University Teaching Hospital- Adult Hospital

05/11/2025

PRESS STATEMENT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

UTH ADULT HOSPITAL REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO PATIENT CARE AMID TEMPORARY BED SPACE PRESSURE

Lusaka, 5th November 2025 - The University Teaching Hospital (UTH) - Adult Hospital wishes to assure members of the public that the hospital remains committed to delivering quality healthcare services in an environment that upholds patient dignity, privacy, and safety at all times.

The hospital has noted concerns circulating in some sections of the media regarding the temporary accommodation of male and female patients in the same wards. Management wishes to clarify that this arrangement is not a norm but an interim measure taken only under exceptional circumstances when all male wards are fully occupied.

The hospital has recently recorded a sharp increase in the number of male surgical patients, many of whom are victims of road traffic accidents, falls from construction sites, and prostate related conditions. These cases often require longer hospital stays, resulting in higher bed occupancy in male wards compared to female wards.

To ensure that no patient in need of care is turned away, the hospital has, on rare occasions, accommodated stable male patients in separate cubicles within female wards. This is done with utmost sensitivity maintaining full privacy, separate sanitary access, and continuous supervision by medical staff.

It is important to emphasize that this is a temporary and controlled measure aimed at preserving life and ensuring continued access to healthcare for all. As soon as bed space becomes available in male designated wards, affected patients are immediately relocated.

UTH is already implementing corrective measures, including plans to convert one of the female surgical wards into a male ward to improve capacity balance. In the long term, the hospital looks forward to the operationalisation of the new 240 bed surgical wing, which will significantly expand space and enhance patient comfort once funding for equipment and staffing is secured.

Management deeply appreciates the understanding and support of the public as the hospital continues to serve as the nation’s main referral centre, providing specialist care to patients from across Zambia and beyond.

UTH Adult Hospital, Caring for the Nation with Compassion and Excellence.

Issued by:
Mwiza Mwiya
Public Relations Officer
University Teaching Hospital – Adult Hospital
Lusaka

03/11/2025

STRENGTHENING HOSPITAL SERVICES: UTH RECEIVES NEW KITCHEN EQUIPMENT

We had the honour of hosting the Minister of Health, Hon. Dr. Elijah Muchima, MP, and the Turkish Ambassador to Zambia, His Excellency Huseyin Barbaros Dicle, at UTH Adult Hospital this morning. The two dignitaries met for the handover ceremony of industrial kitchen equipment to UTH Adult Hospital, donated by the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) in partnership with Zero Waste.

The donation will significantly strengthen the hospital’s kitchen operations, enabling more efficient food service for patients.

During the ceremony, Hon. Dr. Muchima commended the collaboration between Zambia and Turkey, highlighting the positive impact of international partnerships on the health sector. His Excellency Huseyin Barbaros Dicle reaffirmed Turkey’s commitment to supporting Zambia’s development initiatives.

UTH Adult Hospital expresses sincere gratitude to TIKA and Zero Waste for this support, which will enhance service delivery and patient care.

03/11/2025

02/11/2025

TOGETHER , WE HEAL, TOGETHER, WE SERVE

As we step into a new week, we take a moment to celebrate the people who make UTH Adult Hospital a place of care and hope, our dedicated doctors, nurses, support staff, management, partners in health, and most importantly, our patients and their families.

Every action, every effort, every smile contributes to a hospital where everyone feels valued, supported, and cared for. Last week reminded us that teamwork, compassion, and collaboration truly make a difference.

Here’s to a new week filled with opportunities to heal, inspire, and serve with excellence!

02/11/2025

UTH ADULT HOSPITAL PARTNERS WITH DETTE RESOURCES FOUNDATION TO FACILITATE SAFE PATIENT REPATRIATION

Lusaka, 2nd November 2025 - The University Teaching Hospital (UTH)- Adult Hospital has partnered with Dette Resources Foundation (DRF) in the Red Hat Campaign, an initiative aimed at facilitating the safe repatriation of spine injury and other long term patients who require specialized home based care and support.

