Kenani Mwape

The Zambia Medical Association (ZMA) is aware and has been following closely the labor dispute that has been ongoing for the past few weeks between resident doctors in the civil service and their employer, the Government of the Republic of Zambia (GRZ). We are on record having stated that while we believe the grievances of the resident doctors are genuine and frustratingly underserved, any industrial action currently when the sector is preparing for the looming third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic would be mistimed.

In this regard, ZMA has continued to mediate between the representatives of the aggrieved resident doctors, the Resident Doctors Association of Zambia (RDAZ) and GRZ by providing counsel to both sides in the hope of reaching an amicable and timely solution on the round table. ZMA has learnt with alarm and concern events of the past 48 hours where RDAZ has declared a “go-slow” and concurrently, the Health Profession’s Council of Zambia (HPCZ) has suspended the practicing license of the RDAZ President for alleged gross misconduct.

As it stands, members of ZMA, the resident doctors are aggrieved and need their concerns met to continue servicing the country as front line workers in the looming COVID-19 third wave. As an overseeing mother body of the Medical Profession, ZMA would like to reiterate its call for all concerned parties to exercise maximum restraint and refrain from setting themselves on a collision course. We urge both parties, Resident Doctors and the Government to go back to the negotiating table and iron out their differences in a manner that preserves the dignity and societal standing of the health sector. ZMA calls on HPCZ to immediately rescind its decision to suspend the license of the RDAZ President as a first step towards reconciling the parties involved in this dispute.

For God and Country!

Dr. Masiku Phiri

Secretary General

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent ‘new normal’, the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) in partnership with Zambia Medical Association (ZMA) has developed safety and prevention guidelines for training interactions and active football matches.

This program is aimed at minimizing morbidity and mortality due to COVID-19 infections contracted in competition. Zambia Medical Association as a lead health policy guide was contracted to develop a comprehensive infection prevention protocol. In the handover ceremony of the said document developed over several weeks, the Secretary General of ZMA Dr. Masiku Phiri , who was flanked by ZMA treasurer Dr. Abel Kapembwa, ZMA Chairperson for Publications, Dr. Gabriel Mpundu and ZMA Chairperson for Public Health, Dr. Naeem Dalal, emphasized the importance of this partnership between the two institutions .

“The health and safety of everyone involved in our beloved game is of paramount importance. These COVID-19 safety guidelines are tailor made for the Zambian football environment, keeping in mind all unique challenges faced at lower levels of competition and the different stakeholders at play.” Said Dr. Phiri.

“ZMA acknowledges the support and role played by the Zambian National Public Health Institute and the Ministry Of Health in formulating these guidelines.” He further added.

ZMA also greatly appreciates the input from a team of think tanks led by Dr Aggrey Mweemba, who provided technical support to the ZMA Executive.

And speaking on behalf of FAZ, the General Secretary Mr. Adrain Kashala reiterated on how this was a ground breaking partnership in terms of health and sport collaboration. “FAZ is deeply excited to convey its gratitude to ZMA for collaborating with us in piecing together this document that is meant to minimize the effects of COVID-19 infections in the football community” Mr Kashala stated.

“We are cognizant that this is the first time in Africa that a professional Medical body like ZMA has partnered with a Football Federation to formulate and administer a COVID–19 guideline tailored to grassroot soccer” he further highlighted in his concluding remarks.

February is World Cancer awareness month. 15th February marks Childhood Cancer awareness day to spread literacy on childhood cancers.

1. The term “childhood cancer” is most commonly used to designate cancer that arises in children before the age of 18 years. Childhood cancers represent between 0.5% and 4.6%* of all cancers. The overall incidence rates of childhood cancer vary between 50 and 200 per million* children across the world.

2. Frequent types of Childhood Cancers.

The pattern of cancer in childhood differs considerably from those among people of all other ages. In general, leukaemia constitutes about a third of all cancer in childhood. The other most common malignancies are lymphomas and tumours of the central nervous system. There are several tumour types that occur almost exclusively in children including neuroblastoma, nephroblastoma, medulloblastoma and retinoblastoma. Cancer of the breast, lung, colon or rectum, typically occurring in adults, is extremely rare in children.

3. Known risks of developing Childhood Cancers.

To date only a few definite risk factors for childhood cancer have been identified. These include ionising radiation and ingestion of the hormone diethylstilbestrol during pregnancy (a treatment no longer in use). A number of childhood cancers are also associated with genetic factors, as suggested by the differences in incidence of childhood cancer between ethnically divergent populations. Individual susceptibility based on genetics may also play a role. Some studies have suggested that viruses such as Epstein-Barr, Hepatitis B, Human Herpes and HIV may also contribute to increased risk for some childhood cancers.

