Zambia Marks World Family Doctor Day 2026 with Call for Compassionate Care in a Digital Era

By Alain Kabinda

Zambia has joined the global community in commemorating World Family Doctor Day 2026 with a strong call for healthcare systems to embrace digital innovation without losing the human connection at the heart of medicine. Health experts and family physicians gathered at  Family Medicine Lecture Room, School of Public health University of Zambia in Lusaka to celebrate the role of family doctors in strengthening primary healthcare while also marking the upcoming graduation of 10 new family medicine specialists from the University of Zambia.

And this year’s global theme is, “Compassionate Care in a Digital World,” the event highlighted the delicate balance between embracing modern healthcare technologies and preserving the empathy, trust, and personal connection that define quality medical care.

Speaking the official opening of the ceremony Association of Family Physicians of Zambia (AFPZ) was both a celebration and a moment of reflection on the future of healthcare.

AFPZ Secretary Dr. Bassim Birkland stated that year’s theme comes at a critical time when digital technologies are rapidly transforming healthcare delivery globally.

                                                   (AFPZ Secretary Dr. Bassim Birkland)

“Technology must strengthen compassion in medicine, not weaken the human connection between doctor and patient,” Dr. Birkland said.

Dr. Birkland further described family physicians as “specialist generalists” uniquely positioned to bridge innovation and patient-centred care.

“As Family Physicians, we are trained to provide comprehensive, continuous, coordinated, person-centred, and community-oriented care across all ages, diseases, and communities. We are often the first point of contact in the health system and remain closest to the people we serve.” Added Dr. Birkland.

He also noted that Zambia’s family medicine sector has continued to grow through collaboration between the Ministry of Health, the University of Zambia and Seed Global Health Zambia.

Dr. Dr. Birkland urged the government to create urgently formal Family Medicine post positions within the Ministry of Health establishment to ensure the deployment of newly trained specialists.

“Without appropriate establishment positions, the country risks underutilizing a highly trained cadre essential for strengthening primary healthcare and achieving universal health coverage,” Dr. Birkland said.

Meanwhile speaking at the same ceremony, on behalf of Dean Professor Hikabesa Haluiindi, Dr. Patrick Kaonga said the future of medicine must remain grounded in compassion even as technology continues to reshape healthcare systems.

                                                    (Patrick Kaonga Lecture/Researcher) 

“Technology must not weaken the human dimension of medicine,” Dr. Kaonga said.

“As healthcare professionals and as a society, we must ensure that the rise of technology does not diminish the values that define healing—listening to patients, understanding families, respecting culture, exercising professional judgment, and responding compassionately to human suffering.” Dr. kaonga said.

He stressed that while digital innovations such as telemedicine, artificial intelligence, and electronic health records offer immense opportunities to improve healthcare delivery, no technological advancement can replace the trust built between a doctor and a patient.

“No technology can replace empathy. No machine can replace human touch. No digital system can substitute the trust built between a patient and a doctor,” Dr. Kaonga said.

The event also marked a major milestone for Zambia’s growing family medicine discipline.

Dr. Kaonga also announced that on May 21, the University of Zambia will graduate ten additional family medicine specialists under its Master of Medicine in Family Medicine programme.

The programme, introduced in 2018, was established to address Zambia’s growing need for highly skilled specialists capable of responding to increasingly complex healthcare demands at community level.

“These graduates are already serving across the country in clinical care, teaching, research, and community outreach,” Dr. Kaonga said.

“Their work is a testament to the fact that investing in family medicine is investing in stronger, more resilient health systems for Zambia.” Dr. Kaonga added.

And Seed Global Health Zambia Country Director Dr. Chikusela Sikazwe said digital transformation must remain people-centred.

                             (Seed Global Health Zambia Country Director Chikusela Sikazwe)

“Healthcare is ultimately about people,” Dr. Sikazwe said.

“It is about the mother seeking reassurance for her child, the elderly patient living with multiple chronic conditions, and the adolescent silently struggling with mental health challenges. In all these moments, patients need more than systems, machines, algorithms, and data. They need a doctor who listens, understands, explains, reassures, and walks with them.” Said Dr. Sikazwe.

He emphasized that while digital tools such as telemedicine, artificial intelligence, and point-of-care ultrasound are revolutionising clinical practice, they must support clinical judgment rather than replace it.

Dr. Sikazwe cited Seed Global Health’s support for integrating point-of-care ultrasound into Zambia’s family medicine training programme as an example of technology enhancing compassionate care.

“It is technology that helps a clinician see more clearly, act more quickly, and care more safely,” he said.

Across the ceremony, a common thread emerged: the future of healthcare lies not in choosing between technology and humanity, but in ensuring both work together.

The graduation of ten new family physicians later this week represents more than an academic achievement—it signals Zambia’s continued investment in strengthening primary healthcare at a time when resilient health systems are needed more than ever.

(c) All Copyrights Reserved.

 A Vaccine on the Horizon: Hope and Science on HIV Vaccine Awareness Day 2026

By Alain Kabinda

The world today marks HIV Vaccine Awareness Day 2026, a moment of reflection, scientific recognition, and renewed commitment to ending one of the most persistent global health challenges. With the theme centered on “moving closer to a future free from HIV,” this year’s observance highlights how science, communities, and global partnerships are converging to accelerate progress toward an effective HIV vaccine.

Despite decades of advances in treatment and prevention, an HIV vaccine remains the missing link in fully ending the epidemic. This year’s campaign underscores a powerful message: the end of HIV is no longer an abstract dream, but a scientific and social possibility within reach.

At the heart of this year’s awareness campaign is rapid progress in biomedical research. Scientists are focusing on next-generation vaccine approaches, particularly broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs)—designed to target multiple strains of HIV—and cutting-edge genetic technologies.

Researchers are also advancing mRNA-based platforms, similar to those used in recent global vaccine breakthroughs, as well as next-generation delivery systems aimed at strengthening immune responses.

