A Lifeline for Livestock

By Derrick Silimina

At his dairy farm in Kiambu County on the outskirts of the Kenyan capital Nairobi, Newton Mwangi anxiously takes off his boots and work suit after milking his cows. Mwangi is worried about the inability of the cows to hit the 80-litre target he needs to fulfil for his clients per day, due to a woeful fodder shortage in Kenya.

Like other dairy farmers, Mwangi is struggling to get enough fodder to feed his animals in a bid to increase milk yield. “Drought is affecting the growth of grass, which is affecting fodder supply and as a result, my animals lack adequate feed to provide me the 150 litres of fresh milk I used to get some years ago when we had enough pasture,” Mwangi told ChinAfrica. 

According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, the East African country is grappling with a 60-percent feed deficit in a total annual livestock feed demand of 55 million tonnes.  

Mwangi, 48, noted that the shortage has pushed up the cost of fodder, making it even more difficult to properly feed his 20 dairy cows every day. “I urgently need alternative fodder to help me sustain my cows or else I risk losing them,” lamented Mwangi, adding that as climate change continues to threaten human and animal existence, some pastoralists like him are finding it difficult to sustain their livestock. 

The State Department for Livestock of Kenya’s Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development said the East African country needs 55 million tonnes of feed annually, but only produces 40 percent of that, with over 40 percent lost during the post-harvest handling. 

Fortunately, Chinese agripreneur Jack Liu is on a mission to end the fodder shortage and is determined to increase milk yields for dairy farmers in Kenya. “It is this gap that inspired me to venture into animal feeds. The recent drought situation has affected the majority of arid and semi-arid areas, where many pastoralists have lost their livestock,” Liu said. 

The magic grass 

In 2021, after learning that farmers were struggling to feed their livestock with quality grass, Liu, CEO of Crevation International Ltd., introduced Juncao grass in Kenya.  

Commonly referred to as the Chinese magic grass at his modern farm near Kitengela, Liu said that Juncao grass grows well in a number of areas, including arid and semi-arid lands as farmers only need to ensure that irrigation water is available. 

Liu said that Juncao, literally “mushroom grass” in Chinese, was invented by Chinese scientist Lin Zhanxi after 30 years of research. 

The lush, tall and succulent green grass has since taken most dairy farmers in Kenya by storm due to its rich proteins that are key to high milk output. It has helped local cattle breeders to maintain supplies of fresh milk to their local shopping centres, thus maintaining their income and livelihood.  

Edwin Wekesa, Liu’s farm manager who is based at the Kambi Ya Moto farm in Rongai, Nakuru, recently stated that Juncao grass has 18 percent protein and the cows and goats that consume the grass produce more milk. “The grass is free of pests, sustainable, and reliable. It can prevent desertification and cope with climate change,” Wekesa said.  

Each day, local dairy farmers flock to Liu’s farm to learn how to grow the Chinese magic grass in a bid to enhance their productivity. 

Boyd Kamau, a local pastoralist, affirmed that unlike the local napier grass, the Chinese magic grass is more nutritious, has softer leaves and takes two to three months to mature. 

“At my farm, we also process the harvested green fodder as silage that can be preserved for up to three years,” stated Kamau, adding that Juncao seedlings are affordable.  

Grown in over 100 countries worldwide and gaining traction in Africa, Juncao grass has broad leaves and sugar-rich stems with an annual yield of about 445 tonnes per hectare. It takes 12 weeks to mature and can be harvested more than five times annually. 

Since 2021, the grass has revolutionised animal husbandry in Kenya’s semi-arid areas, guaranteeing an uninterrupted supply of nutritious fodder to herders and subsistence farmers. 

Dairy farmer Melody Kimani started feeding her cows Juncao grass after harvesting the Chinese magic fodder on her 1-acre (0.4-hectare) farmland a year ago, “I’ve observed that my livestock is putting on weight because Juncao grass has proved to be more nutritious compared to traditional pasture. This has increased dairy production.”  

