Recent NEWS
#zambiaflyingdoctorservice, #stakeholderengagements, #chlorinedonations
24 November 2025
The Zambia Flying Doctor Service (ZFDS) has received a generous donation of 30 cases of chlorine from Ndola resident Mr. Barejia Irfan to support cholera prevention efforts.
The handover ceremony took place at ZFDS Headquarters at Zuze Airforce Base.
ZFDS Director of Finance, Mr. Mulega Zulu, received the donation on behalf of the Service and expressed gratitude to Mr. Irfan for his timely contribution.
The supplies arrive as the Service prepares to launch a cholera sensitization campaign on the Copperbelt. This will be done under the guidance of the Ministry of Health,Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development and Chililabombwe Muncipal Council specifically targeting Ndola and the Chililabombwe-Kasumbalesa border area.
The campaign represents a proactive approach to preventing potential waterborne disease outbreaks that are common during the rainy season.
Mr. Irfan, who sourced the scarce commodity from Kitwe, pledged continued support for community health initiatives in the Country.
Also present to receive the donation were ZFDS Chief Internal Auditor Mrs. Grace Mwila Kafula, Chief Human Resource Officer Mr. Edward Msoni and Chief Planner Mr.Robinson Mufumbilwa. The team assured proper accountability for the donated materials and commended the partnership between ZFDS and private citizens in advancing public health.
We continue to ensure we provide quality health care in a clean, healthy and sustainable environment. We call upon stakeholders to come on board ,together we can prevent Cholera.
#zambiaflyingdoctorservice, #ndolalionsclub, #universahealthcoverageforall
22 November 2025
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The Zambia Flying Doctor Service (ZFDS) has collaborated with Ndola Lions Club International to advance access to essential eye care services in rural communities.
The engagement, held at James Lawless AeroMED Hospital in Northrise , marks an important step toward strengthening partnerships that support improved healthcare delivery across the country.
During the meeting, ZFDS Chief Executive Officer Dr. George NG'UNI emphasized the need for broader areas of collaboration beyond eye care, noting that strategic partnerships are key to expanding services to underserved populations.
He highlighted that working together will enable both institutions to extend their reach and impact, particularly in remote and hard-to-reach areas.
As part of the collaboration, Ndola Lions Club International donated 290 medical supplies to the Zambia Flying Doctor Service.
The donation was presented by Lions Club President Sadhna, who reaffirmed the organization's commitment to supporting efforts that promote eye health and community well-being.
Ndola Lions Club International expressed pride in supporting ZFDS through the donation of essential medical supplies aimed at enhancing eye care services.
The organization commended the Zambia Flying Doctor Service for its dedication, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to serving people in the most remote parts of Zambia.
"We appreciate the Zambia Flying Doctor Service and stand with you in this mission. May this partnership continue to grow as we work together to bring better sight and improve family health outcomes," Lions Club President Sadhna affirmed.
This collaboration underscores a shared mission to deliver quality healthcare to all Zambians, regardless of location, and sets the foundation for future joint initiatives that will benefit countless families across the nation.
#zambiaflyingdoctorservice, #9J-KDKhelicopter, #medicalevacuation
21 November 2025
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The Workers' Compensation Fund Control Board (WCFCB) engaged the Zambia Flying Doctor Service (ZFDS) to undertake an emergency air evacuation for its beneficiary suffering from paraplegia resulting from a spinal injury.
Helicopter 9J-KDK was deployed to Luanshya to transport the patient to Fairview International Hospital of Zambia in Lusaka on Friday, 21 November 2025, in line with the existing medical services contract between the two institutions.
In a formal request addressed to the ZFDS Chief Executive Officer, WCFCB Director of Compliance and Compensation Services, Mr. Maybin Nkholomba, emphasized the urgency of transporting the patient from Luanshya to the International Hospital of Zambia in Lusaka for specialized medical attention.
Responding promptly to the request, ZFDS helicopter 9J-KDK was airborne at 08:25 hours and landed at Luanshya Police Grounds at 08:30 hours.
Paramedics swiftly loaded the patient before the aircraft departed for Lusaka at 09:26 hours.
