02/02/2026
𝗗𝗘𝗔𝗧𝗛 𝗡𝗢𝗧𝗜𝗖𝗘: 𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗙𝗘𝗦𝗦𝗢𝗥 𝗞𝗢𝗣𝗔𝗡𝗢 𝗠𝗨𝗞𝗘𝗟𝗔𝗕𝗔𝗜
Date: 2nd February 2026
The Zambia Medical Association announces with deep sorrow the passing of a Distinguished Senior Paediatrician Professor Kopano Mukelabai, a highly respected senior clinician, educator, and influential leader in Zambia’s medical fraternity, who died on 30th January 2026.
Born on 27th January 1947, Professor Mukelabai’s remarkable journey in medicine began with his early academic excellence at Munali Secondary School, followed by medical training at the University of Zambia, where he earned a BSc in Human Biology (1971) and an MBChB (1974). He then proceeded to do his internship at UTH and was Secretary of the Junior Doctors Association (now RDAZ), in Lusaka becoming the first Staff Development Fellow in Paediatrics at the University of Zamba, School of Medicine in 1975.
His commitment to paediatrics was evident from his earliest professional years, pursuing advanced training in Child Health, Paediatrics, Paediatric Cardiology, Adult Cardiology, Epidemiology, Tropical Paediatrics, and Neonatology across leading institutions after leaving the University of Zambia that included:
- University of Toronto, Hospital for Sick Children (HSC), Canada.
- University of Alexandria, El Shatby Hospital, in Egypt.
- Dalhousie University, Victoria General Hospital in Halifax, Canada.
- Nuhon University in Tokyo, Japan.
Upon returning to Zambia, Professor Mukelabai was appointed Consultant Paediatrician and Later became Senior Lecturer at the University Teaching Hospital UNZA-SOM, eventually rising to Head of the Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, before becoming Professor of Paediatrics and Child Health. He established the first Paediatric Cardiology Clinic at UTH, the first WHO‑sponsored IMCI regional training centre, and the consolidated nutrition ward (A07), with support from the late Prime Minister Kebby Musokotwane, which remains a cornerstone of paediatric care to date.
As Dean of the University of Zambia, School of Medicine for 8 years 1984 to 1992, he played a pivotal role in shaping medical education in Zambia, including the establishment of the Master of Medicine (M.Med.) programmes in Medicine, Paediatrics, Obstetrics & Gynaecology and Surgery with the late Professor Chintu and the upgrading of the Post‑Basic Nursing programme to degree level. His leadership extended beyond Zambia between 1992 to 2009, serving in senior roles at UNICEF as Regional Health Adviser for Eastern and Southern Africa Regional Office in Nairobi Kenya, Representative at the WHO (AFRO) Regional Office in Brazzaville, Congo, Country Representative Kenya & Eritrea and as Senior Health Adviser at UNICEF Headquarters in New York, USA, where he contributed to health systems strengthening across Africa and beyond.
Professor Mukelabai also served as Chairman of the Medical Council of Zambia (now HPCZ) for 8years, President of the Association of Medical Schools in Africa, Founding Secretary of the Zambia Paediatric Association, Founding President of the Zambia Cardiac Society, and member of numerous regional and international professional bodies.
He was a Diplomate of The American Board of Paediatrics, 1980 and was admitted Fellow of The Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh 1988. Professor Mukelabai published over 50 scientific articles in International Journals and made numerous presentations at international conferences, mentored generations of clinicians, and remained active in clinical practice and teaching as a Consultant Paediatrician and Honorary Lecturer at UTH Children’s Hospital, Lusaka until his passing.
His legacy is one of service, scholarship, and unwavering dedication to improving child health and medical education in Zambia and beyond, serving as an external examiner at Makerere University and co-founder of five (5) medical schools in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Zambia.
The medical fraternity mourns the loss of a giant who at the time of his passing was serving as Chancellor of the University of Barotseland (UBL) and Chairman of Lusaka Apex University Council, a visionary leader, a committed teacher, and a pioneer whose outstanding contributions to the medical field will continue to shape the profession for years to come.
The funeral is being held in Lusaka West, at Farm Number 36/1956 Mungwi Road after the ZAF Base in Lusaka.
The Zambia Medical Association in consultation with the family will hold a Professional Service in Honor of Professor Kopano Mukelabai on a date and venue to be announced for an exemplary life and distinguished service to the country.
May his soul rest in eternal peace.
Sincerely,
Dr. Innocent Ngwira
Secretary General
Zambia Medical Association