Higher yields 

Fodder experts say Juncao grass has a crude protein content of 18 percent. In addition, it is rich in micro elements and can also be fed to chicken, fish, goats, and pigs. 

In this context, Kenya, Uganda and Somalia are among the six countries to pilot a programme to plug persistent shortage of feedstock. Under the programme dubbed Resilient African Feed and Fodder Systems, researchers want to improve livestock production and, by extension, nutrition. 

As to the concerns of some local scientists about the potential effect of the introduction of Juncao grass on the country’s biodiversity, the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) has affirmed that after thorough inspections and audits at an open quarantine facility in southeastern part of Kenya, the regulator found that Juncao grass complied with all plant health requirements. 

“Monitoring of Juncao grass by the regulator has been ongoing and no threat to human or environmental health has been detected,” said Erick Were, an inspector at KEPHIS. 

When fed to dairy cows, Liu said that Juncao grass can boost milk yield by 40 percent, while beef cattle can attain 500 kg of weight in 12 months. 

With climate change and drought ravaging some parts of the country, embracing Juncao has provided a lifeline to livestock of some Kenyan pastoralists like Mwangi.  

“I can’t wait to see my Juncao seedlings grow and switch to feeding my animals so that I enhance my dairy production and meet local demand for the supply of fresh milk to our local shopping centres,” Mwangi said.

Unearthing gemstone treasures

 Unearthing gemstone treasures 

By John Chola

In the heart of Zambia’s mining capital, Kitwe, a dazzling event unfolded as Grizzly Mining Limited proudly unveiled its highly anticipated emerald auction. 

With over 2.6 tons of these exquisite gems on display, collectors and enthusiasts alike were in for a treat of unparalleled beauty and rarity. 

As the doors swung open, eager eyes feasted upon a kaleidoscope of emerald hues, each gem whispering tales of ancient landscapes and untold adventures. From the deep, rich greens to the mesmerizing flashes of light, these treasures promised to captivate hearts and ignite passions. 

Bidders from around the globe gathered physically and virtually, drawn by the allure of Grizzly Mining Limited’s reputation for quality and integrity in the gemstone industry. Through state-of-the-art online platforms, they vied for the opportunity to own a piece of nature’s splendor, meticulously extracted from the depths of Zambia’s mineral-rich soils of Lufwanyama. 

CELEBRATION 

But this auction wasn’t merely about commerce; it was a celebration of craftsmanship, perseverance and the enduring allure of natural beauty. Each emerald carried with it the legacy of skilled miners who tirelessly unearthed these marvels, turning dreams into reality with every swing of the pickaxe. 

As the bidding commenced, anticipation mounted, and the air crackled with excitement while the world watched in awe as Kitwe’s Wolle Park once again became the epicentre of the gemstone universe, where dreams are forged in emerald brilliance.

And as the auction continued, the atmosphere was charged with excitement as each gemstone, adorned with its unique effulgence and allure, captivated the attention of attendees who switched viewing lots from the 26 tables displayed in two auction halls. 

Notable highlights included visits by various business leaders and the unveiling of several rare and exceptional emeralds, each distinguished by its unparalleled clarity, colour and size. 

These extraordinary specimens provoked spirited bidding wars, underscoring the enduring allure and investment potential of emeralds from Lufwanyama-based Pridegems of Zambia. 

NETWORK 

In addition to the fervent bidding activity, the auction which ran from May 14 to May 17, has continued providing a platform for industry stakeholders to network and foster collaboration and partnership within the gemstone community. 

Commenting on the success of the auction’s second day, auction spokesperson Rasika Ranasinghe expressed his satisfaction with the turnout. 

Ranasinghe emphasised the company’s commitment to upholding the highest standards of transparency and integrity throughout the auction process stating that this could be seen by the presence of Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA), Geological department and the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development. 