The helicopter landed at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (ZAF Base) at 10:01 hours, where an ambulance from Fairview Hospital received the patient for onward transfer to the International Hospital of Zambia.
At ZFDS we ensure to do our part in achieving universal healthcare for all.
#zambiaflyingdoctorservice, #worldprematurityday2025
18 November 2025
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The Zambia Flying Doctor Service (ZFDS) was active in two districts yesterday , Monday, November 17, 2025, as Ndola and Ng’anga Bilonda in Mwansabombwe held impactful programmes to mark World Prematurity Day under the theme “Give Preterm Babies a Strong Start for a Better Future.”
In Ndola, the day commenced with a flag-off procession from the Broadway Roundabout to the Ndola Teaching Hospital (NTH).
The event, organized by the Ndola District Health Office, was officiated by the Ndola District Commissioner’s Office, represented by Ms. Harriet Ngosa.
The Zambia Flying Doctor Service was a key participant, reinforcing its continued support for maternal and neonatal health in Ndola and across the Country.
Mwansabombwe District held a vibrant and heartfelt commemoration at ZFDS's Ng'anga Bilonda Hospital drawing together health workers, community members, and stakeholders.
The programme included a captivating poem and play by Mbereshi School of Nursing and an emotional moment with testimonies from families sharing stories of resilience and hope.
The District Commissioner (DC), Mr. Ivo Mpasa serving as Guest of Honour, toured the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) to gain firsthand insight into care and concluded by presenting hampers to mothers of preterm infants as a gesture of encouragement and support.
As ZFDS we ensure that we prioritize health care for all.
#zambiaflyingdoctorservice, #nsengelekununkatraditionalceremony, #universalcoverageforall
18 November 2025
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The Zambia Flying Doctor Service (ZFDS) over the weekend provided essential free medical services to the community of Machiya, Mpongwe District, during the annual Nsengele Kununka Traditional Ceremony of the Lamba people.
Led by Dr. Jonathan Masalo, the ZFDS team established tents in the main arena, attending to numerous community members throughout the day. Services offered included:
* General consultations
* Dental check-ups
* Eye examinations (with free reading glasses provided to many attendees)
* Laboratory tests
* Pharmacy support (with essential medicines available on site)
During the event, Dr. Masalo and ophthalmologist William Kaira successfully attended to an emergency eye injury case, demonstrating the team's readiness and expertise.
Before the ceremony began, the ZFDS team paid a courtesy call on His Royal Highness Chief Machiya.Adding to the day's excitement, the ZFDS helicopter also made a special appearance in Machiya.
The Nsengele Kununka Ceremony, which translates to “the smell of the gun powder,” was officially graced by the Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development, Hon. Charles Milupi, who represented President Hakainde Hichilema.
The event was also attended by Copperbelt Minister Hon. Elisha Matambo and several traditional leaders from across Zambia, showcasing the rich cultural performances and heritage of the Lamba people.
#zfdstheateropens2025, #ministryofhealth, #zambiaflyingdoctorservice
15 November 2025
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The Zambia Flying Doctor Service (ZFDS) has today 15th November ,2025 received a major upgrade to its clinical capabilities following the official handover of a fully refurbished operating theatre and a state-of-the-art dental unit at the AeroMED James Lawless facility in Ndola.
The donation was formalized by Indo Zambia Bank (IZB), strengthening the public-private partnership aimed at enhancing specialized healthcare delivery across remote parts of the Country.
The ceremony was officiated by the Minister of Health, Hon. Elijah Muchima, MP, who used the occasion to reaffirm the Government’s commitment to reinforcing national healthcare infrastructure.
The Copperbelt Minister,Hon. Elisha Matambo also present at the handover, praised the revitalization efforts at ZFDS. He noted that the quality of service delivery now available at the James Lawless facility is “comparable to hospitals abroad,” signifying a major improvement in the Service’s infrastructure and operational capacity.
Speaking on behalf of ZFDS, CEO Dr. George Nguni, expressed profound gratitude for the timely intervention. Dr. Nguni highlighted that the enhanced theatre and new dental equipment will significantly boost the Service’s ability to conduct high-quality surgical procedures and comprehensive dental care during their extensive outreach programs.
