Cause Detail
Global Children’s Surgery Day Highlighted Urgent Needs in Zambia’s Paediatric Healthcare Sector
Zambia Observed Its First-Ever Global Children’s Surgery Day with a Unified Call to Action
On Monday, March 5th, 2024, The Bushbaby Foundation proudly participated in Zambia’s first-ever commemoration of Global Children’s Surgery Day, a global movement initially launched on February 26th, 2024. This significant milestone event was hosted by the Zambia Association for Paediatric Surgeons at the University of Zambia and brought national attention to the urgent paediatric surgical care challenges facing Zambia.
The day began with a powerful opening address from Dr. Bvulani, President of the Association, who underscored the critical importance of equitable access to surgical care for children. He revealed that, alarmingly, only 3% of Zambian children had received the surgical care they needed—a staggering statistic that laid bare the depth of the healthcare gap.
Representing the Ministry of Health, Dr. Francis Pikiti reinforced the call for stronger infrastructure, advocating for the establishment of paediatric surgical units in every district across Zambia. His remarks emphasized the Ministry’s alignment with the broader mission to ensure that every child, regardless of geography or socioeconomic status, can access the care they deserve.
Dr. Amon Gogora, speaking on behalf of the organizing association, closed the formal addresses by emphasizing the importance of collaborative action among government bodies, NGOs, medical institutions, and the private sector. His message was clear: meaningful reform would only come through collective responsibility and unity.
As part of the commemoration, attendees were taken on a tour of the Children’s Surgical Ward at UTH (University Teaching Hospital). There, frontline paediatric surgeons shared firsthand the array of challenges plaguing the ward—from a shortage of basic equipment and surgical tools to the absence of a functioning laundry machine. The emotional wellbeing of the young patients was also discussed, with doctors lamenting the lack of recreational or entertainment facilities to ease the burden of hospitalization for children.
Following the tour, a roundtable discussion gave stakeholders an opportunity to reflect on the structural and systemic barriers to paediatric surgical care. The atmosphere was one of determination, as healthcare professionals, partners, and sponsors voiced their shared commitment to finding solutions.
The Bushbaby Foundation joined in solidarity with all those working toward improving child health. Our partner, BIODOT, delivered a heartfelt message reaffirming its corporate commitment to children’s welfare. The company highlighted its past CSR efforts, including the renovation of surgical locker rooms and ongoing support to improve medical infrastructure. As a gesture of appreciation, BIODOT distributed branded t-shirts to the hard-working healthcare providers.
More than symbolic, BIODOT’s involvement signaled a long-term pledge. The company committed to further explore ways to support the paediatric department at UTH, particularly in addressing the equipment shortages and facility constraints identified during the tour.
As the event concluded, participants left with a renewed sense of purpose and a united resolve to transform paediatric healthcare in Zambia. The Bushbaby Foundation remains dedicated to advocating for and supporting efforts that ensure every Zambian child receives the care they need to thrive.
For more information about The Bushbaby Foundation, please visit: www.thebushbaby.org Together, we can close the surgical gap and save young lives. – The Bushbaby Foundation
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- Gender Equality
- Child Protection
- Education
- WASH (Water, Sanitation & Hygiene
- Human Rights
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