With its reputation for excellence firmly established, the Grizzly Mining emerald auction reaffirmed Kitwe as a global hub for the finest gemstones the world has to offer.

Scrap metal boom in Kalumbila

By Derrick Silimina

When Bernard Kamasanyi was stranded in his village, torn apart by the frustration of unemployment, drinking illicit beer with his friends was the only ideal activity to do.

Kamasanyi’s decision to move away from his rural dwelling place on the outskirts of Kalumbila District turned out to be a roll of the dice that would eventually pay off in spades. 

“I came to a realization with my fellow youths that if our continued abuse of illicit brew then was not curtailed, we would have become vagabonds and that is why we came up with an idea to register a company called Group Rock. We then approached Trident Foundation Limited (TFL) for any business opportunity at the FQM Trident Mine,” says Kabasanyi who is the Group leader. 

Kabasanyi, 45, says management at TFL was receptive and allowed them to start buying scrap metal from the mining company’s scrap yard and to supply a readily available market in the Copperbelt Province. 

First Quantum Minerals (FQM), through its subsidiary FQM Trident Limited, is home to a plethora of mining operations that create a treasure-trove of scrap material every year. With the global scrap metal market at its peak, local dealers are enjoying record prices.

“Since our operations started 10 months ago, we have managed to sell scrap metal worth K7 million in total revenue and paid back the mine approximately K5 million,” Kabasanyi discloses. 

According to the 2024 TFL Corporate Social Investment Report, local business development and employment support programme activities include construction industries.

The Group Rock team members sort out scrap metal from FQM Trident Mine en route to the supply market Kalumbila youths cash in on scrap metal boom business stimulation, business sustenance, business enhancement and local employment with more than 720 entrepreneurs trained in the last four years and $200,000 returnable grants worth of funds and equipment. 

And for Kabasanyi and his 14 team member group, one man’s garbage is definitely another’s treasure. 

“We’ve been working together with my team for the past 10 months, our supply chain is quite lucrative, and we have since become self-reliant, thanks to TFL Management for giving us this opportunity because I am now able to sponsor my firstborn child to the university,” he explains. 

STEEL INDUSTRY 

Scrap metals are boosting Zambia’s steel industry as they are used to produce steel products in the housing and road construction industries. According to industry experts, the global steel scrap market is expected to reach 1050 million tonnes by 2033, up from its current 655 million tonnes. 

“Thanks to the FQM Trident through TFL for giving us a good deal to collect scrap metal and then pay later, once our buyers get the commodity. This model has transformed and empowered us to start a business because we had no capacity to raise capital,” Kabasanyi, a father of seven, states. 

According to industry experts, the global steel scrap market is expected to reach 1050 million tonnes by 2033, up from its current 655 million tonnes. 

Golden Kachinda, one of the members of Group Rock bubbles with confidence that their target market in the next two years is to supply mineral-rich countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo where the market has proved lucrative. 

Kachinda, a father of four and a resident of Kalumbila’s northern resettlement area, urges fellow youths to find something productive to do and contribute to their wellbeing. 

“We transport two to three trucks full of scrap metal per day of up to 32 tonnes and we approximately supply seven to eight trucks of scrap metal per month,” Kachinda adds. 

Zambia’s space dream still alive

By Derrick Silimina

Talking about space and Africa, Zambia stands out because of an incredible story. 

As early as 1964, a Zambian teacher named Edward Nkoloso famously vowed to help his country to beat America to become the first country to put a man on the moon, and then go to Mars. 

Despite his passion to launch a rocket that would send 12 astronauts, a space girl and cats to the moon, Nkoloso’s dream never came to fruition. Through his Zambian Space Academy, Nkoloso’s team of Zambian astronauts, whom he called “Afronauts,” underwent strenuous training, but it all came to nought because the United Nations wouldn’t give him the $700 million he needed to fund the space programme.  

