Zambia shines

By BARNABAS ZULU

ZAMBIAN anaesthesiologist Dr. Mack Kalenga has been awarded the prestigious Rising Star Award by the World Federation of Societies of Anaesthesiologists (WFSA), in recognition of his contribution to patient care, training and strengthening of anaesthesia systems.

The award is given to emerging global leaders in anaesthesiology who are advancing safe surgical care, particularly in resource-limited settings.

In Zambia, access to safe anaesthesia remains severely constrained, with fewer than 40 anaesthesiologists serving a population of over 20 million people.

This translates to about 0.2 specialists per 100, 000 population, far below the WFSA recommended benchmark of five per 100, 000. The country also produces only between two and four new anaesthesiologistsannually.

Dr. Kalenga leads anaesthesia services under the country’s national renal transplant programme at the University Teaching Hospital in Lusaka, where he has been central to strengthening transplant-related surgical capacity.

He is also co-principal investigator on a nationwide study assessing anaesthesia capacity in government hospitals, focusing on staffing levels, infrastructure, equipment and drug availability.

In addition, Dr. Kalenga is involved in simulation-based training and quality improvement programmes aimed at improving patient safety and standardising perioperative care.

“This recognition is deeply encouraging, but it is not mine alone,” Dr. Kalenga said. “It reflects the collective effort of many anaesthesia providers I work with every day. It also highlights the urgent need to strengthen anaesthesia systems in Zambia.”

He said the current workforce gap requires urgent national investment in training, infrastructure and clinical standards.