“If you ever meet him at a family gathering, do not be surprised if he quietly disappears after dinner. It is not to avoid helping out, but rather because washing dishes happens to be one chore he could gladly do countless times. Add to that his secret love for dancing when no one is watching and his dream of testing his endurance in Antarctica, it becomes clear that Dr Bavin Mulenga is refreshingly unique.

Yet behind the humour lies a man driven by passion, purpose, and a strong belief that public health has the power to transform lives long before patients ever step into a hospital.

Dr Mulenga serves as a public health specialist and medical mentor for the PEN-Plus programme. His central mission is to advance the PEN-Plus agenda within the Ministry of Health, while providing clinical mentorship and technical support at various sites. What excites him most, he explains, is “making anyone understand this strategy in its simplest form. It proves that complex health interventions do not always need complicated explanations, “he said.

He joined CIDRZ in September 2020, following what he jokingly calls his first “bush meet” opportunity offered by a colleague. He began as a clinical research fellow/clinician in the Enteric and Diarrhoeal Diseases Vaccine Research Unit (EDVRU), focusing on infectious diseases and research. Over time, however, his interests shifted towards non-communicable diseases and implementation science, an evolution that has significantly shaped his career.

Reflecting on his journey, he acknowledges that CIDRZ has had a profound impact on his growth. “I have developed in public health practice, skills, knowledge, and networking, both locally and internationally,” he says. The path has not been without challenges. One of his most testing moments came during his Public Health training, when he was recalled to work in the middle of examinations despite having formal permission to be away. “I stood my ground and refused to cave under the threats. Eight years later, they proved empty, but the lesson in resilience has remained with me.”

Among his proudest achievements, he highlights contributing to a successful grant application. “Being part of a team that wrote a grant from scratch and won it gave me confidence that persistence and teamwork can achieve so much,” he alluded.

As part of his role in the PEN-Plus programme, Dr Mulenga is closely involved in integrated camps. Most recently, he helped organise and actively participated in Camp Tuli Bonse 2025, hosted by CIDRZ in partnership with the NCDI Poverty Network and the Sonia Nabeta Foundation. Held in Chongwe from 18 to 22 August 2025, the camp brought together over 60 young people for a week of solidarity, learning, and joy. He lights up when recalling the experience: “It was epic, magnetic, and deeply moving. Watching participants laugh, share meals, and encourage one another was soothing. That solidarity among warriors living with NCDs was unforgettable.”

Behind his professional success lies the influence of mentors. For him, Dr Joseph Chizimu of Zambia National Public Health Institutes (ZNPHI) stands out. “He has taught me to be fearless and to always aim for quality. One of the best pieces of feedback I have ever received was being told my work was thoroughly done. It reminded me of the importance of putting your best into every task.”

Feedback, in fact, is something Dr Mulenga deeply values. It reinforces his belief that challenges are integral to progress, and what matters is how one overcomes them. His favourite quote captures this philosophy perfectly: “Mastering others is strength. Mastering yourself is true power.” He explains, “It is important to know your strengths, weaknesses, and emotions, because everything ultimately circles back to you.”

A typical day for Dr Mulenga begins early, with most of his assignments completed by mid-morning. The afternoons are often reserved for meetings or what he jokingly refers to as “boring clear space.” When not advancing the PEN-Plus agenda, he treasures his role as a father, particularly the joy of bathing his young sons. He fondly calls this daily routine a “QID prescription,” borrowing the medical term for four times a day. As they grow older, he looks forward to rekindling his love for table tennis.

“Work time is work time. Personal life is personal. Intruders are not welcome.” Beyond work and family, he enjoys small acts of giving, such as donating clothes or items that others may see as not important. “The best part is seeing someone smile at receiving what they now treasure.”

His adventurous spirit is equally striking. “Take me to Antarctica, not for the penguins, but for the thrill of the cold. I love winter, and I want to test my limits.” When asked about books that inspire him, he mentions The Good Nearby by Nancy Moser, which taught him that happiness often lies closer than we think, sometimes just an inch away.

If  not  in public health, he  says with a smile, he could easily have been a professional dishwasher. And while his dance moves remain unseen, he insists they are better than most would imagine. “Just do not expect me to show you, I only dance when I am alone!”

From a quirky love for washing dishes to the profound responsibility of shaping Zambia’s public health landscape, Dr Mulenga’s journey is one of resilience, passion, and humanity. As he reflects, “At the end of the day, it is not just about the work. It is about mastering yourself and finding meaning even in the small things.”