Dr. Musisye Maurice Luchembe
Adult Neurologist & Director of Stroke Services, University Teaching Hospitals (UTH), Lusaka, Zambia
Affiliations
Adult Neurologist & Director of Stroke Services, University Teaching Hospitals (UTH), Lusaka, Zambia
Adjuvant Assistant Professor, University of North Carolina Neurology Department
Honorary Lecturer, Department of Medicine, UTH
Dr. Musisye Maurice Luchembe is an adult neurologist and Director of Stroke Services at the University Teaching Hospitals (UTH) in Lusaka, Zambia. A graduate of the University of Zambia and Fellow of the Zambia College of Medicine and Surgery, he holds a subspecialty fellowship in Stroke from the University of Cape Town’s Groote Schuur Hospital, a program certified by the World Federation of Neurology (WFN). He also serves as an Adjuvant Assistant Professor in the University of North Carolina Neurology Department and as an Honorary Lecturer in the Department of Medicine at UTH.
“By building acute stroke services that are accessible, coordinated, and high-quality, we can prevent avoidable deaths and support people with non-communicable diseases to return to active, meaningful lives in society.”
On advancing stroke care and NCD prevention in Zambia
Professional Background
With more than ten years of experience in medical advocacy, systems development, and collaborative research, Dr. Luchembe has played a central role in strengthening stroke and neurological services within Zambia. His work spans clinical care, service design, and policy-level advocacy, with a sustained focus on improving outcomes for patients with cerebrovascular disease and other non-communicable conditions.
He led the establishment of dedicated stroke units at UTH that have achieved a reduction in in-hospital stroke mortality of more than 75%. Building on this success, he is spearheading Zambia’s drive toward comprehensive acute stroke services, including the implementation of thrombolysis and the development of pathways for mechanical thrombectomy.
Education & Training
- MBChB, University of Zambia
- Fellow, Zambia College of Medicine and Surgery
- Subspecialty Fellowship in Stroke, Groote Schuur Hospital, University of Cape Town (WFN-certified program)
Research & NCD Focus
Dr. Luchembe’s work is motivated by the overwhelming burden and cost of care of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Zambia and across the region. His focus is on the full continuum of stroke and NCD care — from prevention and early detection to acute management and long-term rehabilitation.
He is particularly interested in designing and optimizing care pathways that make it easier for patients to access timely, evidence-based treatment, as well as rehabilitation services that enable reintegration and continued active participation in society. Through international research collaborations and quality-improvement initiatives, he contributes to building an evidence base for context-appropriate stroke and NCD care in low- and middle-income settings.
Leadership, Memberships & Service
Beyond his clinical and academic roles, Dr. Luchembe is an active member of multiple international medical associations, including the African Stroke Organization. He has contributed to the organization of regional and local scientific congresses, helping to strengthen neurology and stroke networks across Africa.
Awards & Recognition
- American Academy of Neurology International Scholar Award
- Zambia Medical Association Young Doctor of the Year
- Multiple awards for research presentations at international congresses
Personal Interests
Outside of his professional work, Dr. Luchembe follows multiple sports and enjoys reading autobiographies of historical figures. He is also active on social platforms where he engages with colleagues, patients, and the wider public on issues related to neurology, stroke, and NCD prevention.
Contact
Email: mluchembe11@gmail.com | luchembe@ad.unc.edu
Phone: +260 971 600 400
Social: LinkedIn, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter)
