
23 August 2025
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The Zambia Flying Doctor Service (ZFDS) is strengthening its role in national healthcare through a new partnership with Children International Zambia (CIZ).
The agreement, formalized with a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed in Lusaka in June, is designed to extend critical health services and medical supplies to children and families in remote and underserved communities.
A CIZ delegation toured ZFDS facilities on Thursday 19th August,2026 to better understand their capabilities and assets.
The team visited the static Aeromedical Hospitals at James Lawless in Ndola's Northrise and Kenneth Kaunda in Itawa.
The delegation then held a debriefing at the ZFDS headquarters at Zuze Air Force Base before flying to Mwansabombwe to see the Ng’anga Bilonda Hospital.
During the debrief, Christina Becherer, Senior Director of Strategic Partnerships at Children International, explained that the visit was crucial for understanding ZFDS's operations.
This insight, she noted, will help in crafting a compelling narrative to secure support from global foundations and pharmaceutical partners.
Ms.Doras Chirwa, Agency Director for Children International Zambia, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration.
"We support the government's efforts to provide quality health care," she said. "We are now ready to expand our reach in rural areas.
This is where we are aligned; we are talking the same language."
Echoing this sentiment, Dr. George Ng'uni, the CEO of the Zambia Flying Doctor Service, highlighted the immense need in rural areas.
“An adult can walk to a clinic, but how do we handle a child who cannot?” he asked. "This partnership will help us ensure no one is left behind."
Dr. Ng'uni also pointed out the need for basic equipment for their medical teams and appealed for support to expand diagnostic services and medical outreaches.
The delegation also included Ms. Jessica Pedersen, Global Manager for Product Donations, Mr. Vincent Simangolwa, Product Donations Manager Zambia, and Mr. Miller Chibomba, Continuous Improvement & Technology Services Manager.
Enhanced collaboration for ensuring effective and efficient service delivery is achieved for each and every Zambian.
#zampostoutreach, #zambiaflyingdoctorservice
23 August 2025
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The Zambia Flying Doctor Service (ZFDS) has expanded its health outreach taking vital medical screenings and wellness services directly to employees at the Zambia Postal Services Corporation (ZAMPOST) headquarters in Ndola.
The health program, held on June 20, 2025, was initiated after ZAMPOST formally requested the Zambia Flying Doctor Service support to safeguard the well-being of its staff.
The goal was to encourage employees to prioritize their health, with the belief that a healthy workforce is a productive one.
ZFDS medical team lead by Dr.Jonathan Masalo provided a wide range of services, including consultation,voluntary counseling and testing, dental checkups, eye examinations, blood sugar monitoring, and screenings for malaria and various cancers.
The initiative saw an overwhelming response, with 147 employees benefiting from the on-site services.
According to statistics from the outreach, 63 employees underwent general health screening, while 52 received counseling.
In addition, 31 employees had dental checkups, and 41 had their eyes examined.
Laboratory services were also a key part of the program, with 31 random blood sugar tests and 25 malaria rapid tests conducted.
The screenings also included 18 prostate-specific antigen tests and cervical cancer screenings for seven women.
Acting Postmaster General, Ms. Lydia Lubobya, also participated in the screenings alongside her staff, showing strong institutional support for employee wellness.
This partnership highlights the Zambia Flying Doctor Service’s evolving role in delivering essential medical care not just in rural areas but also within institutions that recognize health as a fundamental aspect of a productive and thriving workforce.
#zambiaflyingdoctorservice, #ministryofhealth, #medicalevacuation
17 August 2025
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The Zambia Flying Doctor Service (ZFDS) successfully conducted an emergency medical evacuation of two patients from Mansa to Lusaka today, preventing a potential medical crisis by providing quick access to specialized care.
The first patient, a young man, was initially treated for injuries from a road traffic accident.
After his condition suddenly deteriorated, causing severe headaches and convulsions, doctors at Mansa General Hospital requested an urgent airlift.
The Ministry of Health through the Permanent Secretary authorized the ZFDS to transport the patient for advanced medical attention at Lusaka's University Teaching Hospital (UTH).
In a separate case from the same facility, a second patient with persistent health complications was also transported.
Local doctors determined that further examination and treatment at the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) in Lusaka were necessary.
The ZFDS aircraft departed from Ndola, landing in Mansa at 11:00 hours.
Both patients were quickly boarded and flown to Lusaka, where they landed shortly after 13:00 hours.
