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Zambia

Global Humanitarian Network Partner:
FlySpec
(Flying Specialists)

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Flying Specialists (FlySpec) provides a valuable opportunity for patients residing in rural areas who require orthopedic and plastic and reconstructive surgery but may not have the financial means or accessibility to travel to larger medical centers. In addition, the extended waiting lists at these centers may further hinder patients from receiving the necessary treatment. FlySpec offers hope and relief for these individuals by bringing specialized medical services directly to their communities. They offer surgeries for a variety of orthopedic conditions, which can be both lifesaving and life changing. Neglected fractures and burns, including the devastating complications associated with delayed treatment, are quite common, and such patients benefit significantly from the specialist input provided by FlySpec.

Without their work, patients who live in remote parts of Zambia would not have access to life-changing treatments. FlySpec relies on financial support and access to the necessary equipment to continue their crucial work. Wings of Hope has partnered with FlySpec to provide resources necessary to maintain the air service needed to conduct surgical brigades. With this support, FlySpec has been able to provide surgeries to patients who would have otherwise been unable to receive treatment due to distance, finances and a lack of appropriate staff or equipment in bush clinics. It is crucial to support the work of organizations like FlySpec to ensure that patients in rural areas have access to the medical care they need.

The Republic of Zambia

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Capital: Lusaka

Currency: Zambian Kwacha (ZMK)

Language: English

Landmarks: Chingola, Siavonga, Victoria Falls

Geography:

To the north, Zambia is bordered by the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Tanzania. To the northeast, it shares a border with Malawi, while to the east, it is bounded by Mozambique. Zimbabwe lies to the south, and to the southwest, Zambia shares a border with Botswana. Angola is situated to the west, and Namibia lies to the southwest, providing Zambia with its only narrow strip of access to the Zambezi River.

Despite being landlocked, Zambia is blessed with numerous rivers and water bodies. The Zambezi River, one of Africa’s longest rivers, flows through the country’s southern border, forming the iconic Victoria Falls. Additionally, Zambia is home to several other major rivers, including the Kafue, Luangwa, and Congo rivers, which play significant roles in the country’s geography, ecology, and economy.

Zambia, initially inhabited by diverse indigenous tribes like the Tonga, Lozi and various Bantu groups, experienced significant changes with the arrival of European explorers and traders in the late 1800s. During the colonization period, the imposition of patriarchal rule by British colonizers and Christian missionaries significantly transformed the social and political landscape of Zambia, altering the matrilineal structure that once prevailed in pre-colonial times. The Lozi king granted mineral rights to the British South Africa Company in 1888, leading to the establishment of North-Western Rhodesia, later known as Northern Rhodesia, where copper and other minerals were exploited for European markets. Following World War II, the demand for independence grew, resulting in the formation of the Northern Rhodesia African National Congress. In 1964, Northern Rhodesia gained independence, becoming Zambia with Kenneth Kaunda as its first president. However, despite its abundant mineral wealth, Zambia faced substantial challenges. The new nation of Zambia faced economic difficulties, including fluctuating copper prices, poor policies and corruption, as well as political instability marked by coups, civil unrest and violence. Nevertheless, Zambia has made progress in improving infrastructure and the business environment, attracting foreign investment and demonstrating potential for further development.

During the colonization period, the imposition of patriarchal rule by British colonizers and Christian missionaries significantly transformed the social and political landscape of Zambia, altering the matrilineal structure that once prevailed in pre-colonial times. Zambia, initially inhabited by diverse indigenous tribes like the Tonga, Lozi, and various Bantu groups, experienced significant changes with the arrival of European explorers and traders in the late 1800s. The Lozi king granted mineral rights to the British South Africa Company in 1888, leading to the establishment of North-Western Rhodesia, later known as Northern Rhodesia, where copper and other minerals were exploited for European markets. Following World War II, the demand for independence grew, resulting in the formation of the Northern Rhodesia African National Congress. In 1964, Northern Rhodesia gained independence, becoming Zambia with Kenneth Kaunda as its first president. However, despite its abundant mineral wealth, Zambia faced substantial challenges. The lack of locally trained and educated individuals capable of governance, coupled with a heavy reliance on foreign expertise, posed domestic obstacles. Economic difficulties, including fluctuating copper prices, poor policies, and corruption, as well as political instability marked by coups, civil unrest, and violence, further compounded the situation. Nevertheless, Zambia has made progress in improving infrastructure and the business environment, attracting foreign investment and demonstrating potential for further development. It is important to note that while the colonial period marginalized women chiefs and established a male perspective in recorded history, aspects of female history have been preserved through oral tradition.

Bringing Lifesaving Surgical Care to Rural Zambia

FlySpec’s medical flying doctor service has provided specialized orthopedic and reconstructive plastic surgery to remote and rural areas of Zambia for over 40 years. Founded by the orthopedic surgeon and pilot Professor John Jellis in 1982, the service has seen over 90,000 patients and operated on over 27,000 patients in over 30 remote and rural areas throughout Zambia. Sixty percent of FlySpec patients are children.