By Duncan Mlanjira
The National Organisation of Nurses and Midwives of Malawi (NONM) has described murdered Lucy Kadzamira, a retired nurse, as a pillar of wisdom to the nursing and midwifery sector in Malawi and Africa.
Police are investigating the murder of Kadzamira, who was discovered dead in her home at Area 47 in Lilongwe.
“NONM joins the nursing and midwifery members, leaders, family, and the public in mourning Dr Lucy Kadzamira, the retired nurse and midwife and founder.
Nurses are always first port of call for patients
“She was a mother and visionary leader in nursing and midwifery and she was always there as a pillar of wisdom.
“She will be remembered and special mention include: a 1967 graduate of the Henrietta Szold School of Nursing in Israel and first Malawian Nurse as Controller of Nursing Services (CNS) for 17 years. Currently, CNS is called DNMS.
“In 1979, she was Founder and first president of the National Association of Nurses of Malawi and registered it with International Council of Nurses (ICN).
Kadzamira has always been part of this
“NANM transformed into National Organisation of Nurses and Midwives of Malawi (NONM) in 2007.
“With other women, she championed the 3-months paid maternity leave for working mothers.
“With colleagues, she was one of the initiators of the Nurses & Midwives Council of Malawi, Nursing & Midwifery Education and a contributor to Malawi nursing history book currently being written.
“She was elected first vice-president during inauguration of the East, Central & Southern Africa College of Nursing (ECSACON) at Chancellor College in Zomba.
“She was a recipient of the Silver Jubilee of Independence Award and a recipient of Honorary PhD from Kamuzu College of Nursing, University of Malawi.”
NONM further says Kadzamira has always been a pioneer and historic champion of nursing and midwifery.
“Recently, at the 40th Anniversary of Kamuzu College of Nursing (KCN) in Lilongwe where she was honoured for laying the foundation and started the journey towards uplifting nursing and midwifery in all aspects in Malawi.
Extracts, from an interview with the Malawian Nurse magazine, of June 2017, in the article “Journey Fruitful – Founder, Kadzamira said: “The greatest advice I can offer is that once a nurse you will always remain one”.
Another says: “Try as much as possible to smile and pat your patient on the back with some words of encouragement”.
“We will all miss her especially as the world celebrates Year 2020, the Year of a Nurse and Midwife, endorsed by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
“May her soul rest in eternal peace,” says NONM in their statement signed by president Shouts Makhumbo Simeza and executive director Benson Edwinson Phiri.