Minister of Health, Dr. Elijah Muchima, has called on women in the medical profession to embrace leadership positions and drive innovation across Zambia’s health sector. Speaking through the Permanent Secretary for Administration, Mrs. Joma Simuyi, the Ministry highlighted the pivotal role women play in shaping healthcare and reaffirmed its commitment to initiatives that advance female representation. The remarks were delivered during the Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference of the Medical Women’s Association of Zambia (MWAZ), held at the Southern Sun Hotel in Lusaka under the theme “Building Capacity and Driving Impact: Transforming Healthcare Through Leadership and Innovation.”
Mrs. Simuyi commended MWAZ for championing leadership and mentorship among female doctors. She cited the association’s Leadership Programme with the Manchester Review Board, which has enrolled nearly 20 members in a year-long course designed to bridge the skills gap and overcome barriers that have limited women’s participation in decision-making roles. “MWAZ is the embodiment of transformative leadership. This initiative directly confronts the skills gap and will help eliminate barriers that have limited women’s representation in leadership positions,” she said. The Permanent Secretary also praised MWAZ’s community health initiatives, including breast and cervical cancer awareness campaigns, health education programs, and mentorship for young medical professionals.
Dr. Muchima extended congratulations to the fourth cohort of the MWAZ Mentorship Programme graduating during the event. He acknowledged the association’s international achievements, highlighting MWAZ’s 28-member delegation to the recent Medical Women’s International Association Congress in Egypt, where Dr. Joyce Sakala was elected Regional Representative for the Near East and Africa Region. “The Ministry of Health is proud of your achievements and stands ready to support you in your new leadership roles, both locally and internationally,” he said.
The Ministry also encouraged MWAZ to use its collective influence to advocate for policies that empower women, particularly regarding maternity leave and workplace conditions that support WHO-recommended newborn feeding practices. Mrs. Simuyi emphasized that empowering women to lead must go hand in hand with creating environments where they can thrive professionally and personally.
The conference brought together women doctors, medical professionals, and sector leaders to discuss strategies for leadership, innovation, and healthcare transformation. By fostering mentorship, skills development, and policy advocacy, MWAZ continues to advance the role of women in medicine while driving improvements in Zambia’s health sector.