According to global health partners, including the World Health Organization and UNAIDS, several vaccine candidates are now in early- to mid-stage clinical trials. These efforts are complemented by work from organizations such as IAVI and Unitaid, which are supporting research, innovation, and equitable access.

Nearly 1 out of 7 people are living with HIV today. That means nearly 37.9 million people around the world are living with HIV/AIDS. Additionally, the virus seems to spread the most in the poorest and most underprivileged communities in the world. Most importantly, lack of educational information, preventative measures and medical treatment are the leading causes of HIV spreading.

There are vaccines for many diseases caused for bacteria and viruses. Unfortunately, there is no treatment for those infected by HIV. Scientists are continuously working on a way to develop an effective treatment. Multiple organizations are working together to find a successful treatment. Clinical trials and studies are constantly occurring around the world in hopes to combat the virus

Scientists emphasize that while no licensed HIV vaccine currently exists, progress in immunology and biotechnology is accelerating faster than ever before.

Beyond laboratories and clinical trials, communities remain central to HIV prevention and awareness. Across Africa and other high-burden regions, community-led organizations continue to drive HIV testing, education, and stigma reduction. In a small community health centre in kalingalinga of Lusaka, the morning begins early. Before the sun fully rises, people are already seated on wooden benches outside the clinic, waiting quietly for services that have become part of everyday survival—HIV testing, counselling, and routine check-ups.

Speaking during in an interview to Daily News, among them is Chanda (Not real Names), a 28-year-old mother of two, who has lived her entire adult life in the era of HIV awareness. She remembers learning about the virus in school, hearing warnings on the radio, and seeing posters in clinics urging people to “know your status.” But today feels different for her.

“I never thought I would still be hearing about a vaccine at this stage in my life,” Mbewe said. “When I was younger, people said a vaccine would come soon. Now I hear scientists are closer again. It gives me hope—but also patience.” She added.

“I don’t know when the vaccine will come,” she says. “But I know my children will grow up in a different world than mine. That’s what I hold onto.”

Inside the clinic, health workers are conducting group education sessions. A nurse explains ongoing global research efforts, describing how scientists are testing new vaccine approaches designed to teach the immune system how to recognize and fight HIV before infection occurs.

For many in the room, the science feels distant—but the impact is deeply personal. A young man in the back, Patrick (not real names), listens carefully. He has been on pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for over a year. He describes it as “a shield for now,” but says a vaccine would change everything.

“PrEP helps, but you must remember to take it every day,” he said. “A vaccine would feel like freedom. Something permanent. Something you don’t have to think about all the time.”

And according to a health worker (names withheld) at the same hospital she moves from group to group, answering questions and encouraging testing. She has worked in HIV prevention for over a decade and has seen both progress and frustration.

“We have treatment that works. We have prevention tools that save lives,” she says. “But people still get infected. A vaccine would be a turning point—not just medically, but emotionally for communities.”

Her words reflect a shared reality across many high-burden communities: HIV is no longer the immediate death sentence it once was, but it remains a daily reality shaped by access, stigma, and inequality.

Later in the day, a youth dialogue session brings together students, activists, and health workers. The conversation shifts between science and lived experience—between talk of mRNA technology and stories of stigma faced in schools or relationships.

One young woman speaks about losing a close friend to HIV-related complications years ago. Other talks about the fear of testing positive. A health worker responds by explaining how far treatment has come—and how close scientists are getting to long-term prevention breakthroughs.

There is no single moment of celebration. Instead, there is something quieter: a shared understanding that progress is real, but incomplete.

Further HIV Vaccine Awareness Day 2026 does not mark an ending. It marks a continuation—of science still unfolding, of communities still waiting, and of hope still holding its place in everyday lives.

Grassroots leaders, youth groups, and healthcare workers are promoting prevention tools such as regular testing, safe practices, and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Their work is critical in ensuring that scientific advances translate into real-world impact.

In many communities, lived experience continues to shape advocacy. Young people and women’s groups are increasingly leading conversations on sexual health, stigma reduction, and empowerment—ensuring that HIV prevention is not only medical, but also social and cultural.

Africa remains at the center of both the HIV burden and the global response. The 2026 campaign highlights the growing leadership of African researchers, governments, and communities in shaping HIV research priorities.

And countries like Zambia continue to strengthen prevention programs, expand testing, and support research collaborations that connect local realities with global science.

Partnerships supported by initiatives such as the PEPFAR and the Global Fund remain vital in financing treatment, prevention, and health system strengthening across high-burden countries.

And recently Zambia under the Ministry of Health in partnership with Planned Parenthood Association of Zambia (PPAZ) and Ascend Future Foundations launched the Dapivirine Vaginal Ring (DVR) which is part of a broader shift toward diversified HIV prevention—one that recognizes that no single method works for everyone.

For Zambia, this is not the first step in that direction. Oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and long-acting injectable options have already been introduced. But the DVR fills a critical gap: it is specifically designed with women’s realities in mind.

In addition, Health experts have also added their voices that ending HIV will require not only scientific breakthroughs, but also sustained investment, equitable access to future vaccines, and strong political will.

The scientific landscape is rapidly evolving, with several promising technologies shaping the future of HIV vaccine research such as mRNA and self-amplifying RNA platforms that enable rapid vaccine design, Viral vector systems that strengthen immune responses, and Nanoparticle-based vaccines designed to precisely target immune cells.

These innovations represent a shift from traditional vaccine development to precision immunology, where vaccines are designed to anticipate viral evolution.

Despite progress, significant challenges persist. HIV’s ability to mutate rapidly makes it one of the most complex viruses to target. Clinical trials must also ensure safety, effectiveness across populations, and long-term immune protection.

Equally important are social and structural barriers, including stigma, inequality, and limited access to healthcare in vulnerable communities.

Public health experts warn that without addressing these realities, even the most advanced scientific breakthroughs may fail to reach those who need them most.