The campaign seeks to mobilize resources and partnerships to assist patients who are medically fit for discharge but remain admitted due to logistical and financial challenges related to transport and continuous care needs. Through this program, patients with chronic respiratory and kidney conditions, many of whom struggle to access home based treatment will also be supported.

The first patient repatriation under the Red Hat Campaign was successfully conducted on 31st October 2025 in collaboration with the UTH Social Welfare Department. The exercise involved the safe transfer of a spine injury patient to his home, with an ambulance crew and nurse es**rt provided by the Foundation.

Speaking during the exercise, UTH Adult Hospital Principal Social Welfare Officer, Mr. Stephen Mwape, commended Dette Resources Foundation for its compassion and partnership in supporting patients beyond hospital care.

He said the initiative is a welcome and timely intervention that brings hope to patients and families facing challenges in accessing specialized transport and home based care. Mr. Mwape added that UTH Adult Hospital appreciates the Foundation’s efforts in complementing the hospital’s work to improve patient welfare.

31/10/2025

UTH ADULT HOSPITAL RECEIVES DONATION OF 23 ICU BEDS

Lusaka, Friday, 31st October 2025 — The University Teaching Hospital (Adult Hospital) has received a generous donation of 23 intensive care unit (ICU) beds and mattresses from CFB Medical Center, a significant contribution aimed at enhancing patient care and improving service delivery in the hospital’s Emergency Centre.

The donation was officially handed over by CFB Medical Center’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Abel Mwale, during a ceremony held at the UTH Adult Hospital Emergency Centre. The event was attended by senior management officials from both institutions, heads of departments, nursing officers, and members of the media.

Receiving the donation on behalf of the hospital, Senior Medical Superintendent, Dr. Charles Mbewe expressed profound appreciation to CFB Medical Center for their continued spirit of partnership and support.

He emphasized that the Emergency Centre remains the biggest in the country and one of the busiest units at UTH, receiving patients from within Lusaka and referrals from across the country. The additional ICU beds, he noted, will help decongest the unit, improve patient flow, and ensure that critical patients receive timely and dignified care.

Dr. Mbewe commended the gesture as a demonstration of the power of collaboration between public and private health institutions in strengthening Zambia’s healthcare system. He reaffirmed UTH Adult Hospital’s commitment to sustaining partnerships that contribute to improved health outcomes.

He further praised the dedication of the medical and nursing teams in the Accidents and Emergency Department, led by Acting Head of Department, Dr. Bright Moyo and Chief Nursing Officer, Ms. Georgina Chipowe, for their unwavering commitment to patient care and excellence in service delivery.

On behalf of the Ministry of Health and the UTH adult hospital management, Dr. Mbewe assured CFB Medical Center that the donated ICU beds would be put to good use and directly benefit patients in need of urgent medical attention.

30/10/2025

UTH ADULT HOSPITAL LEADS EFFORTS IN ADVANCING STROKE CARE AND REDUCING MORTALITY RATES

Lusaka, 30th October 2025 — The University Teaching Hospital (Adult Hospital) joined the global community in commemorating World Stroke Day under the theme “Bringing Advocacy and Awareness Together: Act Fast.”

World Stroke Day, observed annually on October 29th, was established to raise awareness about stroke prevention, treatment, and recovery. The day emphasizes the importance of recognizing early warning signs and taking quick action to save lives and prevent long term disability.

Speaking during the event on behalf of the Permanent Secretary for Technical Services, Dr Kennedy Lishimpi, UTH Adult hospital Senior Medical Superintendent Dr. Charles Mbewe said stroke remains one of the leading causes of death and disability in Zambia, affecting many people in their most productive years.

He revealed that stroke deaths at UTH have dropped from 50% to below 10%, following the establishment of the country’s first dedicated Stroke Unit in 2023 and the training of over 70 specialized stroke nurses.

UTH has also been at the forefront of expanding neurological expertise, producing 18 neurologists since the introduction of Zambia’s first postgraduate neurology training programme in 2018, with 11 more currently in training.

Dr. Mbewe highlighted that UTH is now offering thrombolysis, a life saving treatment that can reverse stroke effects if administered quickly. He urged the public to seek immediate medical help when stroke symptoms appear, emphasizing that “every minute truly counts.”

