The CSC is delighted to present the next case study in our ongoing series demonstrating the impact of Commonwealth Alumni.
This case study features Enock Syabbalo, a Commonwealth Distance Learning Alumni, who studied gastroenterology at Queen Mary University of London from 2017 to 2019. Enock was motivated to pursue a degree at a UK university by his desire to enhance both research and clinical practice in gastroenterology and hepatology in Zambia, which is behind other countries in its efforts to eliminate hepatitis B.
Enock is one of only 20 gastroenterologists in Zambia. Since completing his studies, he has been actively involved in local and regional research and is contributing to the eradication of hepatitis B, syphilis, and HIV through his work on the development and implementation of Zambia’s national Triple Elimination Strategy. This strategy seeks to standardise patient care by providing detailed guidelines for practitioners, ultimately improving patient outcomes.
Enock also collaborated with the University of Zambia and the University Teaching Hospital on the development of national guidelines for the management of acute upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding and acute liver failure. Both conditions are medical emergencies, and the guidelines aim to provide evidence-based recommendations to help clinicians recognise, manage, and triage patients, as well as guide treatment decisions.
‘The number of gastroenterologists is limited in our country. By providing these guidelines, I think it’s a step in the right direction in providing that specialist care that may not be available in the most rural areas.’
In addition to his work at the national policy level, Enock holds the position of Specialty Registrar in Gastroenterology and Hepatology at the University Teaching Hospital in Lusaka – the largest GI unit in the country. He provides specialist care to both inpatients and outpatients with GI conditions, including performing diagnostic procedures such as upper endoscopy, colonoscopy, and liver biopsy. He also supervises junior registrars and other trainee doctors in patient management.
Enock believes that Commonwealth Scholarship not only advanced his skills and knowledge but also broadened his understanding of his role as a doctor and a member of a global community.
‘Prior to the award, my worldview was rather narrow, and I was a relatively inexperienced physician. My worldview has expanded… I also have grown as a physician both in terms of knowledge and leadership. I am now more willing to provide advice and guidance to younger colleagues wanting to pursue similar opportunities that I have been fortunate to have had.’
Enock is collaborating with other medical professionals and researchers to identify major bottlenecks and explore ways to improve diagnostic procedures for Zambians. He is also actively contributing to the newly established Master of Medicine in Gastroenterology and Internal Medicine programme at the University of Zambia, aiming to enhance training and capacity building in the field, particularly in endoscopy.
Another significant challenge in Zambia is the absence of a liver transplant programme. Enock’s broader ambition for the future includes initiating such a programme in his country.
‘The main reason why I went for the MSc was the liver transplant programme and I’m hoping, with time, that could also be something that I can work within my career. It’s a long-term goal.’
In parallel with his medical practice, policy and research work, Enock is revitalising the Zambian Association of Gastroenterology and Nutrition (ZAGAN), with continental and international conferences being planned for the coming years. Enock has been working closely with the president of the association to organise and host ZAGAN’s first national conference in 2025, followed by its first international conference in 2026.
Enock’s work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goal 3 – Good Health and Well-being.
