Zambart

29/03/2026

Last week’s highlight: commemorating World TB Day in Ndola as we continue the fight to end TB.

The Zambart Ndola Office, under the TB REACH Project, joined the global community on 24 March 2026 to commemorate World TB Day under the theme: “Yes! We Can End TB: Led by Countries, Powered by People.”

The event, held at the Ubumi Bwandi Community Hub, brought together community members, healthcare workers, local leadership, and cooperating partners in a unified effort to accelerate TB detection, treatment, and prevention across the Copperbelt Province.

Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Naomi Kasanda highlighted that while TB remains a public health concern, notable progress has been made through intensified case finding and community-based interventions. She also commended Zambart’s continued contribution through research and initiatives such as Ubumi Bwandi.

Speaking on behalf of the Ubumi Bwandi Pantashi (TB REACH Wave 11) Study, Study Manager Besa Stable reiterated Zambart’s commitment to advancing community-driven solutions to end TB.

A key highlight of the commemoration was the impact of the Ubumi Bwandi (“My Health, My Choice”) initiative—an integrated, community-based programme bringing essential health services closer to the people through multi-disease screening and early diagnosis.

The event was further enriched by powerful testimonies from two beneficiaries, now TB-free, whose journeys underscored the life-saving impact of early detection and accessible care.

24/03/2026

24/03/2026

Zambart Showcased Research Driving Zambia’s TB Response at World TB Day in Matero

joined the global community in commemorating World Tuberculosis (TB) Day under the theme #“Yes! We can End TB: _Led by countries, _ powered by people,” highlighting the importance of strong national leadership and community-driven responses.

The national commemoration took place at Muchinga Grounds in Matero, Lusaka, and was graced by the Honourable Minister of Health, Dr. Alex Katakwe. Zambart was among the organisations in attendance, led by its Executive Director, Dr. Kwame Shanaube, as it continued its efforts to strengthen TB research and support Zambia’s national response.

Zambart showcased several ongoing TB-related studies such as Ubumi Bwandi Pantanshi (“My Health First”), implemented with the STOP TB Partnership, which brings integrated TB and lung health screening closer to communities, the POCUS4TB project, which is developing affordable AI-assisted ultrasound technology, and the EPiTB study (EDCTP3), focused on improving same-day diagnosis of extra-pulmonary TB, advanced TB surveillance and epidemiological research supported by the Wellcome Trust, as well as the ZAMSA TB (Atontho) study, which seeks to better understand TB transmission and protect young children in high-burden settings, the CommuniTB Trial, a Phase 3 clinical study evaluating a promising TB vaccine candidate—marking an important step toward improved TB prevention.

Through these efforts, Zambart continued to generate evidence that informs policy, strengthens health systems, and improves access to TB services.

As Zambia commemorated World TB Day, the message remained clear: ending TB requires sustained effort, innovation, collaboration, and ultimately Improve Health for All.

, we can end TB.

24/03/2026

Highlights of World TB Day in Ndola’s Chipulukusu.

The Zambart Ubumi Pantashi Pantashi project (TB REACH Wave 11) Team is out in full force at the Ndola Community Hub, commemorating World TB Day and bringing the energy! 💃🏾✨

TB_Led
_by countries, powered by people

Stay tuned to our socials for more updates! ✨

22/03/2026

Zambart Welcomes Medical Students to Learn About Schistosomiasis Ahead of World Water Day.

As the world commemorates World Water Day, observed annually on 22 March to highlight the importance of freshwater, the focus aligns closely with Zambart’s Zipime Weka Schista! study, which addresses water-related diseases such as schistosomiasis.

The Zambart Zipime Weka Schista! study team recently hosted medical students from the University Teaching Hospital, the University of Maryland, and the Copperbelt University as well as pharmacy students from University of Maryland and staff from UTH. The students are currently undertaking a joint course in tropical medicine at the University Teaching Hospital. Their visit provided a valuable opportunity to gain insight into ongoing research efforts and to deepen their understanding of female ge***al schistosomiasis (FGS) and its broader public health implications.

