The Zambia Flying Doctor Service (ZFDS) has continued its specialised medical outreach in Shangombo District, responding to the increased burden of malaria and diarrhoeal diseases reported in the Kaungamashi and Mambolomoka areas amid ongoing flooding.

ZFDS Medical Officer and Team Lead, Dr Luyando Simunyama, said the disease burden in the affected communities is largely associated with the annual flooding of the plains, which creates favourable breeding grounds for mosquitoes and, in some areas, leaves residents relying on shallow wells as a source of drinking water.

As part of the outreach, the ZFDS team is providing essential and specialised healthcare services free of charge, bringing care closer to communities facing significant geographical barriers to accessing health services.

The team is also conducting malaria and diarrhoea prevention awareness, promoting the use of insecticide-treated mosquito nets, good hygiene and sanitation, safe drinking water, and the importance of seeking early medical attention when symptoms arise.

Meanwhile, traditional leaders in Kaungamashi have commended the Government, through the Zambia Flying Doctor Service, for taking healthcare services closer to the people.

The traditional leadership noted that many residents face difficulties accessing specialised healthcare due to the long distance to Shangombo Boma, compounded by poor road conditions that become particularly challenging during the rainy season.

The outreach demonstrates Government’s continued commitment to strengthening access to healthcare and ensuring that geographical location does not become a barrier to receiving essential medical services.