The message of HIV Vaccine Awareness Day 2026 is ultimately one of cautious optimism. While a fully effective HIV vaccine is still under development, the combined efforts of scientists, governments, communities, and global health institutions are bringing that goal closer than ever. As one global health message summarized: “Together, through research, community engagement, and sustained investment, we move closer to a future free from HIV.”

 Living With Type 1 Diabetes in Later Life: The Hidden Reality for Older Adults

By Alain kabinda

For many people, Type 1 Diabetes is considered a condition that mainly affects children and young adults. However, health experts say the disease can also develop much later in life, catching many adults between the ages of 45 and 85 by surprise. For those diagnosed in older age, the journey often begins with confusion, misdiagnosis, and a sudden adjustment to a life dependent on insulin.

For many people, Type 1 Diabetes is often seen as a condition that begins in childhood. But doctors and patients are increasingly highlighting a lesser-known reality — the disease can also emerge later in life, affecting adults in their 40s, 50s, and even well into their 80s.

For older adults, a diagnosis can come as a shock. Many associate the condition with children or teenagers and may never imagine that symptoms appearing in middle age or old age could point to type 1 diabetes. This misunderstanding often leads to delayed diagnosis, as symptoms are frequently mistaken for Type 2 Diabetes, which is far more common among older adults.

Medical experts Dr. Gibert Musonda explained that while type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease where the body attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, it can develop at any age. In some adults, it appears as a slower-progressing form known as latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA), which can initially resemble type 2 diabetes.

For many patients aged between 45 and 85, the experience begins with unexplained physical changes. Persistent thirst, frequent urination, blurred vision, sudden weight loss, and constant fatigue are among the warning signs. Because these symptoms can overlap with other age-related conditions, many people delay seeking medical attention, assuming they are simply signs of aging.

Speaking to Daily News Reporter one Lusaka resident, 67-year-old Ruth Kabwe (Name With held), recalled how she dismissed her symptoms for months. She thought her tiredness and weight loss were due to stress and getting older. It was only after repeated fainting spells and a hospital visit that doctors discovered her blood sugar levels were dangerously high.

“At first they said it was type 2 diabetes and gave me tablets, but nothing changed,” Kabwe said. “I kept losing weight and felt weak every day. Later, after more tests, they told me I had type 1 diabetes. I had never heard of someone my age getting it.”

Her story mirrors the experiences of many older adults who find themselves navigating insulin injections, blood glucose monitoring, and dietary adjustments later in life — routines often associated with much younger patients.

Dr. Musonda added thatsay the challenge lies in awareness. Because type 2 diabetes is widespread among adults, many healthcare providers may not immediately suspect type 1 in older patients. This can result in treatment delays, which can be dangerous if blood sugar levels remain uncontrolled.

The diagnosis often brings emotional and practical challenges. Older adults must suddenly adapt to strict medication schedules, regular blood sugar checks, and the possibility of low blood sugar episodes. For those living alone, the fear of hypoglycemia, particularly at night, can be a major concern.

Family support becomes crucial. Caregivers often assist with insulin administration, meal planning, and ensuring medical appointments are not missed. In many households, the diagnosis can affect the entire family as they learn to manage the condition together.

Doctors stress that although the diagnosis may be life-changing, it does not mean an end to an active life. With proper treatment, older adults with type 1 diabetes can continue working, travelling, and participating in everyday activities. Advances such as insulin pens and continuous glucose monitors have made management easier than in the past.

However, health advocates say more education is needed to dispel myths around the disease. Public awareness campaigns have long focused on childhood diabetes, leaving many adults unaware that the condition can begin much later in life.

As cases of adult-onset type 1 diabetes become more widely recognized, medical professionals are urging people not to ignore persistent symptoms, regardless of age. They say timely diagnosis can prevent complications and improve quality of life.

For many older adults, the journey with type 1 diabetes begins unexpectedly. But with the right care, knowledge, and support, it is a condition that can be managed — proving that even in later years, a diagnosis does not define a person’s future. (All the Names are withheld for Confidential)

 Septic tank poisoning

...WARMA rules

By Staff Writers 

There is a need to fill identified gaps in the enforcements of water Resources Management act among other regulations to stop the indiscriminate building and digging septic tanks close to water sources such as boreholes.

Despite the law and regulations being elaborate on specifications on the distance between water sources like boreholes, the trend of building septic tanks close to water sources continues.

Section 99 of the Water resources Management Act requires anyone drilling a borehole to immediately notify water Resources Management Authority (WARMA) or a catchment manager in writing, giving the location and elaborate details of the envisaged borehole.

This looks water tight on paper and upon perusal but interviews with an expert as well as borehole owners reveals that serious regulatory and enforcement gaps exist.

For instance, if a driller or land occupier notifies WARMA on a borehole record, specifications, or data should be treated as confidential communication.

WARMA is barred from publishing or sharing an applicant's information with third parties unless consent is given which is a source of concern in terms of promoting transparency and accountability.

From the Act point of view ,violating confidentiality carries penalties, and any person or public officer unlawfully releasing protected borehole information faces a fine of up to 50,000 penalty units —

equivalent to K20,000 under current rates.

The alluded to law helps the government track groundwater use and prevent over-extraction, especially as demand rises in Lusaka, Copperbelt, and drought-prone areas.

Alas! These efforts seem not to be acting as deterrents due to a number of factors as identified by experts as underground continued being contaminated indiscriminately.

At the same time, established regulations reassure farmers, mines, and homeowners that commercial or geological data from private boreholes won’t be automatically made public without appropriate consent from right holders.

Environmentalist Jacob Musosha has called for improved town planning to avoid the current scenario whereby building and digging septic tanks close to water sources such as boreholes.

"Everything is haphazard, the ticking time bomb has already exploded because we have neglected town

planning," Mr. Musosha observed.

Musosha noted that while WARMA mandates a minimum distance of 30 meters between a borehole and any potential source of contamination,

such as a septic tank or soak away, the opposite has been happening.