A UTH ambulance was on standby to transport the patients directly to the hospital, where they are currently admitted and receiving care.
We wish the patients a quick and speedy recovery 
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#medicalevacuation, #zambiaflyingdoctorservice, #ministryofhealth
16 August 2025
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The Zambia Flying Doctor Service (ZFDS) has successfully evacuated 39-year-old, a mining accident victim, from Mpika to Lusaka for urgent specialized medical attention.
The aeromedical exercise conducted on August 15, 2025, highlights the critical role of the Service in providing rapid medical transport for patients in remote areas.
The victim sustained severe injuries in a mining accident on August 10, including impacted hip joints.
Doctors at the Michael Chilufya Sata General Hospital in Mpika determined that his condition required immediate and advanced care, which was only available at the University Teaching Hospital in Lusaka.
The evacuation was initiated after Dr. Kambwili Jethro, Senior Resident Medical Officer at the Mpika hospital, submitted a formal request to the Ministry of Health to authorize ZFDS to airlift the patient.
A ZFDS aircraft departed Ndola at 7:32 hours, arriving in Mpika at 8:52 hours.
Following the careful loading of the patient ,the flight took off at 9:25 hours and landed at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport - Zambia Air force base in Lusaka at 11:25 hours, where an ambulance was waiting to transport him to the hospital.
We continue to ensure actualization of our mandate in health care delivery.we wish the patient a speedy recovery.
#zambiaflyingdoctorservoice, #medicalevacuations
15 August 2025
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Zambia Flying Doctor Service (ZFDS) has conducted two critical air medical evacuations yesterday , August 14, 2025, demonstrating its essential role in providing rapid access to specialized healthcare.
The first mission was a medical repatriation for a patient covered by the Workers’ Compensation Fund Control Board (WCFCB).
The patient, who is paralyzed in the lower limbs following a workplace accident, was transported from Lusaka to Livingstone.
The ZFDS aircraft, registration number 9J FDS, departed Kenneth Kaunda International Airport at 09:52 and landed at Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula International Airport at 11:22, where WCFCB personnel received the patient.
This operation is part of an ongoing partnership between ZFDS and WCFCB to ensure timely air transport for injured workers.
The second evacuation was for a 67-year-old woman referred from Kitwe Teaching Hospital, who was suffering from acute heart failure.
The patient was transported by land to ZFDS headquarters at Zuze Air Force Base in Ndola.
The ZFDS plane departed at 17:04 hours and arrived at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport at 18:02hours
A medical ambulance from the National Heart Hospital was on standby to transport the patient to the hospital for the urgent attention.
These successful missions underscore the Government and the ZFDS's continued dedication to providing life-saving aeromedical services across Zambia.
#zambiaflyingdoctorservice, #medicalevacuations, #ministryofhealth
11 August 2025
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The Zambia Flying Doctor Service (ZFDS) did yesterday,10th August,2025 conduct two critical air medical evacuations, transporting patients from the Eastern and Southern Provinces to specialized medical facilities in Lusaka.
The first evacuation was a pre-arranged transfer for a patient of the Workers' Compensation Fund Control Board (WCFCB).
The patient, who is paralyzed in their lower limbs following a workplace accident, was airlifted from Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula airport in Livingstone to lusaka for specialized treatment.
Following a request made,ZFDS aircraft registration number 9J-AGC departed Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula International Airport at 10:20 hours and arrived at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport at 11:50 hours and the patient was transported to Fairview Hospital in Lusaka.
This operation is part of an ongoing partnership between ZFDS and WCFCB, which is formalized by a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
This agreement ensures that workers who suffer occupational injuries receive swift air transport for specialized medical care.
In a separate operation, ZFDS transported a Patient from Chipata Central Hospital to Maina Soko Military Hospital.
Dr. Mbinga Mbinga, the hospital’s Senior Medical Superintendent,requested the Ministry of Health to authorize the request for the air ambulance transfer and the said request was approved by the Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary -Dr. Kennedy Lishimpi.
Upon landing in Lusaka at 16:50 hours, the land ambulance from the National Heart Hospital picked the patient at the airport and transported them to Maina Soko Military Hospital, where they are currently admitted for specialized treatment.
We wish the patients a quick recovery and we are grateful to the Ministry of Health for ensuring easier collaboration amongst health facilities in a bid to ensure effective and efficient service delivery.
