My WVD journey
Before I knew it, I received the offer to join WVD Zambia as the pioneering Country Coordinator in a region where vasectomy was largely stigmatized and misunderstood. Our mission was daunting, but I was determined to make a difference.
The numbers speak for themselves: from a mere 7 reported vasectomies in the National Health Information System in 2021, to over 193 in 2023 and 282 (and counting) in 2024. This remarkable progress has transformed the conversation around family planning in Zambia.
As I reflect on our achievements, I’m filled with pride and joy. WVD Zambia has made tremendous strides in promoting family planning and reproductive health, news that elates the Ministry of Health.
In our infant stage in the year 2022, we prepared for the groundbreaking 24-hour vasectomy-athon that blew my mind and realized we were indeed a great movement. The following year in March 2023, we conducted doctor training in Zambia, and produced 5 amazing doctors, some who have turned into trainers. In 2024, we had our first office, the first in history, a world vasectomy day clinic dubbed ‘Langiza Chikondi’ which merely translates as an ”act of love clinic and center of excellence for men who choose to show affection to their spouses”. We further established the Responsible Men’s Club, fostering a community of like-minded individuals. To add the icing on the cake, we were accorded the opportunity to host the 2024 World Vasectomy Day celebrations, broadcasting to thousands worldwide. As a build up, we will host a talent night, student webinar and doctors’ summit, witness our co-founder Dr. Doug perform a reversal, host a sexual and reproductive health rights conference and finally the 24-hour event.
My early days with WVD were marked by challenges: low acceptance, working virtually post Covid and largely because we didn’t have an office space. Limited manpower and structural hurdles were a deterrent to progress. However, our dedicated management team, led by the visionary CEO Jonathan Stack, propelled us forward. Jonathan’s expertise in filmmaking and storytelling has been instrumental in sharing powerful testimonials from men who’ve undergone vasectomies as an act of love for their families.
Under Jonathan’s guidance, we’ve:
- Trained young filmmakers to amplify our message
- Launched vasectomy programs in previously unreached areas
- Engaged the public through awareness campaigns and community outreach
As we expand our reach, I repeat Sheila’s famous quote, “we invite you to join our movement.” Together, let’s create a future where family planning is accessible and inclusive. As WVD Zambia, we aim to see this conversation go across borders to Botswana, Zimbabwe, South Africa and Malawi by establishing more clinics, responsible men’s clubs, and advocacy bases across Africa and beyond. My remarks will be incomplete without the mention and appreciation of our dedicated team in Zambia.
“We are inviting you to join us in our quest to make history in Zambia and beyond.”
Daliso ZuluWVD Zambia Country Coordinator
