The physician, epidemiologist and vaccine researcher is bringing decades of scientific experience, epidemic preparedness and public-health leadership into Zambia’s Cabinet.
For most of his career, Prof. Roma Chilengi has worked on one defining question: How can scientific evidence be transformed into better health for African communities?
He has pursued that question as a physician, epidemiologist, vaccine researcher and national public-health leader. Now, he will address it from one of Zambia’s most influential positions.
President Hakainde Hichilema appointed Prof. Chilengi as Zambia’s Minister of Health on September 14, 2026, after nominating him as a Member of Parliament. Zambia’s National Assembly now lists him as the country’s serving health minister.
His appointment brings a career grounded in research and emergency preparedness into national political leadership.
From Medicine to Epidemiology
Prof. Chilengi studied Human Biology and Medicine and Surgery at the University of Zambia before pursuing postgraduate training in epidemiology through the University of London.
His early career included clinical work at Kitwe Central Hospital, research at Zambia’s Tropical Diseases Research Centre and service as a clinical-trials coordinator with the KEMRI–Wellcome Trust Research Programme in Kenya.
That combination gave him experience across patient care, disease research and the realities of conducting scientific work within African health systems.
It also shaped a practical approach to research: evidence should not remain inside academic journals. It should help governments decide which interventions work, how they should be delivered and how limited resources can create the greatest benefit.
Building Vaccine-Research Capacity
At the Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, Prof. Chilengi served as Chief Scientific Officer and provided oversight across the organization’s research programmes.
He also established its Enteric Disease and Vaccine Research platform, strengthening Zambia’s ability to conduct locally led work on diarrhoeal diseases, immunization and vaccine performance.
His research has examined rotavirus vaccines among Zambian infants, oral cholera vaccination and factors that influence how effectively vaccines work within African populations.
This work has direct importance for families. Before a vaccine becomes part of a national programme, health leaders need reliable evidence that it is safe, effective and appropriate for the population expected to receive it.
Prof. Chilengi has spent years helping generate that evidence.
Preparing Zambia for Health Emergencies
Before joining the Cabinet, Prof. Chilengi served as Director General of the Zambia National Public Health Institute and as Special Assistant to the President for Health.
At the institute, his responsibilities included disease surveillance, emergency preparedness, outbreak response and translating public-health evidence into national policy.
These roles placed him close to Zambia’s response to major health threats, including cholera.
Outbreak control requires laboratories, accurate information, prepared health workers and trusted communication with communities. Prof. Chilengi’s experience gives him a strong understanding of how those different parts must work together before and during an emergency.
Taking Science Into Government
As Minister of Health, Prof. Chilengi now has an opportunity to connect three areas that can sometimes operate separately: scientific research, public-health preparedness and political decision-making.
His background may help strengthen Zambia’s use of evidence in areas such as immunization, disease surveillance, primary healthcare and emergency planning.
Yet his responsibilities now extend beyond research and outbreak response.
The everyday health system also requires reliable medicines, supported healthcare workers, accessible maternal and child services, strong rural facilities and public confidence in medical institutions.
Because his ministerial tenure has only just begun, these are best understood as the opportunities before him—not achievements that can already be attributed to his leadership.
A New Chapter of Public Service
Prof. Chilengi’s first days as minister have already placed him within international discussions about Zambia’s health priorities. In September 2026, he joined the country’s delegation to the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
He enters office with the perspective of someone who has worked in hospitals, research institutions, public-health agencies and presidential advisory service.
At Africa Spotlights, we celebrate African leaders who bring deep professional knowledge into public service.
Prof. Roma Chilengi represents that promise. His appointment offers Zambia an opportunity to place science, preparedness and evidence closer to the centre of national health leadership—and to demonstrate what becomes possible when research is transformed into action for the people.
