21/11/2025
APPRECIATION FRIDAY || CLEMENTINA MUKELEBAI || LDHO CLINICAL CARE OFFICER
With over 17 years of service, meet ML Clementina Mukelebai former ZMLPA President from 2021 -2024.
-Worked as a Clinical Officer General from 2007 to 2012
-Upgraded to Medical Licentiate Practitioner in 2014 update and worked at Matero level One Hospital up to 2024.
-Currently working at Lusaka District Health Office as Clinical Care Officer
Her area of interest is maternal and Child Health
ML Mukelebai says, " In all the time of my practice, I have always put God first and I saw that work moving so smoothly despite the patient’s condition. I have a very busy hand were patients could come in a very critical situation, were I could start asking myself that is this patient going to survive? To my surprise, God will manifest and patient will pull through and survive.
"I like screening, investigating, interpreting of results, reach out at a definitive Diagnosis and manage appropriate. There has been full engagement of the community in terms of participation in issues affecting the community e.g IPC on early antenatal booking for early detection of complications
I have treasured and appreciated Team work because work becomes easy and achievable." She added.
She further added that, ''Despite all the efforts mentioned, Medical Licentiate Practitioners, still remain unrecognized. This cadre deserves to have a straight way career progression in Clinical Medicine which is not established
This cadre needs to be appreciated and motivated due to the important role contributed to the nation of reducing Maternal and child mortalities
This Profession is evenly distributed countrywide, in all districts health facilities including underserved areas, going by our universal goal of health coverage for all and leaving no one behind.
She shared one of her career defining moments in her practice and recounted
how a pregnant woman at 24weeks gestation age, came with the history of abdominal pains and bleeding, it was a case of inevitable abortion. She was admitted to Gynae ward, all other parameters were ok. Fewer hours later she expelled a very gross live premature baby weighing 600g but could not survive. The mother developed post partum haemorrhage due to placental tissue retains, patient bled excessively but all cardinal interventions were done and haemostasis was achieved. Patient developed severe anaemia, went in to haemorrhagic shock, but we managed her accordingly, blood transfusion was done, she became stable then after some few days she was discharged.
A week later, she came back to offer some donations to the patients in gynaecological ward and the Hospital.
The second memorable event was on the 17th May,2022, when I gave birth to my child.
A day prior to my delivery, i had worked in my usual nursery/neonatal ward, I reviewed all my neonates and a number of them were prepared for discharge the following day. There was a strong bond created between me and the Mothers, so in the morning they were prepared to be discharged, they asked the Nurse what time I was coming, only to be told that I delivered early dawn the same day at the same facility. They started troubling the Nurse that they wanted see me and I should discharge their babies before I am discharged. I just saw the Nurse coming to see me with the Mothers. I was so delighted such that I saw the importance of taking good care of patients and building up a good relationship with bed siders which promotes inclusiveness, team work and healing at the same time. I also learnt a lesson that being good to patient and people surrounding you, will make them to remember you even in your absentia.
During my practice, I prioritized life than rushing to knocking off. In times of critical situations were a patient is critically ill, I could work to the best of my ability and try to give hope to the patient and relatives.
In our profession, you can not predict the time of having a break or knocking off because anything can happen at any time.
Her advice to fellow Professionals, Interns and Students is to be steadfast, for this profession is a noble one, which needs dedication, passion and love.
With vast experience, my fellow profession and other health workers, I would say I shall mentor and transition my skills to others and the young generation that is yet to come thanks to the Government of the day which has continued to put IN measures in addressing health challenges through inclusivity and employment of health cadres across the country.
On Her free time, ML Mukelebai is usually praying, singing and listening to gospel songs.
Issued by
Mr Ascent Siabukube - ZMLPA Publicity Secretary.
