Spotlight
Akao Phiona Morrow, Communications Officer WVD Uganda
Phiona joined WVD Uganda in September 2024, bringing over nine years of experience in Community Health and Development with a strong focus on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR). As Communications Officer, she plays a key role in enhancing the organization’s visibility, developing advocacy campaigns, engaging communities through social and mainstream media, and promoting male reproductive health, vasectomy awareness, and family planning.
Akao Phiona Morrow
Her work spans internal and external communications, including content creation, media relations, partnership strengthening, and digital strategy development. She is instrumental in expanding WVD Uganda’s online presence and ensuring that its messaging effectively reaches diverse audiences.
With a background in Journalism and Mass Communication, Phiona has also received extensive training in SRHR, Positive Parenting, Gender-Based Violence, and Leadership. Her expertise in Social Behavioral Change Communication (SBCC) informs her approach to storytelling and public engagement, helping to drive awareness and challenge stigma, particularly in male reproductive health. Phiona remains deeply committed to WVD Uganda’s mission and the broader goal of fostering informed, empowered communities where reproductive health is a shared responsibility.
Advancements in Healthcare and Family Planning in Zambia
Zambia continues to make remarkable progress in strengthening its healthcare system, particularly in expanding access to reproductive health and family planning services. Recent developments in clinic expansion, vasectomy services, and innovative healthcare initiatives signal a brighter future for the country’s healthcare landscape.
In recent years, Zambia has made significant investments in healthcare infrastructure to enhance service delivery and accessibility. New clinics have been established, and existing health centers have been upgraded to provide essential services, including maternal and child healthcare, HIV testing and treatment, and family planning.
Zulu Daliso, Country Coodinator, WVD Zambia.
The Zambian government has allocated K427 million for the construction of five Level 1 hospitals and 120 health posts in collaboration with NMS Infrastructure Limited, according to the Zambia Daily Mail (August 19, 2024). Additionally, improvements in maternity wards and health centers have expanded access to maternal healthcare services. Recognizing the need for better emergency medical care in rural areas, the Zambia Flying Doctor Service (ZFDS) has been recapitalized with K167 million, leading to the acquisition of two helicopters to enhance emergency healthcare delivery (Zambia Daily Mail, January 28, 2025).
Alongside infrastructure expansion, reproductive health services have seen considerable growth, thanks to partnerships with international organizations. More clinics now provide specialized long-term contraception methods, including tubal ligation and vasectomy. These efforts aim to bridge healthcare gaps in rural and underserved communities, ensuring that more Zambians can access comprehensive reproductive health services.
Vasectomy services in Zambia have witnessed significant growth, supported by awareness campaigns and an increased number of trained healthcare providers. The procedure is now more widely available, offering men a reliable option for long-term contraception.
World Vasectomy Day Zambia has played a pivotal role in promoting and facilitating vasectomy services. The initiative has contributed to a steady rise in the number of men opting for the procedure:
- 2023: 194 vasectomies performed
- 2024: 501 vasectomies performed
- 2025 (to date): 17 vasectomies performed
These numbers indicate a growing acceptance of vasectomy as a safe and effective family planning method. The initiative has also emphasized sustainability by training seven doctors in Zambia, with one doctor now serving as a trainer to ensure continued growth in vasectomy services. Community-based mobilization efforts have further helped to demystify the procedure and encourage male involvement in family planning.
Zambia’s healthcare sector is poised for further advancements, with government commitments to increased healthcare funding, improved infrastructure, and enhanced medical resources. Investments in modern medical equipment and human resource capacity-building are expected to strengthen healthcare delivery nationwide.
Innovation is also critical to shaping Zambia’s healthcare future. Digital health platforms are emerging as game-changers, allowing citizens to access medical services remotely. One such initiative is 73health, a digital health platform launched by Dr. Aaron Mujajati, CEO of CarePeak Specialist Clinic. This platform facilitates remote consultations, including pre-travel health assessments, and is expected to improve healthcare accessibility, especially in remote areas.
Zambia continues to make commendable strides in healthcare, particularly in family planning and reproductive health. Ongoing investments and innovative approaches are helping the country move closer to its healthcare goals. The rising acceptance of vasectomy services highlights a positive shift toward shared family planning responsibilities.
By maintaining this momentum, Zambia can ensure broader access to quality healthcare services, ultimately fostering a healthier and more prosperous nation.
