Before and After World Vasectomy Day in Zambia 🇿🇲
Dr. Robert Kachacha is a practicing urologist based in Zambia. He completed his medical training at the University Teaching Hospital, graduating in 2013. He began his urology training in 2018 and has a passion for promoting men’s health through procedures such as vasectomy. Married with two children, Dr. Kachacha has dedicated his career to improving surgical services in Zambia.
Dr. Kachacha performed his first vasectomy using the open scalpel method in 2016 at Chipata General Hospital, assisted by a Russian cardiothoracic surgeon, Dr Vladimir. Despite limited resources, he recognized the need for vasectomy services when a patient persistently requested the procedure. This experience ignited his interest in expanding men’s access to family planning options.
Before World Vasectomy Day (WVD) arrived in Zambia, Dr. Kachacha primarily utilized the open scalpel method, performing only 1 to 2 vasectomies per year. However, WVD’s introduction transformed the landscape of vasectomy services in the country. Dr. Kachacha received training in the no-scalpel technique from experts Dr. John Curington and Dr. Michel Labrecque. This new approach not only improved the quality of care but also significantly increased awareness and demand for vasectomies in Zambia.
In 2021, only 7 men in the entire country had undergone a vasectomy, according to Ministry of Health records. However, following WVD’s efforts, over 100 men had the procedure within the first year. This marked a historic increase and established Zambia as a regional hub for vasectomies, attracting patients from neighboring countries.
The impact of World Vasectomy Day extends beyond technique; it has mobilized community outreach and education around family planning. Many men are now seeking no-scalpel vasectomies, appreciating the less invasive nature of the procedure. Dr. Kachacha emphasizes the importance of offering comprehensive family planning services to both men and women.
Reflecting on his early experiences, Dr. Kachacha notes the disparity in reproductive health services, with numerous facilities providing bilateral tubal ligation but few offering vasectomy. His journey highlights the need for equitable access to reproductive health services for all, underscoring the critical role of initiatives like World Vasectomy Day in transforming healthcare in Zambia.