Musosha stated groundwater, more especially high-density residential areas where both systems are commonly used on the same plot, are highly contaminated.

Musosha cited recent studies which showed that areas like Kitwe West on the Copperbelt Province and Lusaka like St. Bonaventure show high percentage of boreholes of up

to 90 percent in some studied areas are contaminated with faecal coliforms, leaving the water unsafe for drinking.

This is due to close proximity to septic systems, which Musosha said called for a paradigm shift to revisit town planning and enforce WARMA and Zambia Environmental Management Authority (ZEMA) regulations.

But WARMA Senior Public Relations and Communications Officer, Smart Kalaluka maintained in an interview that thorough check before granting water permits are done.

"Pre-inspectations are done before granting water permits for different usages,the Act if followed to the later," Mr. Kalakuka stated.

He said WARMA is committed to emsure that all water permit holders protect the environment.

However, interviews with borehole owners, reviewed gaps inregulations and enforcements of the distance between boreholes and septic tanks.

Brian Mulenga, a resident of Kwacha East Township in Kitwe, Copperbelt Province, confirmed

the absence of inspections by WARMA or ZEMA assessments.

Mr Mulenga confessed that he has never seen anyone from WARMA or ZEMA after drilling a borehole.

He says people just indiscriminately drill boreholes whenever they have money, as no one comes to check compliance to WARMA specified regulations.

"Even when there are complaints, nothing changes. Now some wells that we used to rely on are drying

up, and we don’t know who to report to. It just feels like there’s no control, " complains Mulenga.

Ruth Tembo, a resident of Kwacha East Township in Kitwe, Copperbelt Province also added her voice.

Through services by Nkana Water, during a disruption, Ms Tembo narrated that residents resort to individually sunk boreholes.

She cited the lack of scheduled checks as a contributing factor to unregulated boreholes and water tank installations placed next to septic tanks.

From the investigation, most boreholes and septic tanks are sunk without following the requirements of the Water Resources Management Act and that of ZEMA .

Continental Leadership Research Institute (CLRI), Zambia Environmental Journalists Network (ZEJN)

Josephine Phiri Freelance, Lydia Makina - CGTN Reporter, Alain Kabinda - Daily News, Melody Mubita- A student at UNZA/Freelance, Kennedy Mupeseni -Times of Zambia, Derrick Sinjela Kwilanzi

Newspaper Zambia (KNZ).

                    NGOCC Calls for Women to Be Given Winnable Seats in 2026 Elections

 

                                              (NGOCC Board Chairperson Beauty Katebe)

By Alain kabinda

Non-governmental Gender Organizations’ Coordinating Council has urged political parties in Zambia to honour their commitments to gender inclusion by adopting more women as candidates in the run-up to the country’s general elections scheduled for 13 August 2026.

In a statement issued to Daily News by NGOCC Board Chairperson Ms. Beauty Katebe, stated that political parties currently selecting candidates for nomination must act transparently and decisively to ensure women are not left out of the electoral process.

Ms. Katebe has reminded political parties that many had previously signed pledges committing themselves to increase women’s participation in politics and specifically to ensure that at least 30 percent of adopted candidates are women. And this commitment should be reflected in the ongoing adoption process, rather than remaining a symbolic promise.

The organization expressed concern that, despite repeated calls for inclusion, women have historically been marginalized during candidate selection, often being pushed aside in favour of male candidates. It said genuine inclusion should go beyond numbers and should ensure that women are adopted in constituencies where they stand a realistic chance of winning.

According to Ms. Katebe called on the political parties must avoid the practice of assigning female candidates to constituencies widely regarded as unwinnable while reserving competitive seats for male contenders. Also women who have worked within communities, built support bases, and demonstrated leadership should be given equal opportunities to contest in stronghold constituencies.

She further also stressed that there is no shortage of qualified women available for adoption, noting that lists of capable female aspirants have already been shared with political parties. This should remove any justification for excluding women from the candidate selection process.

Zambia’s recent political history has shown low representation of women in elected office. Ms. Katebe also pointed out that women accounted for less than 15 percent of members in the recently dissolved parliament and only 7 percent of local government representatives, figures it described as unacceptable for a country committed to gender equality.

The organization further warned against relying on the proportional representation system as the main avenue for women’s participation. It argued that proportional representation seats should complement women’s participation in the 226 first-past-the-post constituencies, not replace it.

NGOCC said limiting women to proportional representation seats risks reinforcing structural exclusion under the guise of inclusion. The council emphasized that Zambia has regional and international obligations to promote equal political participation, including commitments under the Southern African Development Community Protocol on Gender and Development and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, which advocate for 50 percent representation.

As political parties continue their adoption processes ahead of the August polls, NGOCC said it will closely monitor and publicly report on candidate selections by gender, constituency type, and party strongholds.

The organization has called on all political parties to use the current adoption period as an opportunity to change the country’s political landscape by placing women in winnable seats and delivering on the promise of inclusive democracy.

 

 Safety Fears Rise for Persons with Albinism in Zambia

By Alain kabinda

For many Zambians living with Albinism, daily life is often shaped by more than the physical realities of a genetic condition.

It is increasingly defined by fear, uncertainty, and a persistent struggle for protection, inclusion, and dignity.

Fresh concerns raised by the Zambian Albinism Alliance have once again brought the issue into sharp national focus, highlighting what advocates describe as deep protection gaps, weak service delivery systems, and troubling allegations of unauthorised activities involving foreign nationals engaging vulnerable communities without recognised institutional oversight.

At the centre of the growing concern is a broader question: despite years of advocacy, policy development, and international commitments, are Zambia’s systems doing enough to protect persons with albinism?

Speaking during a media briefing in Lusaka, Zambia Albinism Alliance (ZAA) Vice President Blessings Mbalashe said many persons with albinism continue to face significant risks despite the existence of policy frameworks meant to safeguard their rights.

