Friends of YES
Anthony Nsamba Limbumbu is a born and bred Zambian, and student at the University of Zambia where he is pursuing his bachelor’s degree in Medicine and Surgery. He has particular interest in scientific research due to his desire to benefit the society through new discoveries, and believes that something incredible is always waiting to be known.
Anthony graduated from the University of Zambia in 2019 with a bachelor’s degree in Human Biology. He is a member of the Zambia Heart and Stroke Foundation which is an affiliate of the World Heart Federation. He is also a volunteer at the University of Zambia under the Department of Medical Education as an Academic Assistant were he teachs preclinical medical students the necessary skills for their clinical practice.
In his free time, he enjoys watching movies, documentaries and going for long walks, taking time to appreciate nature.
Atotwe Mpetemoya is a young enthusiastic engineering student in the 2nd year of her undergraduate program at the University of Zambia. Her passion for science and education can be traced back to her days as a two time award winning member of Junior Engineers, Technicians and Scientists (JETS) science fairs and can be seen today as she vigorously works towards her goals. Her remarkable dedication is evident as she battles the pressures of university life while simultaneously taking online courses in computer science.
Moreover, Atotwe has leardership and team work skills. She has been activily volunteering in two deparments at her local church, miracle life family church. As a result, has had to team work and leadership. Her honesty, integrity, commitment, confidence and communications skills also became apparent when she worked as prefect at her high school and was able to gain the respect of both her seniors and juniors.
Apart from academics, Atotwe has keen interest in music, poetry, drawing and sport. She is a talented guitarist and I currently taking steps to learn how to play the keyboard, melodica and recorder. Additionally, she loves to rollerskate,listen to peotry and draw in her free time. She is a reliable, innovative, good humored person and a friend who supports and inspires others in and out of the classroom. Her positive attitude, even in difficult times, is an asset.
Bwalya Daka is a Biomedical Scientist who is pursuing her Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of surgery degree (MBCHB) at the University of Zambia. She possess a degree in Biomedical Sciences (Bsc.Bio) and Bachelors in Human Biology from the University of Zambia.
She has worked as research assistant at the Tropical Gastroenterology and Nutrition Group, which is a research group aimed at facilitating research in tropical gastroenterology and nutrition. This experience exposed her to the beautiful world of research and research articles, which raised a deep interest in research.
The Biomedical science background has given her opportunity to participate in Biomedical – research which has seen some of her work being published.(Banda et al., 2012) Research plays a very important role in the world of science as it is used to answer questions that would otherwise remain unanswered. The world of Science thrives on research, without it the science knowledge base is limited and most likely inaccurate as science is not static but dynamic. Research opens up one’s mind to endless possibilities and sharpens the knowledge base.
She has more than 10 years of working in both clinical and teaching laboratory post qualification.
Chinayi Mukambo is a student in his 6th year of medical school at the University of Zambia. He holds a BSc. in Human Biology and is passionate about clinical excellence and research especially in the area of Internal Medicine. Chinayi is meticulous, innovative and self-motivated, he has the unique ability to work calmly in stressful situations and does not shy away from responsibilities be it as a leader or as a team member. He believes mentorship and apprenticeship are vital components for sustained growth in the medical fraternity and other areas as well. Chinayi’s concern for the next generation can be seen in his work as a tutor in his local community and also as a voluntary academic assistant under the Department of Medical Education at the University of Zambia, where he teaches his juniors skills in preparation for their hospital placements. He aims to one day contribute in the improvement of clinical care in Zambia and help accrue more information on critical health matters affecting Zambia through research.
Outside the academic spheres, Chinayi has a keen interest in film and literature as well as sports. He enjoys playing volleyball, football, chess and table tennis. His hardworking nature, charisma, discipline and respect for team work can be seen both on and off the field.
Esnart Mwaba Nunkwe Nyimbwa is a 6th year medical student at the University of Zambia, Ridgeway campus.
