FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Zambia Launches National Chapter of the International Society of Substance Use Professionals (ISSUP)
“Strengthening the Professional Workforce for Substance Use Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery”
Lusaka, Zambia – 10 December 2025
ISSUP Zambia Chapter was officially launched on 10th December 2025 at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka. The ceremony was officiated by Dr. Angel Chirwa, head department of Psychiatry at the University of Zambia School of Medicine and Teaching Hospital as Guest of Honour.
ISSUP Zambia is the national chapter of the International Society of Substance Use Professionals, with over 48,227 global membership subscription and 41 National Chapters worldwide, whose mandate is to professionalize the global addiction workforce through education, training, evidence-based practice, and multi-sectoral collaboration. Zambia's current ISSUP membership stands at 327.
Launched under the theme “Building a Professional Workforce for Substance Use Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery in Zambia,” the ISSUP Zambia Chapter becomes the country’s official national platform for strengthening professional standards, promoting evidence-based practice, and supporting the addiction workforce’s professional development.
The Guest of Honour highlighted the growing national concern regarding alcohol and drug use—particularly among young people—and emphasized the Government’s commitment to expanding access to evidence-based services, strengthening the mental health workforce, and promoting a coordinated national response to substance use disorders. She underscored the importance of ISSUP Zambia in complementing Government efforts, noting that “substance use is not only a health issue, but a development, family, and security issue that requires a highly skilled and ethical professional workforce.”
ISSUP Zambia is hosted by Serenity Wellness Center and a consortium of implementing partners in Zambia ensuring a collaborative and multi-sectoral approach to advancing substance use prevention, treatment, and recovery efforts across the country. The launch brought together senior government officials, professional bodies, academic experts, civil society leaders, and international agencies including representatives from global partners such as UNODC, and the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) represented by Dr. Omega Chituwo of the U.S. Embassy Zambia.
A key highlight of the event was a presentation delivered by Ms. Joanna Travis-Roberts, Chief Executive of ISSUP - International Society of Substance Use Professionals Global. In her address, Ms. Travis-Roberts outlined the global opportunities available to Zambia through ISSUP’s expanding professional network of over 48,000 members and 41 National Chapters worldwide.
She emphasized ISSUP’s mission to build a strong, evidence-based workforce and showcased the organization’s extensive digital learning resources, access to training programmes, and professional development pathways.
Ms. Travis-Roberts also emphasized ISSUP’s commitment to partnership, stressing the value of the National Chapter model in promoting collaboration across government, NGOs, academia, and community organisations.
Speaking on behalf of ISSUP Zambia, Chapter Director Kapambwe Chikontwe expressed gratitude for the Government’s support and affirmed the organization’s commitment to strengthening capacity, promoting professional ethics, and advancing research and data-driven practice. “Today marks a transformational moment for Zambia’s substance use workforce. With the establishment of ISSUP Zambia, our professionals now have a home for certification, networking, and access to global best practices,” he said.
The ISSUP Zambia Chapter will provide training, certification pathways, professional networking opportunities, resource sharing, and technical support to individuals and institutions involved in substance use prevention, treatment, and recovery support services. It will also contribute to national coordination efforts and support the Government’s vision of a healthy, safe, and productive nation.
Apply for membership via https://www.issup.net/about-issup/membership
Media Contact
Dr. Kennedy Mutale
ISSUP Zambia Secretariat
Email: secretariat [at] issupzambia [dot] org
Cell: +260 96 7855797
+260 97 7855797
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