If you ever meet Dr Anchindika Mugala, medical mentor on the PEN-Plus programme, you will immediately notice her energy and dedication.

Her journey began with the TASKPEN trial which stands for Task-shifted Adaptation of the WHO-PEN Intervention to Address Cardiometabolic Complications in People Living with HIV in Zambia. It is a comprehensive, evidence-based intervention developed to integrate non-communicable disease (NCD) care specifically hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemias into existing HIV care services in Zambia

In this study she was co-clinical mentor, progressed to lead clinical mentor, and in the past four months, she has brought the same passion and expertise to the PEN-Plus project.

“What I enjoy most about this role,” she explains, “is seeing patients benefit from improved services while empowering health care workers to build confidence, skills, and ownership in providing quality care.” For Dr Mugala, every challenge is an opportunity to learn, every patient is a teacher, and every mentee is a future leader.

With over twelve years of clinical experience, including five specializing in Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Dr Mugala’s path into public health was inspired by practical insight. “In my clinical work, I realised that research is the key to addressing many public health concerns in our country,” she says. This very understanding is what propelled to persue a master of science in Implementation science, in which she is currently enrolled.

Her time at CIDRZ has been transformative. Working to integrate non-communicable disease (NCD) care into existing health systems has given her a fresh perspective on intergrated HIV and NCD care as well as programing. “Professionally, CIDRZ has allowed me to deepen my understanding of clinical research, health systems programming, and implementation science in real-world settings.

Beyond technical skills, CIDRZ has also strengthened Dr Mugala’s leadership, advocacy, and mentorship abilities, allowing her to guide multidisciplinary teams and engage with stakeholders at facility, district, and provincial levels. Naturally, such work comes with its challenges. “One of the hardest parts has been introducing new ways of doing things into a resource-limited health system. Health workers feel already stretched and may not initially appreciate the intervention,  so working with them to  understand their context,  balance priorities and address knowledge gaps required collaboration, time  and patience,” she explains.

She overcame these challenges by working alongside her teams, offering hands-on mentorship, and fostering ownership. “I learned that leadership is not just about giving instructions, it is about empowering others, creating a space for idea sharing, and  learning.”

Among her proudest achievements was leading tand establishing a  practice facilitation strategy to implement integrated HIV/NCD care across twelve primary health facilities in Lusaka. “After all the hard work, it was incredibly rewarding to see policy leaders recognize the value of our work, adopt some of our innovations, and begin planning for  continued expansion across the country,” she says.

In her role with the PEN Plus programme, Dr Mugala played a key part in organising an integrated diabetes and sickle cell camp. Camp Tuli Bonse 2025, an initiative hosted by CIDRZ in collaboration with the NCDI Poverty Network and the Sonia Nabeta Foundation. Took place in Chongwe from 18 to 22 August 2025, the camp welcomed over 60 young participants for a week filled with connection, learning, and enjoyment.

Dr Mugala describes the recently concluded Camp Tuli Bonse 2025 as “eye-opening and heart-warming.” The integrated camp brought together children and youth living with Type 1 diabetes and sickle cell disease, providing a safe space for learning, connection, and joy. “What touched me most was seeing them step away from their daily struggles and simply enjoy five days of fun, laughter, and mental relief. There is something truly powerful about encouraging them to see themselves not just as patients, but as warriors.”

Highlights included the “warrior chants,” and a sports day carefully designed to accommodate participants’ health needs. “Seeing the participants support each other, cheer each other on, and embrace their conditions with confidence was unforgettable,” she reflects.

Mentorship has shaped Dr Mugala’s career from the start. As an intern, one mentor taught her the importance of being thorough: “Look beyond the obvious, pay attention to detail, and always strive for excellence in patient care,” she recalled. Another mentor at CIDRZ has so far showed her the value of mastering the craft before seeking wider influence, “going deep before going wide” “True impact requires depth and preparation. When the time comes for elevation, you will be ready,” she says. These lessons continue to guide her approach to work and life.

Dr Mugala is a wife and mother of three, and balancing work and family is central to her life. “Weekends are for family, and I make sure to spend time with my children at the end of most days. It is a challenge, but understanding my God-given role as a mother and nurturer keeps me grounded and reminds me not to neglect what truly matters.”

Outside of work, Dr Mugala remains connected to her childhood passion: Swimming, specialising in the backstroke. “I also enjoy moments of quiet reflection with GOD , knowing that a God honoring life is our purpose “she said.

Dr Anchindika Mugala’s journey reflects clinical excellence, leadership, and humility. “At the end of the day,” she reflects, “it is not just about what you achieve. It is about how you grow, empower others, and find meaning in every step along the way.”