Before going to medical school, Esnart persued an undergraduate degree in Biological Sciences and later worked at the Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, CIDRZ, as a Laboratory Research Coordinator. This is a job that she loved very much and was the main inspiration for her to join the field of medicine. The passion with which the Principle investigators worked on the different research projects to contribute quality work and knowledge to the body of science both locally and internationally, as well as their subtle but sure encouragement to go ahead and pursue her dream worked as great motivation for Esnart to pursue a Master’s degree in Public Health, a qualification that would enable her to effectively understand research. This later motivated her to quit her job and pursue her dream of becoming a medical practitioner in the quest to save lives. The saying “behind every successful woman is a supportive husband", remains true for Esnart who could not have reached this far without her husband and children, as well as other family members' support.
Being a member of the Young Emerging Scientists (YES) has been taken as a golden opportunity to be mentored by great minds who have gone ahead in the field of medicine and Research, to grow in Research, as well as to help mentor other upcoming medical practitioners.
James Nyirenda is a determined and dynamic individual who is motivated by his love for learning and succeeding as he strives to be a successful man in society. He graduated from the University of Zambia with a Bachelor of Science in Human Biology (BSc.HB) in 2019, and he is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) at the same University. Due to his passion for helping vulnerable children, James is the projects coordinator for Ambassadors of Hope and he’s a member of Piggy Bank campaign Zambia, both of which are non-profit making organisations which offer support to less privileged children with their educational needs as well as mentorship services.
Furthermore, James is a young entrepreneur who is currently running a small business on campus and in his free time, he likes listening to music, playing chess and table tennis, jogging and socialising.
Phiri Leah is a self-motivated, goal oriented and hardworking, with a passion and interest in medicine from a young age. She is currently pursuing her bachelors in surgery and medicine after attaining bachelors in human biology at the University of Zambia, school of medicine. Growing up in a family of medical health providers and living in a shanty to urban areas of Zambia, she has witnessed the challenges faced by citizens in achieving health services. She looks forward to a future where health services can be accessed by all at fairly good prices. She eager to learn new things and is interested in finding the solutions to problems.
In high school, Phiri Leah’s activities were mostly in the jets club where she took keen interest in the sciences. She was later given the opportunity to tutor physics. Outside school, she mostly spends her time singing in the praise team, sometimes baking and most of the time enjoys braiding hair in different hair styles. This shows that she is a multi-talented individual.
In a years’ time, Phiri Leah will have attained a bachelor in surgery and medicine, thus achieving one of her outlined goals. Thereafter, she wishes to take further studies but has not chosen a specific specialty.
Meek Mwila was born on the 7th of August 1997 at the University Teaching Hospital to Mr Ovise Mwila and Ms Laides Tembo. She is the second in a family of three children. She began her educational journey at Mount Jabica Private school in 2003 where she obtained her grade 1-7 from 2003-2008. Her secondary was where the fire within her was ignited and she began to see herself for the potential that she possessed. She did her junior Secondary grades 8-9 at Kabulonga Basic School from 2009-2010 and her senior Secondary school at Kabulonga Girls Secondary School from 2011-2013.
Meek went on to embark on a path that set her life trajectory onto greater heights. She went to the University of Zambia in 2015 with the goal to pursue medicine. Through a combination of hardwork, determination and faith she was admitted into the medical quota where she recently obtained her degree in Human Biology and is currently pursuing a bachelor degree in Medicine and Surgery at the same institution.
Her Interest in research was birthed by her observation of a lack of focus in this field reflected by the very few research papers done by Zambian doctors. Meek believes that statistics and information pertaining our country should be done by local personnel.
All work and no play truly makes one dull, Meek ensures she makes room for causes close to her heart such as the plight of widows and orphans and is a member of Child Life Care, a nonprofit invested in the aforementioned. Additionally, she sings in her church choir, enjoys watching movies and is an avid reader.
She currently resides in Mtendere East Lusaka Zambia with her mother and siblings.
Namunji Matale is a student in her 6th year of medical school at the University of Zambia. She holds a BSc. in Human Biology, has a knack for all things Life Sciences and is passionate about women and children’s health issues. Namunji enjoys organizing, planning and making ideas and events come to life. Currently, she serves as the President of the University of Zambia Medical Student Association and recently completed a full term of office as Medical Women Association of Zambia (MWAZ) -Student Chapter Committee Member. Mentorship and apprenticeship are foundation stones she believes in a great deal and has taken a keen interest in mentoring some of her juniors. She also serves as a voluntary academic assistant under the Department of Medical Education at the University of Zambia, where she teaches her juniors skills in preparation for their hospital placements.