UTH continues to advance stroke care through Project ECHO, a virtual training platform that has already reached over 500 health workers nationwide, and is finalizing the construction of a modern Stroke Unit in collaboration with the University of North Carolina and Johns Hopkins University, expected to open before the end of the year.

The commemoration brought together Ministry of Health officials, UTH staff, stroke survivors, and partner organizations all united in promoting early recognition and timely response to stroke.

UTH Adult Hospital remains committed to excellence in specialized care and saving lives through innovation, training, and collaboration.

24/10/2025

🇿🇲 61 YEARS OF INDEPENDENCE !

A LEGACY OF EXCELLENCE AND NATIONAL RESILIENCE: THE UTH STORY

As Zambia commemorates 61 years of independence today, under the theme “61 Years of Peace and Unity: Building a Resilient and Prosperous Zambia”, we take a moment to reflect on the remarkable journey of the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) complex, a journey that mirrors the nation’s growth, resilience, and commitment to progress.

What began in 1910 as a modest 15-bed facility for Africans has grown over more than a century into a modern, world-class healthcare institution. From humble rondavals with no electricity or heating to a sprawling complex of five semi-autonomously operating hospitals, UTH today stands as a beacon of hope, healing, and education for generations of Zambians. Its mission of training health professionals, providing specialized care, and advancing research directly supports the nation’s development and resilience, reflecting the spirit of peace and unity highlighted in this year’s independence theme.

Over the decades, the hospital expanded with specialist medical and surgical wings, maternity units, and casualty wards. In 1979, President Kenneth Kaunda officially inaugurated it as the University Teaching Hospital, cementing its role as Zambia’s premier institution for advanced healthcare and professional training.

Today, UTH consists of:

Adult Hospital (national referral center, 800+ beds)

Women and Newborn Hospital

Children’s Hospital

Eye Hospital

Cancer Diseases Hospital

The Adult Hospital, the largest unit within the complex, continues to uphold the rich legacy of UTH by providing comprehensive care including internal medicine, surgery, intensive care, renal and dialysis services, emergency and trauma care, infectious disease management, and rehabilitation.

Beyond patient care, it trains the next generation of health professionals and drives research and innovation, ensuring that the UTH legacy of excellence, compassion, and national service remains strong.

🎉 Happy 61st Independence Anniversary, Zambia!

UTH Adult Hospital – Caring with Compassion, Serving with Excellence 🇿🇲

23/10/2025

UTH ADULT HOSPITAL SENIOR STAFF MARK INDEPENDENCE EVE WITH CLEANING AND CELEBRATION

Lusaka, 23rd October 2025 - This morning, senior members of staff from the University Teaching Hospital (Adult Hospital) joined hands to mark Zambia’s 61st Independence anniversary with a spirit of unity and service.

As part of the celebration, the team carried out a clean up exercise within the hospital premises, demonstrating leadership through action and reaffirming their commitment to maintaining a clean, safe, and patient friendly environment.

After the cleaning activity, the team gathered in the hospital boardroom for a brief but joyful celebration, where they shared a cake and reflected on the significance of Zambia’s independence.

UTH Adult hospital Acting Senior Medical Superintendent, Dr. Charles Mbewe commended the staff for their dedication and teamwork. He emphasized the importance of collective effort in promoting quality healthcare and upholding the spirit of patriotism within the institution.

The event concluded in a cheerful atmosphere, with the team exchanging messages of goodwill and pride as the nation prepared to celebrate Independence Day on 24th October.

23/10/2025

ZAMBIA STRENGTHENS LIFE SAVING SKILLS WITH ADVANCED CRITICAL CARE AND EMERGENCY NURSING TRAINING AT UTH

Lusaka, 23rd October 2025 - In a major step toward improving Zambia’s emergency healthcare system, 102 inservice nurses and healthcare workers have successfully completed a five day intensive practical workshop in Critical Care, Emergency and Trauma Nursing at the UTH Lusaka College of Nursing (LUCON).

The workshop, held from 13th to 17th October 2025, is part of the one year Advanced Diploma programmes in Critical Care and Emergency and Trauma nursing which the participants began in January 2025 and will conclude with final examinations in December.