4. Can Childhood Cancers be detected early?

Most childhood cancer initially presents with non-specific signs and symptoms, which may lead to late detection. In high-income countries, because children are usually subjected to close parental and medical surveillance, cancer has a high chance of being detected early. In low-resourced countries, however, there are additional barriers to early detection, including poor access to health services and inadequate diagnostic facilities.

5. What are the Chances of curing Childhood Cancers?

In high-income countries, approximately 80% of children with cancer survive five years or more after the diagnosis of cancer. These improving outcomes result in a growing population of long-term survivors who need follow-up treatment and care. The prognosis is much lower for children diagnosed with cancer in low- and middle-income countries. Factors explaining this include: the late diagnosis of cancer leading to lower levels of effective treatment; poorly equipped hospitals without the appropriate medicines and equipment; other diseases that children might have; and a lack of knowledge about cancer among primary health care providers. In addition, treatment is simply not affordable for many parents in low-resource settings who would be required to pay for the costs themselves.

Credit :World Health Organization

The Zambia Medical Association (ZMA) today stands with the rest of the world in commemorating 16 days of activism against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) under the theme: “Orange the world: Fund, Respond, Prevent, Collect.” ZMA acknowledges that violence against women and girls is one of the most prevalent human rights violations in the world with no social, economic or national boundaries, undermining the health, dignity, security and autonomy of its victims. 

The profession shares fresh memories of losing one of its celebrated Doctors in Dr. Tasila Mercy Tembo under unresolved circumstances of what is alleged to have been a physical and emotional consequence of GBV. ZMA strongly condemns acts of violence especially against women and girls, and calls upon Health Care Workers (HCWs), Law enforcement agencies as well as the judicial system to collaborate effectively and ensure the perpetrators are prosecuted and justice served in a fast track manner. Victims should have an enabling environment to report their abusers while being protected.

ZMA believes women’s right and freedoms are a bedrock of a sound and sovereign nation.

Together we can win the fight against Gender-Based Violence as it resonates with fundamental human rights.

For God and Country!

Dr. Masiku Phiri

Secretary General

Caring for the Care-givers Taskforce meet to deliberate on a practical tailored response and guide for members of the Zambia Medical Association.

In order for doctors to provide the best care to patients and to derive optimum levels of job satisfaction, the health of the individual doctor must be maximised, both in terms of physical and mental well-being.

In photo: Back row: Left to Right

Dr. Getrude Tshuma – Zambia Association of Gynaecologists & Obstetricians

Dr. Dorothy Kasonde – Care for Care-giver Taskforce Chairperson

Dr. Nyuma Mbewe – Medical Women’s Association of Zambia, Infectious diseases physician.

Front row: Left to Right,

Professor. Emmanuel Makasa – Surgical Society of Zambia

Dr Bright Nsokolo – Zambia College of Physicians

Dr Abel Kapembwa – ZMA Treasurer

Dr Naeem Dalal – ZMA public Health Chairperson and Care for Caregiver ZMA lead

The Zambia Medical Association (ZMA) signed an MoU with University of Lusaka (UNILUS) on Wednesday, 11th November,2020 at the University of Lusaka Pioneer Campus off Alick Nkhata Road. Signing the MoU was UNILUS Vice Chancellor, Prof. Pinalo Chifwanakeni and ZMA President Dr. Samson Chisele. In attendance was UNILUS Executive Dean – School of Medicine and Health Sciences – Prof. Kasonde Bowa and ZMA Secretary General – Dr. Masiku Phiri. Others were the UNILUS Head of Department of the School of Medicine and Heath Sciences – Mr Kelvin Chungu, UNILUS Registrar – Administration – Mrs Mukuka Lillian Zimba and UNILUS Head of Quality Assurance – Dr. Malunga Siachumpi.The two institutions agreed to collaborate on cross-cutting matters of interest to both institutions such as;

*• Academic:* this will address the training needs of the members and associates of the Zambia Medical Association with focus in postgraduate Medical or Health Care training offered by the University of Lusaka.

*• Professional:* this will focus on the professional needs of both institutions and will involve collaboration in providing training in professional advancement including Continuous Professional Development (CPD), facilitation of professional examinations, student mentoring, career talks, ethics training and curriculum review support.

*• Research:* this component will involve collaboration in national research priority areas as defined by the Ministry of Health and also support the work of the UNILUS Research Ethics committee as well as conduct joint grants application for National, Regional and International Research.

*• Advocacy:* This will address the advancement of the Medical Profession in general and Medical and Health Care training at a cost effective price for the Zambian population in particular.ZMA is proud to partner with the University of Lusaka and is hopeful that this MoU will enhance collaboration in the areas of interest for both institutions.