Upright Africa

03/31/2026

John Woods had the privilege of sitting down with Kerstin Lindquist for an episode of the StREST Podcast. Known for her blend of faith, health, and real-life conversation, Kerstin leads an honest and thoughtful discussion on navigating stress, purpose, and everyday resilience. It’s a grounded, uplifting episode—perfect for anyone looking to reset and refocus. Check it out here!

This is StRest! Kerstin Lindquist sits down with John Woods — founder of Upright Africa, medical humanitarian, and longtime orthopedic spine surgery first as...

03/29/2026

Upright Africa is back in full swing.

Led by Dr. Alain Muka and Dr. Leo Pwele, alongside our anesthesia team Jean Claude and Wasilota, we began surgeries on Thursday working side by side with the dedicated staff at Solwezi General Hospital. Together, we are doing what we can to ease the burden on an already overcapacity hospital. This mission is a true team effort.

One of the first cases was a 6-year-old girl suffering from a massive kidney tumor. Nearly 10 pounds were removed. She is now stable and already on the road to recovery.

Moments like this remind us why we do what we do. Give your children an extra hug today—and say a prayer they never face such a challenge.

03/14/2026

Happy to report I was able to recover my account and now back in control. Apologies for the messages if anyone received and thanks for following along on our continued adventures. Some days are better than others.

03/14/2026

Urgent message from founder John Woods. My WhatsApp number has been compromised and unfortunately will be unable to respond and also they will be requesting money. Please don’t send anything I’m ok.

03/07/2026

What a fantastic evening hosted by the French Business Circle (FBC) at Alliance Française.

Our founder, John Woods, had the opportunity to present Upright Africa’s work firsthand to a distinguished audience of Ambassadors, business leaders, and key stakeholders. It was a privilege to share our mission and impact — and the response was incredibly encouraging.

A special thank you to Empower Health for joining the presentation, and to Eric for leading the way and helping make the evening a success.

We are building real momentum in Zambia and continuing to position Upright Africa as a driving force in innovative, high-impact healthcare solutions across the region.

01/13/2026

Upright Africa | 2025 Highlights

2025 tested us—but it also strengthened us. 💪🌍
Amid war and instability in the DRC, Upright Africa sustained life-saving work, delivered food to 150,000+ people, and carried out a surgical campaign in the conflict zones—without losing a single team member.

When access tightened, we adapted and expanded into Zambia, launching two medical campaigns, building strong government and corporate partnerships, and piloting a community agriculture project for long-term sustainability.

From trusted relationships with traditional leaders to new locally funded pathways, 2025 proved our model works—even under pressure.

As we step into 2026, with Zambia as a stable base and the DRC still central to our mission, we’re positioned for greater impact, deeper local ownership, and lasting change.

Thank you to our donors, partners, and communities who made this possible. 🙏

12/02/2025

This , your generosity helps us bring life-saving medical care to the communities that need it most. Every gift makes an impact. www.uprightafrica.org 💛

11/15/2025

Driving through some of the toughest terrain in North East Zambia to reach some of the most isolated people. How do you find the most vulnerable? You show up at their doorstep.

This week we made it to that doorstep — Screening 450 patients and selecting around 100 for life-changing surgeries. In the process, we pushed past our limits and overstayed by 12 hours, only to get trapped by heavy rains. We woke up started our journey only to get surrounded by flash-flood rivers, cut off in both directions, waiting for the waters to drop.

We’re the lucky ones — we’ll eventually get out. For many here, this isolation lasts until the end of the rainy season next year.

Upright Africa is reaching people who are truly the hardest to reach… and making real impact where it’s needed most.

11/08/2025

🌍 Upright Africa on the Move! 🇿🇲

Our team is in full swing in the North-East of Zambia, where preparations are underway in remote villages ahead of the rainy season. As roads will soon become impassable, we’re working swiftly — and watching the weather closely — to reach those who will soon be cut off from the rest of the country.

💪 Our goal: 200+ life-changing surgeries, alongside comprehensive GYN and surgical consultations right at the doorsteps of the community.
Follow-up operations will take place in Chama, about 65 km from our field area, within 6–10 days.

We’re honored to work hand in hand with:
• The Local Chief and his dedicated team
• Clinic leaders
• And most importantly, Traditional Healers — the true frontline health advocates and voices of their communities.

This is impact at its highest level, reaching the most vulnerable and ensuring no one is left behind.

👏 Incredible work, team — stay tuned for more updates from the field!

09/16/2025

✨ Upright Africa is back in full swing!

Over the past 10 days, we hosted a special visitor who joined us in North and South Kivu—capturing our projects in action and even participating in a surgical campaign in Goma.

Meanwhile, preparations are underway to deliver multiple containers of food to communities hardest hit by war.

We may not post often, but our presence is strong where it matters most. 💙

Stay tuned for more updates from the field—and meet one very happy recipient of our latest surgical mission!

08/11/2025

🌍 Upright Africa is back in Zambia! 🇿🇲 Before heading into the DRC for a 6-week mission, we explored remote communities in northeast Zambia to prepare for a future surgical campaign later this year.

💛 One of the highlights? Reuniting with our sweet friend Erica — now tumor-free and all smiles! 🙏✨ There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing a child’s joy after receiving life-changing care.

🚑 Stay tuned as we journey back into Congo and work to make an impact in the communities that need it most.

06/29/2025

🚨 Mission Accomplished! 🇿🇲✊

Upright Africa just wrapped up our first-ever Surgical Mission in Zambia — completing 180 life-changing surgeries in just 8 days! 💪🏽✨

The energy was high, the teamwork unstoppable, and every patient is now stable and recovering well 🙌🏾. The local team adapted fast and is now fully on board — already asking when we’re coming back.

This is just the beginning.