Sixty years later, Zambia’s space dream is still alive. While announcing the creation of a 20-member technical steering committee tasked to develop the National Space Science Programme of Zambia, Minister of Science and Technology Felix Mutati said, “The goal for the next development plan is that Zambia must launch a satellite with which we will be able to address our challenges in agriculture, land use, health and energy, among others, which will put the country at a different pace. For everything that we do, launching a satellite becomes the overarching goal.”  

“I expect nothing but hard work from the committee in order for us as a country to meet our targets, as this is a very important agenda by the government towards fostering science, technology and innovation development in the country,” Mutati stated, adding that it was imperative for the country to have its own satellite because the current situation where the country borrows satellites was limiting access to data.  

ICT experts say it’s high time for Zambia to secure its own satellite that will boost the country’s telecommunications, and enhance technology for weather mapping and remote sensing. This will strengthen national sovereignty in all facets of communications and ensure sustainable development through the establishment of an efficient and secure communication network. 

In line with the resolutions adopted at the COP26 on climate change mitigation, it is certainly in the interest of the nation that climate change is dealt with and having a satellite is the most crucial component of that. “Having a satellite will go a long way in obtaining timely data to assist decision-making. This would be backed by the development of a science policy,” said Stephen Simukanga, director general of the Higher Education Authority in Zambia. 

Local environmentalist Kagosi Mwamulowe also believes that it’s high time for Zambia to step up to that level of technology to deal with climate change. 

“Having our own satellite will help to access precise data to enhance smart agricultural practices through real-time weather updates, and to improve our environment. Since we are using borrowed technology, anything can happen that will limit our access to data from other satellites,” Mwamulowe told ChinAfrica.

China-Africa cooperation 

Space cooperation with Africa is an important part of the Belt and Road Initiative, which is supporting rapid infrastructure construction in developing countries. China is collaborating with African countries to craft workable space programmes in a bid to advance their developmental agendas. 

“We have seen fruitful results of satellite launches, space infrastructure, as well as sharing of satellite resources. African people are determined to explore space; hence, we have also provided high-quality training for African researchers,” Hu Changchun, head of the Chinese mission to the African Union, said recently. 

Climate change, environmental monitoring and disaster management are the major areas of China-Africa space collaboration.  

According to the 2023 African Space Industry Annual Report, the African space economy is projected to grow by 16.16 percent to $22.64 billion by 2026. With a remarkable spurt in the African space economy in 2022, the industry is on track to reach this target. However, space analysts say that as of 2022, only 13 African countries have satellites.  

Satellite communication is essential to bridge the connectivity gap on the continent. China launched Nigeria’s first communications satellite in 2007, and launched Nigeria’s second one in 2011. China also launched Algeria’s first communication satellite in 2017. 

In 2018, Tunisia became the site of the first ground receiving station outside of China for its BeiDou Satellite Navigation System. China has also helped Ethiopia and Sudan to launch their first satellites in 2019. 

Andrew Kaniki, a Lusaka-based space enthusiast, is of the view that with China’s advanced know-how in space technology, it is ideal for Zambia to partner with China to establish its own state-of-the-art satellite, and help the government to deliver quality education, communication and health services in real time, even to the most remote parts of the country thanks to the satellite coverage.  

Space Exploration Helps Sustainable Development 

Space science, technology and data can directly or indirectly contribute to the realisation of every aspect of sustainable development.  

Space applications such as Earth observation and geolocation play important roles in supporting development. Space-based services and technologies help people to grasp climate change, and manage disasters. 

Technologies like weather forecasting, remote sensing, global positioning systems, satellite television and communications systems, as well as wider scientific fields such as astronomy and Earth sciences all rely on space science and technology, and provide valuable information for policy decisions. 

Countries around the world, rich and poor alike, benefit from these applications, according to information available on a United Nations agency website.  

Research in space technologies can have spillover effects in other areas: space technologies designed for space operations can be redesigned for applications on Earth, while investing in space research and education can contribute to bringing scientific knowledge to more people, as well as creating new opportunities for innovation and infrastructure, according to experts cited on the website.  

