LAMU Partners with Artic University of Norway to Improve Adolescent Health
Lusaka Apex Medical University (LAMU) has launched a collaborative research initiative aimed at improving the health and lifestyle of adolescents across the country. In partnership with Artic University of Norway, LAMU is conducting the “Lusaka Fit Futures” research study, targeting grade 10 pupils at four secondary schools in Lusaka: Matero Girls, Munali Boys, North Mead, and Jacaranda Secondary School.
The study is designed to build a comprehensive database that will serve as a foundation for developing interventions focused on improving health outcomes and fostering resilience among Zambian youth.
The research will explore a wide range of issues, including adolescent health, climate change, digital health, maternal and child health, mental health, communicable and non-communicable diseases, nutrition, indigenous knowledge, alternative medicine, and clinical trials.
LAMU Vice Chancellor, Professor Evarist Njelesani, emphasized the importance of investing in adolescents to not only prepare them for future leadership roles but also to empower them with the health and opportunities they need to thrive.
During the “Lusaka Fit Futures” stakeholders’ meeting, he explained, “The research aims to explore critical aspects of social, physical, mental, and reproductive health among adolescents, which will ultimately contribute to better health outcomes and resilience for our youth.”
He further noted that LAMU’s contributions to Zambia’s healthcare landscape include providing quality education, driving research and innovation, fostering public-private partnerships, and engaging with the community.
District Education Board Secretary, Ian Miyoba, highlighted the challenges faced by students in Lusaka, citing the 172,617 pupils enrolled in secondary schools, including 88,341 females and 83,276 males.
He noted that issues such as school-related violence, bullying, gender-based violence, economic hardship, substance abuse, incest, and sodomy are major obstacles that negatively impact the students’ education and health.
“These challenges need to be addressed to help students concentrate in class and make meaningful progress,” Mr. Miyoba said. He also pointed out the lack of accurate data on how these issues affect pupils, noting that the research conducted by LAMU will provide crucial insights to inform interventions that improve safety and healthcare for adolescents.
Mr. Miyoba commended LAMU’s efforts, stating, “We recognize the efforts that stakeholders like Lusaka Apex Medical University are making to improve the quality of education for our pupils. It is through these collaborative efforts that we can create a brighter future for young people. The research group overseeing ‘Lusaka Fit Futures’ will enable us to collect accurate data on the health and lifestyle of adolescents.”
