Zambian Anaesthesiologist Dr. Mack Kalenga Wins Global Rising Star Award

By Daily News Reporter 

LUSAKA, May 1, 2026 — Zambian anaesthesiologist Dr. Mack Kalenga has been internationally recognised after receiving the prestigious Rising Star Award from the World Federation of Societies of Anaesthesiologists (WFSA), in acknowledgement of his contributions to patient care, training, and the strengthening of anaesthesia systems.

The award honours emerging leaders in anaesthesiology who are making meaningful impact within their countries and globally. Dr. Kalenga’s recognition places him among a select group of clinicians advancing safe surgical care in resource-constrained settings.

In Zambia, where universal access to safe anaesthesia remains a major challenge, Dr. Kalenga’s work has focused on improving both clinical care and health system capacity. The country currently has fewer than 40 anaesthesiologists serving a population of over 20 million people—equivalent to approximately 0.2 specialists per 100,000 population. This is significantly below the benchmark of five per 100,000 recommended by the World Federation of Societies of Anaesthesiologists. Zambia also produces only two to four new anaesthesiologists each year, highlighting the scale of the workforce gap.

Dr. Kalenga is the lead for anaesthesia services within Zambia’s national renal transplant programme at the University Teaching Hospital in Lusaka, where he has played a key role in supporting the development of the country’s transplant capacity. He is also co-principal investigator on a nationwide study assessing anaesthesia capacity across government hospitals, aimed at identifying gaps in workforce, infrastructure, equipment, and medication availability.

In addition to his clinical and research work, he leads simulation-based training and numerous quality improvement initiatives within his department, with a focus on patient safety, standardisation of care, and strengthening perioperative systems.

“This recognition is deeply encouraging, but it is not mine alone,” said Dr. Kalenga. “It reflects the collective effort of the many hardworking anaesthesia providers I have the privilege of working alongside every day. At the same time, it highlights the urgent need to strengthen anaesthesia systems in Zambia. With such a limited workforce, improving patient safety will require coordinated national investment in training, infrastructure, and standards.”

The WFSA described Dr. Kalenga as a committed practitioner whose work aligns with its mission to improve access to safe anaesthesia worldwide. His contributions span frontline clinical care, mentorship of trainees, and advocacy for safer surgical systems. 

Health sector stakeholders say the recognition reflects both individual excellence and the growing presence of Zambian clinicians on the global stage. It also underscores the importance of continued investment in specialised medical training and system strengthening to address critical workforce shortages.

As global efforts to improve surgical care expand, achievements such as Dr. Kalenga’s highlight the role of local leadership in driving meaningful change. For many in Zambia’s healthcare community, the award is not only a moment of recognition, but a signal of what is possible with sustained focus on patient safety and capacity building.