He said weak implementation, limited institutional coordination, and inadequate funding continue to leave many vulnerable to discrimination, exclusion, and health risks.

“Progress has been made at policy level, but implementation remains a challenge,” Dr. Mbalashe said.

His remarks reflect concerns long raised by disability rights advocates who argue that while Zambia has demonstrated political recognition of albinism-related issues, practical support often fails to reach those most in need.

Albinism is a genetic condition characterised by reduced or absent melanin, affecting skin, hair, and eye pigmentation.

For those living with it, the condition often brings severe sensitivity to sunlight, visual impairment, and increased risk of skin cancer.

But beyond the medical challenges lies a social reality that many describe as equally difficult.

Across parts of Zambia and the region, myths and harmful stereotypes surrounding albinism persist. For some families, this has translated into stigma, exclusion, and fear.

In rural communities especially, awareness remains uneven, leaving some people with albinism isolated from healthcare, education, and social opportunities.

Dr. Mbalashe pointed to the National Action Plan for the Protection of Persons with Albinism (2026–2030) as a critical tool requiring stronger implementation.

He added that while the framework provides direction, meaningful impact will depend on active collaboration between government institutions, disability organisations, and community stakeholders.

He also acknowledged Zambia’s formal recognition of International Albinism Awareness Day, commemorated every June 13 following sustained advocacy by ZAA and partner organisations.

The observance has helped raise awareness nationally, but advocates say awareness alone is not enough.

Without dedicated funding, outreach systems, and coordinated service delivery, they warn that many commitments risk remaining symbolic.

One of ZAA’s strongest recommendations is the creation of a dedicated government budget line for albinism programmes.

Advocates argue that this would improve access to sunscreen, specialised medical care, vision support services, and community-based outreach. Currently, much of this work is sustained through partnerships and intermittent donor support.

For many families in rural areas, access to sunscreen—essential for preventing skin cancer—is inconsistent or unaffordable.

Medical screenings and dermatological care are often concentrated in urban centres, placing them beyond reach for vulnerable households.

Adding urgency to the situation are allegations raised separately by ZAA Secretary General Dr. Prince Chibwe concerning unauthorised activities reportedly involving two foreign nationals operating within communities across Zambia.

In an urgent report submitted to the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services, the alliance said it had received reports that the individuals were engaging persons with albinism and their families without consultation or coordination with recognised disability structures.

According to the report, the activities allegedly involved interviews focused on living conditions and government support programmes, as well as the collection of photographs, videos, and audio recordings.

D.  Chibwe also said these allegations raise serious safeguarding concerns. Particularly troubling are claims that some families were allegedly encouraged to expose children during documentation processes under claims that evidence was needed to demonstrate poor living conditions. If verified, advocates say such actions would raise significant concerns around dignity, privacy, informed consent, and child protection.

The alliance has called on government to investigate the identity, legal status, and operational mandate of those involved. It has also requested temporary suspension of related activities pending verification.

Beyond investigation, ZAA is calling for immediate safeguarding measures for affected families, including psychosocial support where necessary.

And that socio-economic vulnerability can make some households susceptible to manipulation, particularly when approached by individuals presenting themselves as humanitarian actors.

ZAA says stronger public education is needed to help communities identify legitimate organisations working in disability advocacy. This includes encouraging the reporting of suspicious or unregulated actors.

The Alliance has further reaffirmed its willingness to cooperate with government and law enforcement agencies in any investigation. It is about building systems where persons with albinism are not treated as afterthoughts, but as citizens fully entitled to healthcare, dignity, and participation.

Dr. Mbalashe added that the meaningful progress will require coordinated investment from government, private sector institutions, NGOs, faith-based organisations, and communities.

 

 ZESCO, Stanbic Bank and GreenCo Launch ZamWatt Renewable Energy Programme

By Daily News Reporter

In a country where electricity demand continues to rise alongside industrial expansion, a new partnership is betting on a different future for Zambia’s energy landscape—one built on renewable power, private capital, and a reimagined electricity market structure.

The newly launched ZamWatt renewable energy programme brings together ZESCO Limited, Stanbic Bank Zambia Limited, and GreenCo Power Services Limited in an ambitious effort to unlock large-scale solar, wind, hydro, and battery storage projects for Zambia’s commercial and industrial users.

But beyond the technical details, ZamWatt represents something deeper: a shift in how Zambia finances, builds, and delivers electricity.

Zambia’s energy system has long depended heavily on hydropower. That dependence, once a strength, has become a vulnerability in recent years as droughts and climate variability disrupt water levels and strain generation capacity.

At the same time, demand continues to grow—driven by mining, manufacturing, construction, and urban expansion.

The result is a widening gap between supply and demand, forcing policymakers and utilities to rethink how power is generated and delivered.

ZamWatt enters this context not as a single power plant, but as a coordinated energy platform.

Instead of developing isolated energy projects, ZamWatt bundles multiple renewable sources—solar farms, wind installations, hydro contributions, and battery storage systems—into a managed portfolio.

This approach is designed to smooth out the natural variability of renewables and provide more consistent electricity supply to large users.

For industry, consistency is everything. For developers, however, the challenge has always been financing.

One of the central barriers ZamWatt aims to solve is what financiers call “bankability”—the ability of a project to attract investment based on predictable revenue and manageable risk.

Many renewable projects in Zambia have strong technical potential but struggle to secure financing due to fragmented demand, pricing uncertainty, and weak offtake structures.

“Zambia’s commercial and industrial sector has long needed a structured, scalable route to reliable clean power,” said Stanbic Bank Zambia Limited Chief Executive Mwindwa Siakalima.

Mr. Siakalima also said that ZamWatt is designed to connect generation directly with demand, creating a clearer investment pathway for lenders and developers.

Mr. Siakalima also described the initiative as a model of “responsible banking,” noting that financing structures are being designed to unlock long-term economic value.

He added that Zambia’s industrial sector needs reliable and scalable clean energy solutions, and ZamWatt is structured to meet that demand.