Indo Zambia Bank’s Managing Director Mr. Brajesh Kumar Singh reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to corporate social responsibility, guided by the philosophy that “healthy communities are strong communities.”
The Managing Director detailed the Bank’s significant contributions to the health sector, which surpass ZMW two million with theater and dental equipment worth about ZMW one million being donated to the Service.
ZFDS Board Chairperson, Dr. Rosemary Kumwenda, emphasized that the collaboration directly supports the Service’s core mandate: providing accessible, specialized, and life-saving healthcare services to hard-to-reach areas of Zambia.
His Royal Highness, Chief Nkambo delivered the vote of thanks, acknowledging the “remarkable improvements” in service delivery witnessed at ZFDS and celebrating the sustained collaboration that continues to yield tangible benefits for local communities.
Other notable dignitaries present were His Royal Highness Chief Chiwala of Masaiti and part of Ndola district. The Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary-Represented by MOH Director Clinical Care,Dr. Lisulo Walubita, The Copperbelt Province Permanent secretary,Mr. Lawrence Mwanza,The Ndola District Commissioner,Ms Precious Njekwa,The Provincial Health Director,Dr. Charles Mwinuna , The General Manager for Indo Zambia Bank,Mr Godwin Ngoma, Indo Zambia bank Assistant General Manager Mr. Chenjelani Banda ,The Children International Zambia Country Director Ms.Doras Chirwa - Represented by Mr. Vincent Simangolwa to mention but a few.
The refurbished facility is immediately operational and expected to contribute to a substantial increase in the volume and complexity of surgical and dental services provided by the ZFDS.
As ZFDS we are grateful for the support given to us and for each and every stakeholder for being part of this achievement. We continue to pledge our commitment in ensuring Universal Healthcare is achieved for all.
#zambiaflyingdoctorservice, #solwezimedicalevacuation
09 November 2025
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The Zambia Flying Doctor Service (ZFDS) executed a vital emergency evacuation yesterday , airlifting a 28-year-old Road ,Traffic Accident victim from Solwezi to the University Teaching Hospital in Lusaka.
The male patient was just hours away from potential permanent paralysis after suffering a fall from a truck on October 11, 2025.
A CT scan revealed a spinal fracture and dislocation that needed immediate neurosurgical intervention unavailable in the Northwestern Province.
Dr. Joshua Chisanga, Acting Senior Medical Superintendent at Solwezi, confirmed the prognosis, stating, "He required immediate transfer to a specialist unit to prevent the possibility of permanent paralysis."
Responding to the urgent request and approval via the Ministry of Health (MOH), ZFDS team immediately mobilized.
The Air Ambulance 9J-AGC was dispatched from Ndola's Zuze Air Base and It landed in Solwezi at 11:15 hours.
The mission, led by pilot Mr. Lasford Manchisi and Pilot Chanda Mupangwe, took off at 11:46 hours from Solwezi and landed safely at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (KKIA) ZAF base at 13:20 hours.
An emergency ambulance from UTH was already waiting at the Airport, rushing the patient straight to the neurosurgical unit for urgent treatment.
The seamless,transfer not only secured the specialist surgery but effectively saved the patient’s life by preventing irreversible damage.
We wish the patient a quick recovery.
#zambiaflyingdoctorservice, #missionintheair, #mansaevacuation, #chinsalievacuation
04 November 2025
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The Zambia Flying Doctor Service (ZFDS) yesterday successfully executed life-saving emergency medical evacuation mission across two provinces, airlifting four patients from Chinsali General Hospital and one patient from Mansa General Hospital to Lusaka for advanced specialist treatment.
The urgent referral requests were made by Dr. Mackford Chipili, Medical Superintendent at Mansa General Hospital, and Dr. Simuyemba Kasuba, Acting Medical Superintendent at Chinsali General Hospital, citing the need for specialized intervention at the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) and the National Heart Hospital.
Approval for the transfers was granted by the Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary for Technical Services, Dr. Lishimpi.
The ZFDS aircraft, registration 9J-FDS, commenced the mission from Ndola at 07:02 hours, landing in Mansa at 07:55 hours before proceeding to Chinsali, where it arrived at 10:30 hours. The medical team promptly prepared the patients for transfer, three of whom required continuous oxygen support.