Space technologies are crucial for achieving sustainable development in Africa, and are directly linked to the aspirations of AU’s Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want, a strategic framework for the continent’s socio-economic transformation over the next 50 years.

China help combat Zambia’s worst plaque

By Derrick Silimina

Lying in her makeshift hospital bed, Joyce Tembo thanked medical personnel for evacuating her to the designated national cholera treatment centre, 6 km north of Zambia’s capital Lusaka. She was recently diagnosed with diarrhoeal disease.  

Tembo, 43, commended the medical staff stationed at the treatment centre for their great service to thousands of patients, especially women and children seeking urgent treatment. 

“I am very grateful to the Chinese doctors who attended to me as soon as the ambulance rushed me to the clinic where I received urgent treatment; they have really saved my life,” Tembo told ChinAfrica.

But not all residents in her community are as lucky as her. Many in the densely populated slums die every day due to the area’s poor sanitation - one of the major causes of the cholera outbreak. 

Crisis situation 

According to the World Health Organisation, the cholera outbreak in Africa has affected 17 countries over the last two years. The two countries facing a crisis are Zambia and Zimbabwe with a marked increase in cases.  

In Zambia, climate change has triggered heavy rains which have contaminated drinking water in overpopulated and impoverished urban areas, mostly in Lusaka. More than 400 people have died from the disease and a cumulative total of 17,169 cases have been recorded since October last year by various health centres in Zambia’s nine provinces.  

A crowd gathers in front of the National Heroes Stadium in Lusaka daily, but not for finding out the results of a football match. They are there to get health updates on their loved ones being treated inside for cholera. 

The rising death toll is driving anxiety among the people. The daily update provides relief to some; but for others, the news is devastating. Gerald Mwale recently lost his nephew to cholera; Chileshe Kalunga saw his grandfather succumb to the plague. 

“I was hopeful that he was going to be discharged after two days of battling the disease, but unfortunately, we are told that he passed away,” Mwale said as he shed tears, adding that the dead are being put to rest immediately, without a funeral. Health workers are scrambling to contain the health crisis that has the potential to be the worst the Southern African country has seen since the first outbreak in 1977. 

Quality medical services 

Tembo, the mother of two, is optimistic that the urgent response by the Chinese medical team will definitely contain the illness and save thousands of patients battling for their lives. 

A total of 10 doctors from the 24th Chinese Medical Team and the 26th Chinese Military Medical Expert Team are present at the stadium to treat patients. Together with their local counterparts, the Chinese doctors are providing quality medical services.  

Chinese Ambassador to Zambia Du Xiaohui revealed that a total of 993 Chinese medical experts have travelled to Zambia over the years to combat various ailments, including COVID-19, cholera and malaria.  

“The Chinese people share the sorrow of our Zambian brothers and sisters. This is why the Chinese government and people have acted swiftly by mobilising all resources available in the most proactive manner and offering assistance to the best of its abilities,” Du said recently during a joint press conference held with Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema where he announced nine assistance measures, including official assistance in cash, on-site guidance from Chinese medical experts, construction of  clinic, donation of medical and daily supplies, donation of water tanks, a water supply project and possible cooperation in the production of anti-cholera drugs and vaccines, with a total value of more than $760,000. 

“We will continue to provide assistance within our capacity to support the Zambian government and people in combating cholera. This is another action taken by the Chinese side to effectively and efficiently implement the consensus of the two heads of state and the nine programmes [put forward at the eighth Ministerial Conference of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in 2021],” said the Chinese envoy, who was joined by Zhu Changju, team leader of the 24th Chinese Medical Team, Wang Shuchao, team leader of the 26th Chinese Military Medical Expert Team, and other Chinese medical experts.  

Ten days after the Chinese envoy announced the measures, a Chinese vaccine company sent a delegation to Lusaka for discussions with all relevant Zambian authorities about the possibility of cholera vaccine production in Zambia. The team also visited local pharmaceutical companies.  

