UBUNTU: Comprehensive Improvement of Stroke Care in Zambia
Situation:
Zambia is a country in sub-Saharan Africa with a population of approximately 22 million people. For decades, infectious diseases were the leading cause of death—both in Zambia and in many other countries south of the Sahara. However, non-communicable diseases such as stroke and myocardial infarction have now taken over this role. The healthcare system is still insufficiently, and in some areas not at all, equipped to manage these conditions.
Objectives:
UBUNTU is a three-pillar project aimed at sustainably improving stroke care and reducing mortality in Zambia. It includes training healthcare professionals in diagnosis, acute treatment, prevention, and vascular ultrasound. Caregivers are educated and supported during hospitalization, with the creation of local support groups for continued assistance. In addition, public awareness campaigns combined with basic health screenings promote knowledge of stroke and cardiovascular risk factors across the population.
- Number of physicians and nursing staff trained in stroke care
- Number of neurologists trained in stroke ultrasound
- Successful establishment of support groups for stroke patients and their caregivers
- Successful implementation of four public awareness campaigns
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Sustainability is ensured through strong involvement of local stakeholders, including healthcare professionals and community actors. By building local capacity, transferring knowledge, and integrating interventions into existing structures, the program fosters ownership and long-term continuity beyond the initial project phase.
This is the first program in Zambia to comprehensively address all key components of stroke care, spanning the entire continuum from prevention and early detection to acute diagnosis, evidence-based treatment, and structured post-stroke rehabilitation and follow-up. By integrating these elements, the program aims to establish a sustainable and coordinated approach to stroke management nationwide.
