MEDICAL WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION OF ZAMBIA (MWAZ) ACTIVITIES
1. MENTORSHIP PROGRAM GRADUATION
MWAZ mentorship program was an initiative introduced to bridge the gap between young female career doctors and female senior doctors in the profession. Three cohorts have been launched so far, with the current cohort (the 3rd) beginning in October 2023. Graduation was held virtually on the 11th of August. We graduated 31 mentees from across the country and beyond Zambian borders, who were being mentored by various senior doctors in various specialties. In attendance we had 30 participants; mentors, mentees and MWAZ executive members. The program went on successfully, roles were allocated as follows:
• Opening prayer-Dr Naomi Mulwendo
• National anthem -Cynthia Mwila
• Welcoming remarks-Dr Enelesi Lungu-Anderson(MWAZ VEEP)
• Opening remarks-Dr Joyce Sakala (MWAZ President)
• Mentee speech-Dr Tamara Kaluba
• Mentor speech-Dr Nyembezi Moyo
• Presentation by Sponsors-Shalina
• Presentation of Certificate to mentees-MWAZ President
• Closing remarks-Dr Sheila Mwanamwampula (MWAZ student chapter rep.)
• Closing prayer
In conclusion, from the various remarks given during the graduation, mentees were urged to continue seeking mentorship from their mentors as this was just the beginning of great relationships. Log books depicting their experiences were to be kept, and feedback during the program was to be submitted for the betterment of future cohorts.
2. WEBINAR ON FIBROID AWARENESS
This was held on 27th July, 2024 and a consultant Obstetrician Gynaecologist, Dr Theresa Nkole gave an overview of the condition of fibroids. A woman who had been diagnosed with fibroids shared her experience of going through the treatment and the audience had a lot of questions and comments on the topic
3. MWAZ 2024 AGM
The MWAZ 2024 AGM was held on 30th August, 2024, in Livingstone at the Avani Victoria Falls Resort in person and virtually, alongside the Scientific conference for the Zambia Medical Association. Various issues affecting the association were discussed
4. WEBINAR ON BREAST CANCER TO RAISE AWARENESS ON THE DISEASE
A general surgeon and diagnostic radiologist indulged members of the medical profession and general public on breast cancer , delving into clinical presentation, diagnostic and screening options. This was a very interactive webinar that was held on 13th October, 2024 and attracted members of the public, including a woman who shared her journey of the last five years on treatment and follow up for breast cancer.
5. COLLABORATIVE ACTIVITIES
MWAZ was invited by various stakeholders to participate in various important activities including World Blood Donor Day on 15th August 2024; A walk to end Dementia on 21st September, 2024, among others. We also participated in the Zambia National Surgical (Perioperative) Health Care Plan revision; and various engagements on reducing preventable maternal and newborn mortality and morbidity.
6. NETWORKING FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT
On 28th September 2024 a football tournament was held between MWAZ and pharmacists. This was a great opportunity to interact, network and share ideas among women in the health profession.
FUTURE PLANS
1. MWAZ WILL HOST AN AEROBICS SESSION FOR CANCER AWARENESS ON 19TH OCTOBER 2024
2. RECRUITMENT FOR THE 4TH MENTORSHIP COHORT WILL BE IN THE 4TH QUARTER OF 2024
Dr Joyce Sakala