Global Health News
Ministry of Health Zambia
April 23, 2025
The Women and Newborn Hospital, in conjunction with the University of Zambia School of Medicine and the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, and supported by Fistula Foundation Zambia, conducted a Urogynaecology surgical camp from the 14th to the 17th of April 2025. A total of 15 women with pelvic floor disorders, including female genital fistulas and pelvic organ prolapse, successfully underwent life-transforming surgeries.
The surgical team was led by Professor Joseph Schaffer from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, along with local specialists Dr. Eugine Kaunda and Dr. Willies Silwimba. The anesthetic team was led by Dr. Angel Phiri and Dr. Muzumara. The theater nursing team, led by Sister Kavuyi, also played a vital role in the success of the surgeries, along with the ward nurses, led by Sister Monica, who are currently nursing patients after the surgeries. The patients expressed their gratitude after undergoing these life-transforming procedures.
This successful surgical camp underscores the hospital’s commitment to providing high-quality medical services without leaving anyone behind.
CUGH 2025
February 20, 2025
Written by: Christine Hall, Education Coordinator
It is with great pride and enthusiasm that we announce a remarkable achievement by our MD with Distinction in Global Health students. Out of many talented peers, six of our students were selected to present their outstanding research posters at the prestigious 2025 Consortium of Universities for Global Health (CUGH) in Atlanta, GA—a testament to their dedication and expertise in advancing global health initiatives. Among them, two students achieved the extraordinary honor of being named finalists in their respective categories. Adding to the celebration, one exceptional student earned the prestigious recognition as a Best Student Poster Awardee within her category, showcasing her unparalleled passion and insight. These accomplishments highlight the brilliance and impact of our future leaders in global health.
Symposium Highlights OGH Partnership with Zambian Teaching Hospital
August 19, 2024
Written by: Patricie Stephens. M.P.A.S., PA-C
The UTSW Office of Global Health has partnered with University of Zambia’s (UNZA) University Teaching Hospital in Lusaka. This collaboration is focused on developing bidirectional educational programs, research initiatives, and healthcare implementation strategies. We are working closely with UNZA faculty to enhance faculty development, support educational and research endeavors, and establish resident and fellow exchange.
In August 2024, in partnership with UNZA Deans and Faculty, we hosted a UTSW-UNZA Multidisciplinary Medical Symposium in Lusaka, Zambia. UTSW participants included Dr. Roger Bedimo, Interim Director of Global Health and Section Chief of Infectious Diseases at the VA North Texas Health Care System, Dr. Joseph Schaffer, Chief of Gynecology and Director of Urogynecology, Patricie Stephens, Gynecology Surgery PA, Dr. Evelyn Pan, Urogynecology Fellow, Dr. Nora Gimpel, Vice Chair of Community Health in the Department of Family and Community Medicine, Dr. Victoria Udezi, Assistant Professor in the Department of Family and Community Medicine, and Dr. Christiana Renner, Associate Professor in the Department of Internal Medicine.
This event provided a dynamic platform for networking, fostering collaborative relationships, and exchanging innovative ideas between our institutions. Building on the foundation of our ongoing partnership, the symposium allowed us to explore new avenues for educational exchange, research collaboration, and faculty development. This gathering not only strengthened our ties but also set the stage for future initiatives aimed at enhancing medical education, research, and patient care in both regions.
Transforming Lives Together: UTSW Collaborates in Efforts to Repair Fistulas in Zambia
August 19, 2024
Written by: Patricie Stephens. M.P.A.S., PA-C
Women with obstetric fistulas are faced with incontinence, social stigma, isolation, and other health problems. It is estimated that more than 2 million young women live with untreated obstetric fistula in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa.
The UTSW Urogynecology Department partnered with Dr. Eugine Kaunda, one of five FIGO Certified surgeons in Zambia and OBGYN Faculty at the University of Zambia, to participate in the Fistula Foundation-sponsored fistula camps throughout underserved areas of Zambia. The Fistula Foundation identifies and mobilizes women in the community suffering from vesicovaginal fistulas, rectovaginal fistulas, and perineal tears, conditions often resulting from obstructed labor.
The Foundation sponsors FIGO-trained surgeons to perform life-changing surgeries during a dedicated one-week camp. In August 2024, Dr. Joseph Schaffer, Urogynecologist, and Patricie Stephens, Gynecology Surgery Physician Assistant, participated in the fistula camp at Mansa General Hospital, where they performed fistula and perineal repairs alongside Zambian FIGO-trained surgeons.
Dr. Evelyn Pan, UTSW’s second-year Urogynecology fellow, also had the invaluable opportunity to participate and gain hands-on experience in the surgical management of these complex cases—an exposure rarely encountered in Dallas, TX. Reflecting on the experience, Dr. Pan stated, “At the fistula camp, the pathology that constituted the banal and routine from a local perspective seemed profound and eye opening through my viewpoint as a visiting trainee. Each case was a unique learning opportunity in optimizing outcomes with limited resources and high pathology and served as a reminder of the empowerment that clinicians can restore upon patients by providing access to care.”