Lusaka College of Nursing worked with the Critical Care Nurses Association of Zambia (CCNAZ) and other partners such as the Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA), Zambia Police Service, Zambia Air Force, Zambia Fire Brigade, and Maina Soko Military Hospital to organize the practical training which equiped participants with real time experience in coordinated emergency response.

The UTH Lusaka College of Nursing which is current one of the three health institutions in Zambia providing these specialised programs, launched the Advanced Diploma in Emergency and Trauma nursing in 2019 and introduced the Bachelors of Science in Critical Care and Emergency and Trauma Nursing in 2023, in affiliation with Levy Mwanawasa Medical University (LMMU).

The expansion of specialized critical care nursing has been supported by a long standing partnership between the Ministry of Health and Birmingham City University (UK), which has, since 2012, contributed to curriculum development, mentorship frameworks, and national standards for advanced nursing practice in the same programs.

Government recognizes trauma and critical care nursing as a top priority, particularly as road traffic accidents, workplace injuries, and medical emergencies continue to rise.

UTH management applauds the dedication of all participants, CCNAZ, Lusaka College of Nursing and partner institutions. We reaffirm our commitment to promoting Government's vision of building a highly skilled, innovative, and resilient health workforce capable of meeting Zambia’s critical care and emergency needs.

16/10/2025

UTH AND ZAMBIA POLICE SERVICE HOST SCOTLAND'S FIRST MINISTER AT GBV ONE STOP CENTRE

Lusaka, 16th October 2025 - The University Teaching Hospital (UTH), in collaboration with the Zambia Police Service, this morning had the honour of hosting the Right Honourable John Swinney, First Minister of Scotland, at the UTH Gender Based Violence (GBV) One Stop Centre, where he made a generous donation to support survivors.

The First Minister was warmly received by Inspector General of Police Graphel C. Musamba, accompanied by senior officials from the health, and security sectors.

During the visit, Mr. Swinney toured the centre, interacted with staff and service providers and commended Zambia's integrated approach to survivor care.The One Stop Centre is a facility dedicated to providing medical treatment, psychosocial counselling, and legal support to Sexual Gender Based Violence (SGBV) survivors under one roof, ensuring timely and compassionate care.

It opened in 2005 becoming the first OSC in the country, and has since served as a model for integrated care.

UTH Management expressed heartfelt appreciation to the First Minister and the people of Scotland for their continued partnership, noting that the donation will significantly enhance the centre’s capacity to support survivors of sexual and gender based violence with dignity and professionalism.

This visit highlights the strength of collaboration between the health and security sectors, as well as the value of international partnerships in promoting safety, justice, and hope for all survivors of SGBV.

15/10/2025

UTH ADULT HOSPITAL WELCOMES THE FIRST MINISTER OF SCOTLAND

We were honoured to receive the Right Honourable John Swinney, First Minister of Scotland, at UTH Adult Hospital this afternoon.

He was warmly welcomed by the Honourable Silvia Masebo, Minister of Lands and Natural Resources who represented the Minister of Health, Honourable Dr. Elijah Muchima. The Minister was accompanied by Dr. Kennedy Lishimpi, Permanent Secretary – Technical Services in the Ministry of Health.

The First Minister’s visit focused on touring three paediatric operating rooms refurbished under the Kids Operating Room (KidsOR) Project, a life changing partnership dedicated to improving paediatric surgical care in Zambia.

KidsOR, a Scottish charity committed to advancing paediatric surgical care globally, partnered with the Scottish Government to refurbish and equip three paediatric operating rooms at UTH Adult Hospital in Lusaka.

This initiative addressed the critical shortage of child friendly surgical spaces and improved access to safe surgery for children in the country.

The initiative at UTH forms part of a nationwide paediatric surgical scale-up plan aimed at expanding access to safe surgery in other provinces of Zambia, including North-Western, Western, Muchinga, and Northern Provinces.

At UTH Adult Hospital, we take pride in being part of this transformative partnership that is saving lives, restoring hope, and building a brighter future for Zambia’s children.