A routine outreach by the Zambia Flying Doctors Service (ZFDS) turned into an emotional and historic moment on June 27 when James Lawless Hospital in Ndola unveiled a hospital ward named in honour of Dr. Rosemary Kumwenda, a distinguished medical professional and Chairperson of the ZFDS Board.
Dr. Kumwenda, who has been at the helm of the ZFDS Board since August 2022, was caught completely off guard by the tribute, which was kept under wraps by hospital staff and ZFDS management. The dedication served as a powerful gesture of appreciation for her decades-long contribution to Zambia’s healthcare system and her unwavering commitment to delivering services to remote communities.
“The ward came as a great surprise to me and other board members,” she said during an interview. “It underscores the fact that we understand our roles as board and management.”
The idea of recognising key individuals who played a role in the organisation’s revitalisation had been discussed in earlier board meetings. Dr. Kumwenda referenced former Health Minister Sylvia Masebo, who appointed the current board in 2022, as instrumental in reshaping the ZFDS’s mission to improve access to quality healthcare in underserved areas.
“So going forward, family and friends will support me to own the ward and continue providing support to the Zambia Flying Doctor Service for many years to come. I feel immensely privileged,” she added.
Dr. Kumwenda’s medical journey began in 1987, marked by a series of impactful roles within the Ministry of Health. She served as District Director of Health in both Livingstone and Lusaka, where she oversaw the construction of seven first-level hospitals under the national health reform programme. These facilities — in Chelstone, Chipata, Matero, George, Chawama, Kanyama, and Chilenje — remain cornerstones of public health access in the capital.
Her career later took a global turn when she joined the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). She rose to become Health and Development Team Leader based in Istanbul, covering 18 countries across Eastern Europe and Central Asia, until her retirement in July 2022.
Dr. Kumwenda’s career has earned her numerous accolades, including the UNDP Best Team Leader award and multiple long-service recognitions. She is also a recipient of the Diamond Jubilee Award by St. Monica’s Alumni.
Despite her impressive résumé, Dr. Kumwenda remains deeply grounded in the principle of service. She acknowledged that her work with ZFDS is driven not by compensation but by impact.
“There is a lot of work that the ZFDS board members do, and it has never been for the reward. The allowance is minimal. But the results are visible, and people can relate to what ZFDS does and how important it is for reaching remote communities with quality health services,” she said.
As Dr. Kumwenda approaches her 64th birthday on July 20, her legacy continues to grow. With her name now permanently inscribed at James Lawless Hospital, her lifelong dedication to healthcare has not only shaped systems and improved lives — it has become a part of Zambia’s medical history.