The group was led by Dr. Jane Park, an Infectious Diseases specialist at the University Teaching Hospital, and was welcomed by the study’s Principal Investigator, Dr. Kwame Shanaube. Zipime Weka Schista Study Manager, Rhoda Ndubani, delivered a comprehensive presentation highlighting the organisation’s work in schistosomiasis research, with particular focus on innovative approaches to screening and integrated care for FGS, HPV, HIV, and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The session aimed to provide students with a deeper appreciation of Zambart’s contribution to advancing research and improving health outcomes in Zambia.

The Zipime Weka Schista! study is a longitudinal cohort study that seeks to integrate female sexual and reproductive health screening through a one-stop self-sampling approach for schistosomiasis and other ge***al infections. The study also aims to improve access to screening services by enabling early detection and timely management of these conditions among women in study communities in Livingstone and Kafue.

Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease caused by infection with Schistosoma worms. It is primarily transmitted through contact with contaminated freshwater where specific types of snails release larval forms of the parasite. People become infected during routine activities such as swimming, bathing, or washing in infested water. The disease is closely linked to limited access to clean water, poor sanitation, and inadequate hygiene practices, making it a significant public health concern in many communities.

UN-Water Water Flows; Equality Grows

17/03/2026

The quiet champions driving ge***al schistosomiasis research forward

We are proud to see the Zipime Weka Schista study at Zambart featured on the Cambridge Core blog.

In a recent article, Professor Amaya L. Bustinduy highlights the vital work behind ge***al schistosomiasis research in Africa, shining a spotlight on the dedicated community workers, mobilisers and midwives who support the Zipime Weka Schista(!) study in Zambia.

Through home visits, community engagement, and innovative approaches such as self-sampling and portable diagnostics, these teams are helping expand access to diagnosis and care for female ge***al schistosomiasis while contributing to important scientific knowledge.

Their work reminds us that impactful research is driven not only by science, but by the trust, commitment and dedication of the people working closest to communities.
Read the full blog feature on Cambridge Core.

https://www.cambridge.org/core/blog/2026/03/10/the-quiet-champions-driving-ge***al-schistosomiasis-research-forward/

UK Research and Innovation Natural History Museum, London Ministry of Health Zambia London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine The University of Zambia -UNZA
@

13/03/2026

Zambart Joins Ndola Youth in Celebrating Youth Day

Zambart joined youth in Ndola District in commemorating this year’s Youth Day under the inspiring theme “Arise and Soar.” The event brought together young people from across the district to celebrate their role in shaping Zambia’s future while promoting health, empowerment, and community solidarity.

Working alongside its valued partner, Youth in Action, a department of DAPP, Zambart used the occasion to provide essential health services to young people and members of the wider community. The initiative aimed to promote health awareness and encourage early detection and prevention of common conditions.

During the celebrations, Zambart offered several key health services, including:
- HIV testing to promote awareness and prevention.
- Blood pressure screening to support early detection of hypertension.
- Tuberculosis (TB) screening to strengthen ongoing efforts in the fight against TB.

By integrating health services into the Youth Day celebrations, Zambart reaffirmed its commitment to empowering young people with the knowledge and tools they need to lead healthier and more resilient lives. Engaging with youth in community spaces not only increases access to essential services but also creates opportunities for dialogue around health, wellbeing, and prevention.

This initiative reflects Zambart’s continued mission to combine community engagement with evidence-based health interventions, ensuring that public events also become platforms for meaningful health promotion and positive change.

12/03/2026

HAPPY YOUTH DAY Zambia!

Today we celebrate the passion, creativity, and resilience of young people shaping a better tomorrow.

Let this day remind every young person to with purpose, pursue knowledge, and beyond limitations.