In practical terms, this means pairing renewable energy projects with large industrial consumers whose demand can anchor long-term financing.

Under this these three institutions they will work through framework:

• ZESCO Limited provides grid access, transmission services, and system stability while purchasing part of the generated power
• Stanbic Bank Zambia Limited structures financing, mobilises investment, and links energy supply with industrial buyers
• GreenCo Power Services Limited manages operations, scheduling, metering, and energy trading across the portfolio

Together, they will create a coordinated system where generation, finance, and delivery are aligned under one model.

ZamWatt will also align with Zambia’s emerging Open Access electricity framework, which allows eligible users to access transmission infrastructure through regulated arrangements.

The utility remains central to grid stability and national electricity security, while also enabling broader participation in power generation and distribution.

Speaking during the MOU Signing ZESCO Managing Director Engineer Mr. Justin Loongo stated that the initiative demonstrates how public and private sector collaboration can help strengthen Zambia’s energy system.

“This collaboration demonstrates the strength of what can be achieved when the public sector and innovative private partners work together to bring new renewable generation capacity onto the national grid,” Mr.Loongo said.

Mr. Loongo added that this programme is expected to support industrial growth while also strengthening the country’s broader energy infrastructure.

Behind the policy language lies a more urgent reality: climate change is reshaping Zambia’s energy future. Hydropower fluctuations have become more frequent, exposing the economy to unpredictable supply disruptions. Renewables—once seen as supplementary—are now being positioned as central to long-term energy security.

Energy experts say the ZamWatt model is a response to that shift, combining multiple renewable sources to reduce reliance on any single generation type.

Mining companies, manufacturers, and large commercial operators require stable, competitively priced electricity to maintain productivity and attract investment.

Unreliable power, stakeholders argue, is no longer just a technical issue—it is an economic constraint.

ZamWatt aims to address this by offering what industry has long demanded: predictability.

Energy analysts describe the initiative as part of a broader transformation in how African power systems are being structured.

Instead of vertically controlled supply chains, countries are increasingly adopting hybrid models that combine public infrastructure, private financing, and independent energy trading platforms.

Meanwhile GreenCo Power Services Managing Director Wezi Gondwe also added that the project represents a shift toward a more modern and flexible energy market.

She said combining multiple renewable sources into a managed portfolio would ensure more stable and reliable power delivery to industrial customers.

“At its core, ZamWatt is designed to address one of Zambia’s most pressing economic challenges—consistent electricity supply for industry. Manufacturers, miners, and large commercial operators often face power instability, which affects productivity and increases operational costs,” Ms Wezi Said.

Ms Wezi further said that by creating a structured renewable energy marketplace, the initiative aims to provide predictable energy supply backed by financial and technical systems that reduce risk for investors and consumers.

And GreenCo’s role is central to this shift by managing scheduling, wheeling, and reconciliation across multiple renewable sources, the company effectively acts as a coordination layer between generation and consumption.

A joint steering committee has been established to oversee technical, regulatory, and commercial implementation of the ZamWatt programme.

While details of individual projects are still being finalised, stakeholders say the framework is designed for scalability—meaning it can expand as demand grows and new renewable projects come online.

If successful, ZamWatt could become more than an energy project. It could serve as a blueprint for how Zambia—and potentially the region—finances and delivers electricity in a future defined by climate pressure, industrial growth, and energy transition.

 ZAMREN Boosts Digital Learning at Livingstone College of Nursing and Midwifery

By Daily News Reporter

The Zambia Research and Education Network has commissioned internet connectivity to student halls of residence at Livingstone College of Nursing and Midwifery in a major step toward strengthening digital learning and improving access to online academic resources for nursing and midwifery students.

The initiative, officially commissioned this week, is expected to transform the learning environment for more than 400 students by enabling round-the-clock access to digital learning platforms, medical research materials, and virtual collaboration tools directly from their hostels.

Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary for Administration, Joma T. Simuyi, described the project as a strategic investment in the country’s future healthcare workforce.

“Access to reliable internet is no longer a luxury; it is a necessity,” Mrs. Simuyi said.

She noted that extending internet access beyond classrooms and libraries into student residences would ensure that learning continues beyond formal lecture hours.

“This initiative empowers students with the digital tools required for continuous learning, innovation, and quality healthcare delivery,” she said.

Mrs. Simuyi further disclosed that the project was implemented under a 50-50 cost-sharing model at a total investment of K119,000, reflecting a strong partnership between the institution and Zambia Research and Education Network in advancing digital transformation within Zambia’s education and health sectors.

Speaking at the same event, Stein Mkandawire said the initiative demonstrates ZAMREN’s commitment to building inclusive digital learning environments across Zambia.

Mr. Mkandawire observed that internet connectivity in many higher learning institutions has traditionally been confined to lecture rooms, libraries, and administrative offices, despite academic work continuing long after formal classes end.

“This is about bringing learning closer to the student,” he said.

He added that direct connectivity to student hostels would allow learners to study, conduct research, participate in virtual classes, and collaborate with peers from the comfort of their residences.

“This intervention ensures students have equal access to digital resources whenever they need them, not just during scheduled lecture hours,” he said.

And Head of Livingstone College of Nursing and Midwifery, Samuel Chintingiza, welcomed the development and thanked ZAMREN and its partners for supporting the institution.

Mr. Chintingiza said the connectivity project would significantly improve the learning experience and strengthen the college’s ability to deliver technology-driven nursing education.

He urged students to use the internet responsibly and productively to enhance their academic performance and professional development.

“This is a resource that should be used to support learning, innovation, and growth as future health professionals,” he said.

Also Speaking on behalf of ZAMREN Board Chairperson Mundia Muya, Vice Board Chairperson Pinalo Chifwanakeni said the project represents far more than internet infrastructure.

He described it as an investment in opportunity, knowledge, and the future of education in Zambia.

He reaffirmed ZAMREN’s commitment to expanding similar initiatives to institutions across the country to bridge the digital divide and promote equitable access to digital learning opportunities.

