Our Heritage: ZNCF and Nurses Christian Fellowship International

Nurses Christian Fellowship International (NCFI) was born in 1958, when representatives from 20 countries gathered in the Netherlands to establish an international fellowship for Christian nurses. The organisation's founding vision was to connect national fellowships around the world, to encourage each other and reach out to nurses in countries where no such groups yet existed.

NCFI is organised into six worldwide regions: Africa, Caribbean and North America, Europe, Latin America, Pacific and East Asia, and South Asia and Middle East. Each region holds conferences, leadership training programmes, and supports the growth of national fellowships.

Zambia's connection to this global movement began in 1964 when missionary nurses began gathering in small groups at mission hospitals. The Zambia Nurses' Christian Fellowship was officially registered in 1971 and joined NCFI in 1972.

Over the years, several dedicated leaders have shaped ZNCF's growth. Elizabeth Halale became the first Zambian full-time NCF worker in 1984. Loice Chipere served as the longest-serving staff worker and General Secretary from 1995 to 2017, also serving on the NCFI Board. Martha Mwendafilumba, a former NCFI International Board member, currently leads the national committee.

ZNCF has played a significant role in the Africa region, hosting regional conferences four times previously. The 2026 Africa Regional Conference continues this tradition, bringing together nursing professionals from across the continent under the theme "Courage to make a difference in Nursing and Midwifery."

We are grateful for the heritage of faithful service that has brought us to this moment, and we look forward to building on this foundation as we gather in April 2026.