The aircraft departed Chinsali at 11:31 hours, with ZFDS paramedics providing continuous in-flight medical monitoring and care. The mission was successfully completed under the command of Chief Pilot Patrick Kawanu and Co-Pilot Elvis Kite, with the aircraft landing safely in Lusaka at 13:20 hours.
Upon arrival at the Zambia Air Force (ZAF) Base at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport, the patients were immediately handed over to awaiting ambulance teams and transferred to UTH and the National Heart Hospital for urgent management.
The Zambia Flying Doctor Service remains dedicated in its commitment to delivering cost-effective and efficient aeromedical services across the Country.
#chakwelamakumbitraditionalceremony, #zambiaflyingdoctorservice
03 November 2025
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The Zambia Flying Doctor Service (ZFDS), in collaboration with the Chongwe District Health Office, provided integrated healthcare services at the 2025 Chakwela Makumbi Traditional Ceremony, reaching the Soli community gathered at Makuyu Royal Palace in Nkomeshya Village, Chongwe District.
The ZFDS team was lead by Director Legal Services and Corporate Affairs,Mrs Luyando Mbilika-Shimalukwe and Director Medical Services, Director Medical Services,Dr. Chisanga Puta who paid a courtesy on her Royal Highness Chieftainess Nkomeshya Mukamambo II. The team conducted a medical outreach during the annual ceremony held under the theme "Our Heritage, Our Future."
The ZFDS team deployed dental, eye care, laboratory, pharmacy, and general medical services to address healthcare access gaps among ceremony attendees and local residents. Medical professionals conducted dental examinations and treatments, performed eye screenings and distributed corrective lenses, provided laboratory diagnostic services, dispensed medications through pharmacy services, and offered general medical consultations.
The outreach demonstrated the value of collaboration between healthcare providers and traditional authorities. The Chakwela Makumbi ceremony, which signifies prayers for good rainfall in the upcoming farming season, brought together the Soli people in one location, creating an ideal opportunity for comprehensive healthcare delivery.
Traditional ceremonies offer unique opportunities for healthcare delivery, as they bring together communities that may otherwise be scattered across remote areas. ZFDS expressed gratitude to Her Royal Highness for recognizing the importance of integrating health services into this significant cultural gathering.
ZFDS continues to coordinate with traditional authorities and Government health structures to identify strategic intervention opportunities, contributing to national efforts toward Universal Health Coverage.
#chamadistrict, #zambiaflyingdoctorservice
02 November 2025
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The transformative impact of the Zambia Flying Doctor Service (ZFDS) was felt in Chama District, as a specialist surgeon transported from the Copperbelt performed 31 life-changing surgical procedures in just four days as part of an specialized medical outreach.
Specialist Surgeon Dr. Maka Silungwe, based at Roan Antelope General Hospital, was flown into the district by ZFDS to treat patients suffering from conditions that had long remained untreated due to the absence of local specialist surgical services.
The surgical mission delivered immediate relief to several critical cases,these included the following:
* Thyroidectomy Success: A 25-year-old man suffering from a massive anterior neck swelling, which caused difficulty swallowing and breathing when lying flat, underwent a successful subtotal thyroidectomy. He has since made a full recovery.
* Paediatric Surgery: A five-year-old girl with a congenital thyroglossal duct cyst successfully underwent a complex Sistrunk procedure (the complete removal of the cyst, tract, and a section of the hyoid bone). Her recovery was described as uneventful.
Other operations carried out included essential procedures such as hernia repairs, hydrocelectomies, and the excision of ganglions and lipomas, bringing the total number of surgeries performed to 31.
Dr. Silungwe praised the ZFDS for making the outreach possible, highlighting the Service’s logistical support and mandate to fly specialists into hard-to-reach areas.
The surgical mission was part of a wider ZFDS outreach that coincided with the Kwenje Traditional Ceremony in Chipata.
The overall mission saw hundreds of residents benefiting from general medical consultations, dental and eye care, laboratory services, and pharmacy support.
The success of the mission underscores ZFDS’s continued fulfillment of its mandate.
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