The Livingstone College project builds on similar digital connectivity initiatives implemented by Zambia Research and Education Network, including internet connectivity at the University of Zambia’s Ruins Hostels, which has significantly improved student access to online learning resources.

For Livingstone College of Nursing and Midwifery—Southern Province’s leading nursing and midwifery training institution—the development marks a major milestone in modernising education delivery.

As Zambia continues to invest in digital transformation, stakeholders say initiatives like this are essential in preparing a technologically equipped health workforce capable of meeting the demands of modern healthcare systems.

 ZIPS Calls for Procurement Specialists in National Decision-Making Structure

By Daily News Reporter 

Zambia Institute of Procurement and Supply has called on the government to include procurement and supply chain professionals in the governance structures of key public institutions, arguing that their expertise is essential for improving accountability, transparency, and effective use of public resources.

In a statement issued to Daily News in Lusaka on May 11, the institute commended the government for ongoing legislative reforms aimed at strengthening governance in strategic institutions through amendments currently before the National Assembly.

ZIPS said the reforms, which include the review of several statutory boards and public institutions, provide a critical opportunity for government to broaden professional representation by appointing procurement specialists to boards and board committees. According to the institute, procurement has evolved beyond an administrative function into a strategic pillar of governance that directly affects public expenditure, infrastructure development, and service delivery.

The institute pointed to several amendment bills currently under parliamentary consideration, including the National Council for Construction (Amendment) Bill, the Citizens Economic Empowerment (Amendment) Bill, the Minerals Regulation Commission (Amendment) Bill, and the Public-Private Partnership (Amendment) Bill. It also cited ongoing appointments to the board of Zambia Medicines and Medical Supplies Agency as an example of where procurement expertise could be beneficial.

ZIPS noted that public procurement accounts for a significant share of national economies globally, with estimates from organizations such as the World Bank and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development placing public procurement expenditure at between 12 and 20 percent of gross domestic product in many countries.

The institute warned that the exclusion of procurement professionals from strategic decision-making bodies can contribute to procurement irregularities, delayed projects, weak contract management, and losses of public funds. It said these challenges have been observed in many jurisdictions where procurement is not treated as a governance function at board level.

ZIPS has since urged the government, Members of Parliament, ministries, state institutions, and appointing authorities to deliberately include procurement professionals—including representatives from the institute—on boards where public expenditure oversight, infrastructure development, and strategic sourcing decisions are central.

The body said such inclusion would strengthen governance systems, improve transparency, enhance oversight of procurement risks, and promote value for money in public spending. It added that procurement expertise would also help support the timely implementation of national development programmes and contribute to Zambia’s wider economic transformation agenda.

ZIPS Secretary Richard Mumbi said modern governance requires multidisciplinary expertise and that procurement should be recognized alongside legal, financial, engineering, and medical professions as a strategic field essential to institutional performance and national development.

The institute says it remains ready to partner with government and stakeholders to promote professionalism, integrity, and efficiency in both public and private procurement systems, insisting that the profession’s role in national decision-making can no longer be overlooked.

 RISE/E Project Sparks New Hope for Zambia’s SMEs

By Daily News Reporter

Inside Standard Chartered Bank Zambia’s Head Office, rows of exhibition stands buzzed with conversation as entrepreneurs confidently introduced their products to visitors, potential customers, and business partners.

For many of the small business owners gathered there, the showcase represented far more than a marketing opportunity. It marked the culmination of months of training, mentorship, and determination under a programme designed to help young Zambians turn business ideas into sustainable enterprises.

More than 30 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) recently showcased their products and innovations during the latest exhibition held under the Ready for Inclusive Sustainable Employment and Entrepreneurship (RISE/E) Project — a ZMW14 million initiative supported by the Standard Chartered Foundation through its Future makers programme.

The programe was Launched in June 2024, the three-year programme which seeks to equip young people, including persons with disabilities, with entrepreneurship and employability skills at a time when Zambia continues to face significant youth unemployment challenges.

The latest showcase celebrated the successful completion of the project’s second cohort, with participants demonstrating how targeted business support can help entrepreneurs move from survival-driven ventures toward sustainable growth.

Across Zambia, thousands of young people are turning to entrepreneurship as formal employment opportunities remain limited.

Yet while many possess creativity and ambition, access to financing, mentorship, technical support, and reliable markets continues to hinder the growth of small businesses.

For entrepreneurs from underserved communities — especially women and persons with disabilities — those barriers are often even greater.

The RISE/E Project was created to help address those challenges by providing practical business development training, mentorship, and enterprise support aimed at building resilient and inclusive businesses.

This year’s graduating cohort reflected that inclusive approach. Of the more than 30 entrepreneurs who completed the programme, 21 businesses were led by women, while 16 were run by persons with disabilities.

For many participants, the programme provided not only technical business knowledge, but also confidence and exposure that are critical for long-term success.

Unlike traditional entrepreneurship programmes that focus solely on classroom instruction, the RISE/E initiative combines practical enterprise development with networking opportunities and mentorship support.

Participants were guided through structured training designed to help them strengthen business management skills, improve product development, and better understand market opportunities.

The exhibition event itself served as a practical platform where entrepreneurs could directly engage with customers, corporate stakeholders, and potential investors.

From locally produced goods to innovative small-scale services, the showcase highlighted the growing creativity emerging within Zambia’s SME sector.

For organisers, the event demonstrated how investment in entrepreneurship can create ripple effects extending beyond individual businesses into communities and local economies.

Speaking during the showcase, Standard Chartered Bank Zambia Head of Corporate Affairs, Brand and Marketing Christine Matambo said the programme reflects the bank’s broader commitment to inclusive economic growth.

“We are delighted to see the RISE/E Project create opportunities for Zambian entrepreneurs from all walks of life,” she said. “This programme exemplifies our commitment to inclusion and sustainable development, and it’s inspiring to witness the progress and success of every participant.”