Meanwhile, the Association of Chinese Corporations in Zambia, the Zambia Chinese Association and the Chinese Chamber of Commerce in Zambia have organised Chinese nationals and businesses in Zambia to make donations in cash and in kind, and have worked closely with the Zambian government, local communities and people on various charitable actions, including donation of water tanks with a capacity of 360 tonnes of clean and safe water per day and medical and daily supplies worth about $269,230.  

They have pledged to further cooperate on the production of medicines, medical supplies and cholera vaccines.   

Appreciation of Chinese support 

In Zambia, the local health authority has hailed China for its timely assistance, not only in the health sector, but also in other areas. 

Health Minister Sylvia Masebo thanked the Chinese government and people for the strong support rendered to the Zambian government and people in the fight against cholera, including dispatching medical experts, donating medical supplies, exploring the possibility of vaccine production and helping to expand water supply projects, which will help Zambia to ultimately eliminate the cholera outbreak.  

Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Zambia and China 60 years ago, China has gone beyond being a trustworthy all-weather friend to becoming brother of Zambia who together share wealth and woe, Masebo stated.  

“China is a true friend and good brother of Zambia, and China’s support covers short, medium and long-term measures, which will help Zambia to ultimately beat the cholera outbreak,” President Hichilema recently said.

The cultural and economic value of the 2024 Kuomboka

By Derrick Silimina

Amidst the majestic floodplains of the Zambezi River in the heart of Mongu town, the Kuomboka ceremony has continued to unfold the enduring cultural heritage of the Lozi-speaking people. 

Thousands of people from different ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds thronged the capital town of Western Province, Mongu, to witness the 2024 Kuomboka Kufuluhela ceremony. “All lodges and guest houses in Mongu and Limulunga districts are fully booked prior to the traditional ceremony,” Western Province Chamber of Commerce and Industry Secretary-General Samuel Litebele says. 

“We always encourage members of the public to create more accommodation spaces for those who travel for the ceremony.” 

Each year, the Kuomboka ceremony draws the entire presidential entourage including Cabinet ministers among other senior Government officials, foreign dignitaries, traditional leaders, the rich and the poor, and tourists from across the world. More than 100,000 spectators troop into Mongu town, heaving a hefty income to the country’s economic growth through the tourism sector. 

SKYROCKET 

Lodging room rates suddenly skyrocket to alarming levels as apartments get fully booked. Proprietors often reinforce their human resources to help manage the overcrowding of customers, in turn creating employment for the local people of Limulunga and Mongu catchment areas. 

Over the years, lodges have sprung up, offering a wide range of accommodations to suit every taste during the ceremony period. 

“As local and foreign tourists flock in to sample our rich culture, the excitement here is high and people are ready for the ceremony despite the high lodging charges,” notes Sikufele Mulonda, owner of Yahesu apartments located in Mongu’s central business district. 

The smiling faces of the expectant spectators were transformed into sorry sights of sadness as they crisscrossed Mongu town in search of cheap accommodation which is at such times hard to come by. 

A check at most lodges found that a K2000 executive room was suddenly tagged at K3000 a day. One normally offered for K800 now demanded K1,500, while a K600 room required K1000. No wonder when it was time to go back home, most visitors’ pockets were full of holes. 

EXPAND 

Locals give testimony to the Kuomboka ceremony which has enabled them to expand their businesses; improve their lives and enable them to pay for their children’s school fees and other bills. 

“Whenever we have Kuomboka here, my commodities sales go up. I wish the ceremony was done every month because I record more sales as compared to normal days,” said Sibeso Mwanangombe, who supplies rice and fish to eateries around Mongu town. 

Restaurateurs are also not left behind as they make a lot of money alongside those who run open braai stands and takeaways. Parking spaces in both Lealui and Limulunga become so expensive that local owners reap unusual benefits from increased motor vehicle traffic. Tour guides also take opportunities to raise their takings by guiding tourists at an unusual fee. 