She aspires to one day work with World Health Organization in a position that would enable her to improve the lives of women and children. When Namunji is not on the ward or tending to presidential affairs, she spends a lot of her free time baking, learning new recipes and travels whenever possible.
Norah, who has dreamed of being a doctor ever since she was young, is currently in her 5th year of study at the University of Zambia Ridgeway Campus School of Medicine. Her passion for helping and serving people started at Banani International School, where she dedicated two days each week to helping educate children at a newaby school in Chibombo, teaching them how to use computers. Even after high school, she spent a lot of her spare time visiting orphanages, teaching in basic schools and helping wherever she could.
She is a member of Daisy Care, an NGO created by medical students, aimed at disseminating health information and screening to improve life and create and illness-free tomorrow. She is also an academic assistant, helping and teaching students learn clinical skills to prepare them for their clinical year.
Norah's interest in research started in her 4th year of medical school, in a course called Community-Based Education. She believes research is intended to produce knowledge valuable for understanding disease, preventing and treating illness and promoting health. It is also used to inform action and must always be of high quality in order to produce knowledge that is applicable outside of the research setting. As YES Zambia is a solution- and results-oriented platform, she believes it is exactly the right platform she needs to thrive in her dreams of becoming a researcher that will make a difference in this world.
Dr. Siulapwa Ntungo is a newly graduated Medical Doctor from the University of Zambia school of Medicine having earned a bachelors degree in Human Biology, and a bachelors degree in Medicine and Surgery. With research experience of being a co-author of an article on The Prevalence of Burnout Syndrome in Early Career Doctors at the University teaching Hospitals Lusaka, his key research interest is in case study publication.
He aspires to eventually enter the field of family medicine or Pediatrics and Child Health, helping strengthen health systems and be involved in improving routine newborn screening.
Having been a Clinical Skills academic assistant during his 5th and 6th years as a medical student, helping instruct 4th year medical students in clinical skills, he has a keen interest in medical education and looks forward to sharing any of the knowledge he has acquired with other medical students and fellow colleagues.
In his spare time, Dr Siulapwa enjoys listening to music, watching sci-fi movies and reading autobiographies.
Chima Paddy is a vibrant young man born and raised in Lundazi, Eastern part of Zambia. He believes the world can be transformed through science and research and is thus enthusiastic to develop the art of research alongside his medical career. He takes pride in being an advocate for research as a tool to quality health. He has poses great leadership qualities and served as Junior Engineers, Technicians and Scientist (JETS) President in high school. Paddy is a holder of Bachelor of Science in Human Biology from the University of Zambia school of Medicine and is currently pursuing his Bachelor’s degree in Medicine and Surgery at the same institution. He hopes to strengthen his research career by pursuing post graduate studies in Health Epidemiology and Statistics. In his free time he reads articles to acquaint him with current happening around the globe
Socially he is a soccer fan and enjoys watching movies and TV shows.
Racheal Mawere is a fifth year Medical Student at The University of Zambia Ridgeway Campus. She is currently pursuing Bachelors degree in Medicine and Surgery ( MBChB) awaiting graduation in April for her first degree Bachelor of Science in Human Biology ( Bsc.HB). She is also an active member of Young Women Christian Organization ( YWCA) where she is very active in sexual assault and sexual health awareness in Secondary schools. She is very studious, practical, hardworking and ambitious. She is very passionate about her Medical Career especially issues to do with Children's health.
When she isn’t glued to her textbooks or tied in the Hospital wards she spends some time out with family and friends, tries out new baking recipes, reading novels or watching scary movies.
Songiwe Chiluba is a medical student at the University of Zambia, aspiring to one day be a pediatric neurosurgeon.
Born and bred in Lusaka, second born in a family of two. She lost her parents at a young age and thus raised separate from her only sibling. She was raised by her grandparents with her grandfather being a medical doctor himself, he always saw something special in her and encouraged her to work hard. Because of this she believes all she is today and aspires to be one day is owed to him.
