GLOBAL CHILDREN’S SURGERY DAY SHINES LIGHT ON PAEDIATRIC HEALTHCARE CHALLENGES IN ZAMBIA.
Monday, 5th of March 2024, marked the first ever Children Global Surgery day celebration in Zambia. Globally, the day was first celebrated on February 26th, 2024. The occasion was organized by the Zambia Association for Paediatric Surgeons at the University of Zambia drawing attention to the pressing need for improved access to paediatric care in the country.
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Monday, 5th of March 2024, marked the first ever Children Global Surgery day celebration in Zambia. Globally, the day was first celebrated on February 26th, 2024. The occasion was organized by the Zambia Association for Paediatric Surgeons at the University of Zambia drawing attention to the pressing need for improved access to paediatric care in the country.
The event commenced with an enlightening address by Dr. Bvulani the associations president emphasizing the fundamental importance of children having access to paediatric care. He revealed that only a mere 3% of children in Zambia receive surgical care—a statistic that underscored the urgency of the situation. Addressing this disparity became a central theme for the day.Speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Francis Pikiti echoed Dr. Bvulani’s sentiments, emphasizing the necessity of establishing paediatric units in every district in the country. Such infrastructure, he argued, is vital in ensuring equitable access to healthcare for children across Zambia.
Speaking on behalf of the association, Dr. Amon Gogora concluded by emphasizing the imperative for collaboration among all stakeholders to address the multifaceted challenges faced by children in healthcare. It was a call to action—a reminder that only through unified efforts can meaningful change be realized.
The second phase of the event took attendees on a tour of the Children’s Surgical Ward at UTH. Surgeons candidly outlined the countless issues facing their wards. These ranged from the absence of fundamental amenities such as a laundry machine to a critical shortage of essential children’s surgical equipment. The lack of entertainment for young patients further compounded the challenges faced in the ward.
Following the visit, stakeholders convened to delve deeper into understanding the complexities of the issues at hand. It was a moment of reflection and determination—a collective commitment to confront and overcome the obstacles hindering paediatric healthcare in Zambia.
In a heartening gesture of support, BIODOT, delivered an impassioned address focused squarely on children. They reiterated their unwavering commitment to children’s causes, citing numerous CSR programs geared towards improving livelihoods of children. Expressing gratitude to the doctors and stakeholders for their tireless efforts, BIODOT highlighted their contributions, including the renovation of surgeons’ lockers at the Children’s Surgical Ward.
As the event drew to a close, BIODOT distributed printed T-shirts to the healthcare providers—a token of appreciation for their unwavering dedication. However, the commitment didn’t end there. BIODOT pledged to explore avenues of support for the paediatric department, promising to address the challenges highlighted during the event.
As stakeholders departed, their resolve strengthened, fuelled by the collective determination to transform paediatric healthcare in the country.
For more information about Cooperlemon Consultancy Limited and The Bushbaby Foundation, visit our respective websites at www.cooperlemon.com and www.thebushbaby.org
Together, let’s make a difference!
– Cooperlemon Consultancy Limited
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