Tailors make a killing by designing traditional attire such as the musisi, siziba, red berets and mashashu for customers who place advance orders and for instant buyers. Operators of speed boats, canoes and vehicles also get hired to ferry people before, during, and after the event while local musicians get empowered financially as they entertain Kuomboka fanatics with local tunes. 

“I always get more business orders during the Kuomboka, and each ceremony brings in more income for me to sustain my family,” added Gertrude Imenda, a specialist in Musisi attires. 

REDUCED 

The just-ended 2024 Kuomboka traditional ceremony was held in Mongu and not the usual Limulunga, owing to the reduced water in the Barotse plains. 

The royal barge, Nalikwanda, was accordingly redirected to Mulamba Harbour. Host King Lubosi Imwiko II and his Guest of Honour Chitimukulu Kanyanta Manga II were aboard the royal barge (Nalikwanda) as it glided gracefully down the Zambezi River, its majestic procession captivating spectators with its vibrant colours, rhythmic drumming, and intricate symbolism. 

“In times like these, even though diversity is an undeniable characteristic among human beings and nations, cultural moments like the Kuomboka transcends diversity, uniting us as one large family, proud to be One people, One nation, under One God,” President Hakainde Hichilema said during the event that he attended as an ordinary guest. 

The Head of State reiterated that the cultural exchange and collaboration between traditional leaders fosters a cross-pollination of cultures and underscores the importance of unity among the general citizenry. 

He pledged the Government’s support for such noble initiatives for the benefit of the e country at large. 

The presence of Paramount Chief Chitimukulu Kanyanta Manga II, showcasing a remarkable display of unity between the Lozi and Bemba-speaking peoples, was in reciprocation to the Chitimukulu having invited the Litunga to be his special guest at the 2023 Ukusefya pa Ng’wena ceremony.

Catholic Sisters break ground in orthopedic care in Zambia

By Derrick Silimina

As patients flock to seek orthopedic therapy in a country already grappling with obsolete medical facilities, health care at the St. John Paul II Mission Orthopaedic Hospital is vibrant.

Lumbiwe Mutale, 32, arrived at the hospital with her 10-year-old son. The mother of two brought her son for a checkup at the orthopedic hospital based in Lusaka, Zambia's capital, where he recently underwent knee surgery to treat Osgood-Schlatter disease, an overuse condition or injury of the knee that typically affects kids during their pre-adolescent growth.

"I'm really impressed that my son is able to walk now with ease after his knee proved problematic. This state-of-the-art health facility is indeed a treasure to our country because my son has been treated at no cost, and thank God the sisters are doing a great job." Mutale said.

Long before orthopedic surgery was a priority in the southern African country, schools or institutions managed by sisters for children with disabilities would evacuate patients to Italy for specialized orthopedic treatment, but the humanitarian initiative became unsustainable.

"We started sending our children for surgery to Italy through our sisters' benefactors from Italy, but that proved to be a problem," Sr. Marjory Mwansa told Global Sisters Report. 

Children would stay for six months or more and it was a challenge to return them to their families or provide specialized treatment for them in Zambia, she said.

Mwansa, a member of the Franciscan Missionary Sisters of Assisi, said the sisters in the 1990s initiated a plan to establish a hospital that could treat children with a variety of life-limiting yet treatable disabilities. Most of these vulnerable children were from the  Kabulonga Cheshire Home in Lusaka, the Dagama School for Physically Disabled Children, Ibenga Girls Secondary School and the Ndola Cheshire Home, all run by the religious sisters.

She said that based on that history, the sisters spoke with their benefactors in Italy, such as the Rotary Club of Italy, and funds were raised to establish an orthopedic hospital in Zambia to treat children in need of orthopedic services.

