ZUNMO / MAZ and other stakeholders commemorate IDM
The Zambia Union of Nurses and Midwives (ZUNMO) joined the Midwives Association of Zambia (MAZ) and various stakeholders to mark International Midwives Day (IDM).
At a national event held in Solwezi, Northwestern Province, Dr. Christopher Simoonga, the Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary for Administration, emphasized the government’s efforts to enhance midwifery services.
He noted that these efforts include reinforcing midwife recruitment and ensuring the availability of essential medications for maternal and neonatal health care.
Dr. Simoonga’s remarks were prompted by a plea from MAZ President, Ms. Sarah Ngoma, for increased midwife recruitment and improved working conditions.
The 2024 International Midwives Day was observed under the theme, ‘Midwives: A Vital Climate Solution’.
Mr. Fray Michelo, President of ZUNMO, encouraged midwives nationwide, highlighting the theme’s emphasis on the crucial connection between midwifery and environmental well-being.
He praised midwives as not just caregivers but also stewards of the environment, citing their dedication to holistic care for the health and safety of mothers and babies.
Mr. Michelo affirmed ZUNMO’s commitment to supporting midwives in their pivotal role as advocates for climate solutions, leveraging their professional and union mandate.
ZUNO Joins Battle against Cholera OutBreak
The Zambia Union of Nurses Organization (ZUNO) has stepped forward with a significant contribution to aid the government’s battle against the cholera outbreak in Zambia, donating Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) valued at K70,000.
Mr. Fray Michelo, President of ZUNO, conveyed heartfelt appreciation to the government and all stakeholders for their unwavering support and cooperation in addressing the crisis. Stressing the critical importance of strict infection control measures, he urged nurses and midwives to strictly adhere to these guidelines.
ZUNOs’ donation underscores its steadfast commitment to the well-being of healthcare workers and patients alike, equipping them with essential tools for safeguarding against the outbreak. Prior to the donation, thorough assessments were conducted to ensure the adequacy of the provided PPE in protecting front-line healthcare professionals.
Mr. Michelo also expressed gratitude for the collaborative partnership in tackling the outbreak, recognizing the collective effort required to mitigate its impact on public health. ZUNO remains dedicated to empowering nurses and midwives, facilitating the safe and effective execution of their duties through provisions like PPE.
Minister of Health, Ms. Sylvia Masebo, extended sincere thanks to ZUNO for their generous contribution of PPE. She acknowledged the vital role these supplies will play in bolstering the government’s ongoing efforts against the outbreak, stressing the importance of adherence to infection control protocols among healthcare personnel.
ZUNO Makes Site Visit To Interact With Nurses and Midwives At Cholera Treatment Center
The ZUNO Team, led by President-Elect Mr. Fray Michelo, conducted a comprehensive visit to the Heroes Stadium, designated as a Cholera Treatment Center in response to the surge in cholera cases in Lusaka.
Over a five-hour interaction with on-site healthcare providers, working in the triage section, female, male, and pediatric wards, helped ZUNO appreciate the efforts as well as challenges being faced by the nurses and midwives in conducting their work at the Cholera Treatment Center.
During interactions with the Nurses and Midwives, Mr. Michelo emphasized on the importance of continuing to provide quality healthcare despite the increasing cholera cases.
Mr. Michelo stated that the visit was aimed at giving encouragement and expressing solidarity with Nurses and Midwives at the cholera center.
The President-elect also engaged in a brief conversation with the Minister of Health, Ms. Sylvia Masebo, who was present on the premises to check on the management and coordination at the treatment center.
The Government through Ministry of Health designated Heroes Stadium as a Cholera Treatment Center on 4 January 2024, after cases surged further increasing demand nursing and midwifery services.
Having a large surge of patients as a result of an outbreak puts a stress on the entire health care system especially nurses and midwives whose role changes to adapt to the needs of the patient, their families, and the health center in general.
ZUNO Elects New National Executive Committee
The Zambia Union of Nurses Organisation (ZUNO) concluded its 4th Quadrennial Conference and 58th National Assembly of nurses and midwives in Livingstone. The event, themed “Our Nurse; Our Future,” marked a pivotal moment for ZUNO as it elected the National Executive Committee (NEC) to lead the organization for the 2024-2027 term.
New Leadership
- President: Mr. Fray Michelo (Former General Secretary)
- Vice President Labour Affairs: Mr. Alfred Mulenga (Formerly Deputy General Secretary Operations & Organisation)
- Vice President Professional Affairs: Ms. Chimuka Sikapoto (Formerly Southern Provincial Chairperson)
- General Secretary: Mr. Martin Muloogo (Formerly Vice President Labour Affairs)
- General Secretary for Finance and Administration: Mr. Ernest Mumba (Retained former position)
- Deputy General Secretary Operations & Organisation: Mr. Kean Josat Sakala (Formerly National Trustee)
- National Chairperson Gender Affairs: Ms. Vanelle Musonda (Formerly Lusaka Provincial Vice Treasurer)
- Elected National Trustees:
- Mr. Edward Chibiya (Formerly Copperbelt Provincial Chairperson)
- Ms. Sara Kalumbu (Formerly appointed National Trustee)
The NEC will soon be completed with the appointment of two additional National Trustees in the Committee’s first sitting, forming a full Eleven-member ZUNO National Executive Committee.
Solidarity and Encouragement from ZCTU
ZUNO received heartfelt congratulations and solidarity from Mr. Joy Beene, Secretary General of the Zambia Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU). Mr. Beene emphasized the importance of the new leaders embracing their roles with courage, integrity, and a profound sense of responsibility.
The Importance of Quadrennial Conferences
The ZUNO Quadrennial conference remains a crucial governance structure, serving as the supreme policy-making organ of the organization. During these conferences, ZUNO members convene to:
- Consider and sanction alterations to the rules and policies.
- Discuss professional issues via scientific paper presentations.
- Elect the National Executive Committee for the forthcoming 4-year term.
This conference serves as a platform for enhancing professional standards and charting the course for ZUNO’s future.
ZUNO Nods Constitutional Amendment to Make Representation of Midwives More Distinct
The Zambia Union of Nurses Organisation (ZUNO) 4th Quadrennial Conference and 58th National Assembly of nurses and midwives has agreed to amend the 2015 Constitution that will allow the organisation change its name to Zambia Union of Nurses and Midwives Organisation (ZUNMO).
This name change will make the representation of Midwives even more pronounced. Although the membership of the organisation consists of both nurses and midwives, as reflected in the organisations’ vision, mission and activities, the actual word “Midwives” has been absent in the organisations’ name.
The amendment will allow the organisation to be in touch with trends globally, regionally and even locally. Locally the Nurses and Midwives No. 10 of 2019 necessitated the continual existence of the General Nursing Council (GNC) renamed as the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Zambia (NMCZ).
The gathering of close to 250 delegates representing all the 10 provinces of Zambia convened in Livingstone from 13th to 14 December 2023 and agreed to the name change which would formally be in use once all the legal procedures are completed in accordance with the Industrial and Labour Relations Act Cap 269 of the Laws of Zambia.
Among other notable amendments is the inclusion of the district level in the governance structure. The district structure, which is also in the Zambian Governments’ operative structure was missing in ZUNO making implementation of some activities difficult.