Her remarks come amid growing calls for the private sector to play a stronger role in supporting inclusive economic participation, particularly among groups that often struggle to access mainstream financial and business opportunities.

Development experts say empowering women, youth, and persons with disabilities through entrepreneurship is increasingly becoming central to sustainable economic growth across Africa.

In Zambia, where SMEs contribute significantly to employment creation, supporting small businesses is seen as critical to reducing poverty and expanding economic opportunities. Challenges Zambia Project Manager Kasonde Kashulwe said the programme’s second cohort has already shown encouraging signs of growth and resilience.

“This cohort saw the graduation of more than 30 entrepreneurs, including strong representation of 21 female-led businesses and 16 businesses led by persons with disabilities,” Kashulwe said. “It’s encouraging to see participants taking bold steps in their entrepreneurial journey, culminating in this showcase.”

Beyond individual success stories, initiatives such as RISE/E are also expected to contribute to broader economic development by helping SMEs expand operations and create jobs for others.

As small businesses grow, they often become important sources of income and employment within their communities, particularly in urban and peri-urban areas where economic opportunities remain limited.

The RISE/E Project, implemented in partnership with Sightsavers and Challenges Zambia, aims to reach at least 270 young people, including 90 young entrepreneurs, during its implementation period.

Through the Standard Chartered Foundation, the programme forms part of wider efforts to tackle barriers to employment and entrepreneurship facing underserved groups.

For many of the entrepreneurs exhibiting their businesses at the showcase, the programme has offered a rare opportunity to access tools and support systems often unavailable to small enterprises.

And as visitors moved from stand to stand admiring products and exchanging contacts, one thing became increasingly clear: Zambia’s entrepreneurial potential is abundant — but with the right support, it can become transformational.

 Government Moves to Tackle Lusaka’s Worsening Water Shortages

"With demand far outstripping supply and more than half of treated water lost before reaching consumers, Zambia has launched an ambitious project aimed at transforming water access in the capital city." 

By Daily News Reporter 

In many parts of Lusaka, water has become more than a basic necessity — it is now a daily uncertainty.

For some residents, the day begins before sunrise with the sound of empty containers being rolled through dusty streets in search of communal taps. In rapidly growing settlements on the outskirts of the capital, families often wait hours for water tankers or rely on unsafe alternatives when taps run dry.

But on Friday, the Government of Zambia signaled what officials describe as a major turning point in the city’s long-running water challenges.

At a stakeholder consultative meeting in Lusaka, the Government officially launched the feasibility study for the Lusaka City Water Supply Improvement Project — an ambitious intervention designed to modernise the city’s ageing water infrastructure, expand supply networks, and reduce massive water losses that have crippled service delivery for years.

Officials say the project comes at a critical moment for a city growing faster than its water system can support.

Speaking during the launch, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Water Development and Sanitation, Engineer Romas Kamanga, warned that rapid urbanisation, population growth, and increasing demand for clean water are placing enormous pressure on the capital’s supply system.

His remarks were delivered by Assistant Director for Water Supply, Engineer Pasca Mwila.

“The project represents an important step towards addressing growing pressure on Lusaka’s water supply system,” Engineer Kamanga said, adding that the intervention would help improve access to safe and reliable water services.

According to Lusaka Water Supply and Sanitation Company Managing Director Engineer Jilly Chiyombwe, Lusaka currently requires approximately 480,000 cubic metres of water per day. Yet current production stands at only about 258,070 cubic metres.

(LWSC Managing Director Engineer Jilly Chiyombwe)

In practical terms, it means thousands of households experience intermittent supply, low water pressure, or prolonged periods without running water altogether.

The problem is made worse by what experts call “Non-Revenue Water” — treated water that is lost before it reaches paying customers because of leaking pipes, illegal connections, faulty meters, or outdated infrastructure.

Engineer Chiyombwe disclosed that Non-Revenue Water currently stands at approximately 52 percent, meaning more than half of the water produced is effectively disappearing from the system.

For a city already struggling to meet demand, the figure highlights the scale of inefficiency facing the sector.

To confront the challenge, the project proposes sweeping upgrades to the city’s water infrastructure.

Plans include the rehabilitation and replacement of about 270 kilometres of water reticulation infrastructure, construction of roughly 340 kilometres of new distribution pipelines, rehabilitation of reservoirs and pump stations, establishment of 21 District Metered Areas, replacement of customer meters, and development of additional groundwater sources.

Water experts say the creation of District Metered Areas could become a game changer in reducing water losses. The system allows utilities to isolate sections of the network, monitor water flow more accurately, detect leaks faster, and improve maintenance efficiency.

Beyond infrastructure, the project also reflects broader concerns about urban growth in Zambia’s capital.

Over the last two decades, Lusaka has expanded rapidly, with new residential settlements emerging faster than public infrastructure can keep pace. Informal settlements, in particular, remain vulnerable to poor sanitation, inadequate drainage, and unreliable water access.

Periods of drought and declining groundwater recharge are increasing pressure on already strained water systems, forcing authorities to rethink how cities manage water security in the future.

For many residents, the hope is that the project will finally deliver lasting solutions rather than temporary fixes.

And while the feasibility study marks only the beginning of the process, development partners say the initiative represents an important investment in Zambia’s urban future.

Speaking on behalf of the African Development Bank Country Manager, Mr. Kennedy Wishimanga reaffirmed the Bank’s support for Zambia’s water sector transformation.

The African Development Bank, through the African Water Facility and the Middle Income Countries Technical Assistance Fund, is contributing more than €1.26 million in grant financing toward the project’s total cost of €1.51 million.

The feasibility study, engineering designs, environmental and social assessments, and preparation of tender documents are expected to be completed within 12 months, from March 2026 to March 2027.

For a city where access to water increasingly defines quality of life, the success of the project may ultimately determine whether Lusaka can keep pace with its own growth — or continue struggling against a crisis flowing beneath its streets.