The Renal Society of Zambia has commended the recent Arteriovenous (AV) Fistula Camp held at Ndola Teaching Hospital, describing it as a landmark milestone in the country’s renal care landscape.
In an official statement, Dr. Justor Banda, Chairperson of the Renal Society of Zambia, expressed excitement over the successful camp, which was conducted in collaboration with the Surgical Society of Zambia led by its President, Dr. Victor Mapulanga and the American College of Surgeons’ Health Outreach Program for Equity in Global Surgery (ACS H.O.P.E.), under the leadership of Professor Girma Tefera. The visiting team worked hand-in-hand with surgeons at Ndola Teaching Hospital.
“As the Renal Society of Zambia, we are excited about this recent AV fistula camp. It marks a significant milestone when we look back at how far we have come in managing dialysis patients in Zambia,” said Dr. Banda.
He noted that a large number of patients on chronic dialysis in the country still rely on permanent catheters, which are associated with higher infection risks and long-term complications. He stated that previously; less than 30 percent of chronic HEMODIALYSIS patients were accessing dialysis with an AV Fistula
“This collaboration between the Renal Society, the Surgical Society of Zambia, and the American College of Surgeons has brought us immense joy. Our patients can now access dialysis in an optimal and safer manner,” he added.
The camp catered to over 36 patients from across Zambia, including Livingstone, Solwezi, Lusaka, and Chingola some of whom previously had to travel abroad for the procedure at great logistical and financial cost. Dr. Banda said the ability to now perform such procedures locally is a breakthrough in improving access and quality of care.
“We are thrilled that the AV fistula procedures were done here in Zambia, with direct skills transfer taking place between the visiting team and our local surgeons, led by the Surgical Society of Zambia. This is a significant step forward for us as nephrologists,” said Dr. Banda.
He emphasized the importance of skills development, noting that the American College of Surgeons’ HOPE initiative has arrived at the right time helping to build local capacity for AV fistula creation and laying a foundation for future advancements in kidney care, including local kidney transplants.
“This is not just about the surgeries done today. It is about equipping our local teams to carry this skill forward. Once this skill is fully embedded locally, the biggest beneficiary will be the Zambian patient,” Dr. Banda said.
Having a functional AV fistula, he explained, is key to improving dialysis outcomes, reducing infection risks, and enhancing overall patient health. He stressed that as a society, their core mandate is to ensure that every patient has access to safe and quality dialysis care.
“We are grateful for the support of the government, the Surgical Society of Zambia, and our partners. We will continue to work together and collaborate even as we look ahead toward promoting local kidney transplants as the next frontier,” he concluded.
The AV fistula camp has been widely celebrated as a demonstration of what is possible when local and international expertise come together in pursuit of health equity and sustainable medical advancement.