She always has had love for science since her early days of academia. Serving in various capacities in the Junior Engineers, Technicians and Scientists (JETS) Club before eventually becoming president at Kabulonga girls’ secondary school. On the way collecting regional and national prizes in biology and physics. This was exemplified by her impressive performance in the University of Zambia (UNZA), where she has been best Female student for four years conservatively.
Research is the foundation of all science, hence as she developed love for science, research was close by. The sixth year of medical school provides a chance to understand research better and this set a platform for her to explore her interest in research further. Seeing how research plays a cardinal role in the development of medicine and how she can apply this in her practice, has prompted her to venture more into research beyond the confines of her syllabus.
Tamara Victoria Kaluba is a 5th year medical student at Ridgeway campus. She was born on the 12th of April 1997 and currently living in Lusaka although she lived in Luanshya as a child. Her parents are Austine and Josephine she has six siblings 3 girls and 3 boys.
She attended Luanshya Trust School from kindergarten to the ninth grade. While there she participated in table tennis, athletes, netball and volley all in which she was the captain. She also was a member of the top of the form club (academic club), jets club and was honoured roll every term.
Tamara went to Ibenga Girls Secondary School from the tenth grade to twelfth grade. She was a dedicated student, academic success wasn’t a problem for her. She was a star student throughout her school life, leaving the school with distinctions in all the subjects. She was the editor of the school’s press club and was actively involved in a number of extracurricular activities.
She is currently at the University of Zambia Ridgeway Campus in 5th year doing medicine. Tamara’s interest in research started in fourth year as she learnt that research is important for students to improve practices and at the same time, it helps in improving those individuals who wish to bring improvement in those practices. She participated in the research at Mtendere on the factors affect the prevention of mother to child transmission of HIV/AIDS.
Sunela Sujan a highly motivated research orientated medical student. Conducted an individual research as part of the mbchb program has opened a new outlook on research as an individual. It showed that research is vital for future innovation as medicine evolves each day. She volunteer part time under Copper Rose zambia as she is a strong believer in making a change in the society we live in. Every input done regardless of magnitude will make an impact in our society. No input made is too small. Passionate and compassionate to give back to the community using the knowledge and skills gained during various undertakings.
Born and raised right in the heart of Zambia (Lusaka), Tepwanji is a young and avid individual who believes that science has, is and always will change the world. And is proud to be a part of a generation of world changers in a country in which research has not yet reached its peak. Prior to joining YES Zambia, she was intellectually involved in the formation of health related sensitization programmes at a local radio station and used that as a platform to fuse her love of mass media with her passion for health. Tepwanji received her bachelor’s degree in science, Human Biology from the University of Zambia under the school of medicine and is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Medicine and Surgery. In her free time, she seeks adventure and talent. Creative writing, expressive arts, Talent development, film and media has always been an area of interest of hers in which she thrives.
Kanengo Zoe Nakamba is an award winning activist working with SRHR Africa Trust (SAT) in Zambia and is also the Deputy Country Coordinator for the Zambia Network of Young people living and affected with HIV/AIDS (ZNYP). She is Publicity Secretary for Nsakwa Ya Ba Kaonde (a Kaonde cultural association) and also the youngest member of the association at 21 years. Kanengo is an ambassador for the KUPES Young Women’s Network (KYWN).
Kanengo is the youngest person in Zambia to have written for the Bank of Zambia, having written an article titled, ‘’A better life through saving’’ in the 2015 periodical aged 16 years. She is an author of a research paper on myths around Male circumcision, benefits and risks of Medical Male circumcision and vaginal and foreskin health called Cancermucision. This paper has since won five awards such 2nd best innovation in Health in Zambia for 2018 at The SRHR Africa Trust (SAT) Zambia Innovation in Health awards.
Kanengo is a fourth year Medicine and Surgery (MBChB) student at Lusaka Apex Medical University (LAMU). She is a second year Photography student. And holds a Diploma in French language (Alliance Française), certificates in English as a foreign language (ETS), Leadership (KUPES), Project Planning and Management, Monitoring and Evaluation and Statistical Packaging for Social Science (SPSS) which she obtained from the University of Zambia.