#zambiaflyingdoctorservice, #ministryofhealth, #ukusenfyapangwena
09 August 2025
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The Zambia Flying Doctor Service (ZFDS) delivered medical services at this year’s Ukusefya pa Ng’wena traditional ceremony, held from August 7th to 9th at Ng’wena Village, Mungwi District, Northern Province.
Hosted by Paramount Chief Chitimukulu Kanyanta-Manga II of the Bemba people, the annual event attracted thousands of attendees, including senior government officials, traditional leaders, and visitors from Zambia, Malawi, and Mozambique.
This year's ceremony was graced by Paramount Chief Kalonga Gawa Undi of the Chewa people as the guest of honor, symbolizing the strong cultural bonds between the two ethnic groups.
In collaboration with the Mungwi District Health Office and the Northern Provincial Health Office, ZFDS provided extensive outreach services.
The team offered dental care, eye consultations and performed general medical screening to patients for over 200 individuals.
This initiative is part of the ZFDS's ongoing commitment to bring healthcare to underserved communities, especially at large gatherings where access to medical services is critical.
The Bemba Royal Establishment expressed gratitude for the ZFDS's continued support, highlighting that their presence significantly contributes to the well-being of the thousands of people who attend the ceremony.
The Ministry of Health continues to enhance the Government’s commitment in actualizing universal coverage for all.
#medicalevacuation, #zambiaflyingdoctorservice, #ministryofhealth
08 August 2025
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The Zambia Flying Doctor Service (ZFDS) performed two simultaneous, life-saving medical evacuations this morning, with both aircraft departing their Ndola base within minutes of each other to respond to urgent patient transfers.
In the first mission, a ZFDS aircraft (registration 9J-ACG) departed Ndola’s Zuze Air Force Airport at 8:59 hours to airlift a 25-year-old patient.
The patient had been at Kitwe Teaching Hospital following a motorcycle accident that resulted in severe injuries, including fractures to his cervical spine, jaw, face, and leg.
Despite initial progress, his respiratory condition worsened, requiring an immediate transfer for specialized care.
He was transported by land ambulance from Kitwe Teaching Hospital to the ZFDS headquarters in Ndola, where he was put on the aircraft and evacuated into Lusaka.
The second mission saw a ZFDS (9J-FDS) aircraft depart Ndola at 9:00 hours for Chilonga Mission Hospital in Mpika.
The, 35-year-old patient had been diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism and gastrointestinal bleeding.
He was airlifted from Mpika at 10:40 hours and arrived in Lusaka at 12:28 hours.
Upon arrival in Lusaka both patients were met by emergency personnel from University Teaching Hospital (UTH) and were immediately transported to the facility for urgent specialist care.
We are grateful to the Ministry of Health for always ensuring Universal Healthcare for all is achieved.
We wish the patients a quick recovery
#ministryofhealth, #zambiaflyingdoctorservice, #medicalevacuations
08 August 2025
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The Zambia Flying Doctor Service (ZFDS) yesterday undertook a vital mission, evacuating two critically ill patients from Kasama to Lusaka for urgent specialist medical care.
The severity of both cases made road travel too dangerous.
One patient, a 12-day-old baby, was born with multiple congenital malformations , including a heart on the wrong side of the chest ( dextrocardia) and a passage connecting the food and windpipes also known as Tracheo-esophageal fistula.
"This baby needed immediate care from a team of heart and breathing specialists in Lusaka," said Dr. Siloka Silas, Head of the Paediatrics Department at Kasama General Hospital.
The second patient, a 65-year-old man from Mungwi District Hospital, suffered a devastating spinal injury in a road traffic accident, leaving him paralyzed.
Dr. Brian Ng’oma, a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, emphasized the urgency, stating, "He urgently needs surgery and specialist care in Lusaka."
After a request from Kasama General Hospital Medical Superintendent Dr. Satchmo Shyamayanda, the Ministry of Health authorized the aeromedical evacuation.
ZFDS dispatched aircraft 9J-FDS from Ndola at 09:33 hours.The plane landed at Kasama Airport at 11:31hours and after a swift boarding process, departed for Lusaka.
Onboard, a Medical Doctor and paramedics from ZFDS worked to stabilize the patients throughout the flight.
Upon landing at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (KKIA) - ZAF side at 14:55 hours, an ambulance from the National Heart Hospital was waiting to transport the patients to Levy Mwanawasa Teaching Hospital and National heart hospital.
We are grateful to the Ministry of Health for ensuring that we provide these services to all in ensuring Universal Health Access for all.
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