A New Chapter for Zambia’s Substance Use Workforce
On 10 December 2025, Zambia marked a significant milestone in its response to substance use with the official launch of the ISSUP Zambia National Chapter at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka. Officiated by Dr. Angel Chirwa of the University of Zambia School of Medicine and Teaching Hospital, the event signaled a strengthened national commitment to building a professional workforce for substance use prevention, treatment, and recovery.
Launched under the theme “Building a Professional Workforce for Substance Use Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery in Zambia,” ISSUP Zambia becomes the country’s national platform for advancing professional standards and evidence-based practice. The launch convened government officials, academics, civil society leaders, and international partners, including UNODC and the U.S. Embassy Zambia. A key highlight was a presentation by ISSUP Global Chief Executive, Ms. Joanna Travis-Roberts, who outlined opportunities for Zambia through ISSUP’s global network of over 48,000 professionals across 41 national chapters.
Speaking on behalf of the new chapter, ISSUP Zambia Director Kapambwe Chikontwe described the launch as a transformational moment, noting that the chapter will provide a professional home for training, certification, networking, and access to global best practices in support of Zambia’s vision for a healthy, safe, and productive nation.
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This is truly a landmark moment for Zambia’s response to substance use.
As a student under the Department of Psychiatry, it is both inspiring and encouraging to see Dr. Angel Chirwa play a leading role in advancing such an important national and global agenda. The launch of ISSUP Zambia represents a critical step toward strengthening capacity, promoting evidence-based practice, and building a well-equipped workforce in prevention, treatment, and recovery.
I am particularly excited about the opportunities this platform creates for students and young professionals to learn, contribute, and engage with both local and international experts in the field.
Looking forward to being part of this transformative journey.