Rooted in Lusaka, Zambia, Atupele Esnart Chisiza serves as Program Manager at the Southern African Institute for Collaborative Research and Innovation Organisation. She works closely with women of reproductive age and children, focusing on improving access to maternal health and mental health support. By engaging directly with communities, Atupele ensures that programs are responsive to the lived realities of families, addressing challenges that affect health and well-being at both individual and community levels.

Atupele’s early professional experiences strengthened her commitment to community impact. As a farmer, she traded soya beans sourced directly from refugees in the Meheba Refugee Settlement, supporting livelihoods while promoting economic inclusion for marginalized populations. This hands-on experience honed her entrepreneurial skills and deepened her understanding of the interconnectedness of health, economic opportunity, and social equity.

In her current role, Atupele is leading a nationwide study examining the impact of PEPFAR funding cuts on HIV services. She has guided this project from design to implementation, engaging government stakeholders, NGOs, and communities to safeguard equitable access to care. Her work underscores the importance of evidence-driven advocacy in protecting health services for vulnerable populations.

Believing that health is a fundamental human right, Atupele is committed to ensuring equitable access to quality health services for women, children, and other underserved groups. Her leadership is anchored in the wisdom of an African proverb: “Until the lion learns to write, every story will glorify the hunter.”