Mwansa, a physiotherapist by profession, noted that the state-of-the-art medical facility is a beacon of hope among children with disabilities, especially those identified through the sisters' outreach programs who receive free orthopedic services.

"We've been working with Italian doctors and Zambian doctors. The Italian doctors come once in a while, but mostly, we have the Zambian doctors operating on the children," she added.

Mwansa, also administrator at the St. John Paul II Orthopaedic Mission Hospital, stressed that sustainability became a problem, so the missionary sisters at the hospital opened the facility to the public since Zambia then did not have a specialized orthopedic hospital. 

Private patients pay for the service to supplement the surgeries for children with disabilities who get free services.

The hospital has been of great significance to Zambia and other neighboring countries, including Zimbabwe, Namibia, Malawi and Tanzania, among others, whose nationals in need of specialized orthopedic services also receive treatment. The hospital also helps patients from outside Africa.

GSR: Tell us about your work and ministry.

Mwansa: When I wake up, I have morning prayers and Mass. On Mondays, there is no breakfast, which means it's straight from Mass into the morning briefing because we have our planning. First, we look at what we did the previous week, then plan for the week. I work with six other sisters and 75 staff members at this medical facility.

When this hospital started in 1995, I came here as a novice. I stayed because I was already trained as a physiotherapist. And then, when I made my vows, I came back to start the Physio Department, but we didn't have enough personnel, so I even used to work during night shifts.

Some of our staff participate in an outreach program with one sister around Zambia to identify children with disabilities so that surgery can be done early because it's difficult to do surgery on some of the children if brought in late.

What other medical services do you offer apart from orthopedic therapy?

We have a lab, an X-ray department, a pharmacy, a theater, physiotherapy, a dental clinic and a restaurant to prepare meals for patients admitted to the wards; those who come just for consultation are seen by the outpatient department.

How does your charism align with vulnerable children?

For me, I feel as a congregation, we are indebted to God because only God brought us here. And so our being part of this institution is not just our own making. God has called us to come and witness. So, it's not so much the surgeries taking place but our witness to the people and the healing ministry of Jesus Christ.

How has your ministry evolved with time with your medical practice?

Before I joined the sisters, I was in a group known as the Vacation Club at secondary school. 

And in that club, we looked at careers taken by sisters. Essentially, I wanted to be an accountant or a doctor. As we were sharing during our meetings with the sister who used to come and mentor us, she talked about physiotherapy. I was already exposed to children with disabilities, so I decided to do physiotherapy before I even joined the sisters. They told me that I needed to do nursing, although I don't like wounds. So, I applied to study physiotherapy, and I was accepted.

My passion is to serve, and I respond to what the Lord tells me to do each day when I wake up. My motivation is what I do through prayer every morning to go and serve God's people. It requires a lot of listening to what God is asking of me to go and serve the people since I love children with disabilities.

How many patients have benefited from your medical services?

We attend to many children. From 10 since inception, we have attended to thousands this year alone. From January 2000 to 2024, the total number of patients we've seen was over 22,000, and of that, the children who accessed free services are over 5,000 and that includes the cost of medication.

What challenges do you face in the daily operations of the hospital?

We have some children, apart from any other condition requiring surgery, who have epilepsy, and the drugs are very expensive. Whenever surgeons attend to a disabled child with epilepsy, they have no option but to procure drugs for epilepsy, which are costly, and treat the patient before orthopedic surgery is done.

We no longer receive support from our Italian counterparts for material supplies, medical supplies, equipment and all that. There is no donor funding that comes in. So, this hospital is purely self-sustained, and it's quite challenging because we can't attend to too many patients. As I have said, 5,000 wouldn't be our aim. We may want as much as possible, like, if we see 22,000, we may want to have 10,000 because these numbers are dependent on the private patients and what they are paying to help maintain the hospital. We have to align ourselves to the budget and money is also used to pay our employees' monthly salaries, and we need to pay them a gratuity. We also need to pay utility bills and subscribe to other statutory obligations.