Bridging the Healthcare Gap: Over 500 Residents Benefit from Multi-Provincial Outreach in Chikankata

By Kachusha Nkosha | Health and Development Correspondent

CHIKUMBA VILLAGE, Chikankata District — For many residents of Chikumba Village in Southern Province, accessing healthcare often means traveling long distances over poor roads to reach the nearest health facility. But for one day, healthcare came directly to their doorstep.

More than 500 community members from over 115 households benefited from a comprehensive health outreach programme that brought together health professionals and development practitioners from nine provinces across Zambia. The initiative not only delivered critical health services but also renewed hope among residents who often struggle to access healthcare due to geographical and infrastructural challenges.

The outreach was conducted in partnership with Mubugu Health Post and drew volunteers from Southern, Muchinga, Eastern, Lusaka, Copperbelt, Western, Central, North-Western and Northern provinces. Their mission was simple yet impactful: take essential health services closer to the people.

From the early hours of the morning, community members gathered at the outreach site, eager to access services that are not always readily available in their rural setting. Health screenings, counselling sessions, awareness talks and preventive healthcare interventions transformed the village into a hub of learning and healing.

One of the key highlights of the outreach was the provision of screening services for non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which are increasingly becoming a major public health concern in Zambia. Led by Dr. Namwinga, Dr. Kwehangana and Dr. Ndovie, the screenings enabled residents to assess their health status and receive guidance on disease prevention and management.

For many participants, it was their first opportunity to undergo health checks for conditions such as hypertension and diabetes.

The outreach also addressed a broad spectrum of health issues affecting different population groups. Men's wellness services were facilitated by Dr. Chungu, while HIV testing, counselling and antiretroviral therapy (ART) awareness were coordinated by Ms. Siangazi.

Recognising the importance of inclusive healthcare, discussions on menopause, disability inclusion, and menstrual health and hygiene were led by EDUFLARE Foundation Executive Director Ms. Mutali. The sessions created a safe space for participants to discuss topics that are often overlooked or surrounded by stigma.

Menstrual health discussions, in particular, attracted significant interest from women and adolescent girls who shared their experiences and challenges. The conversations highlighted the need for continued awareness and improved access to menstrual health products and information.

Meanwhile, male circumcision awareness and services were spearheaded by Mr. Mweemba, while stroke prevention and management education was facilitated by Ms. Chulu. Deworming interventions and RAMCAN services coordinated by Ms. Chabala further strengthened the outreach's preventive healthcare approach.

Water, sanitation and hygiene remained another important focus area. Youth WASH Ambassador Club (YWAC) Consultant Ms. Kachusha Nkosha led awareness sessions emphasizing the critical role of hygiene in disease prevention and overall community wellbeing.

Participants were encouraged to adopt proper handwashing practices, improve sanitation around their homes, and prioritize safe water use to reduce the burden of preventable diseases.

Beyond healthcare services, the outreach provided a platform for community members to voice broader development concerns affecting their daily lives.

Residents cited the poor road network as one of the biggest obstacles to accessing healthcare and other essential services. During discussions with the visiting team, community members explained how transportation challenges often delay access to medical care, particularly during emergencies.

The outreach therefore became more than a health intervention—it evolved into a conversation about rural development and the importance of improving infrastructure to support community wellbeing.

Amid the serious discussions and medical consultations, the event was also marked by moments of joy and unity. Community members joined health workers and volunteers in singing the popular local song "Njalibobu Njalijibotu," creating an atmosphere of togetherness that reflected the spirit of collaboration behind the initiative.

One of the most inspiring moments came when Dr. Majata, a native of the area, shared his vision for the future of Chikumba Village.

Speaking during the outreach, he expressed a desire to contribute to the long-term development of the community through the establishment of a health facility.

He noted that creating a clinic within the village would significantly improve access to healthcare services while serving as a meaningful way of giving back to the community where he grew up.

His remarks were warmly received by residents, many of whom expressed hope that such a facility could one day become a reality.

The Chikumba Village outreach demonstrated the power of collaboration in addressing healthcare inequalities. By bringing together healthcare professionals, community organisations, local health facilities and development advocates, the initiative succeeded in reaching hundreds of people who might otherwise have remained underserved.

As Zambia continues pursuing universal health coverage and equitable healthcare access, programmes such as this offer a practical example of how community-based interventions can bridge service delivery gaps and improve health outcomes.

For the people of Chikumba Village, the outreach was not simply about receiving medical services. It was a reminder that quality healthcare should not be determined by geography and that when communities and professionals work together, meaningful change is possible.

The smiles, conversations and renewed sense of hope witnessed throughout the day reflected a simple but powerful truth: bringing healthcare closer to the people can transform lives.