Lusaka, Zambia – April 28, 2026 – What started as an ordinary day for a volunteer midwife at Kanyama Level One Hospital turned into a life-saving moment after she transformed a taxi into a temporary labour ward and successfully delivered a baby boy.
The heroic midwife has been identified as Patricia Hamalambo, a volunteer nurse and midwife who has been serving at Kanyama Level One Hospital since 2023.
Midwife Finds Pregnant Woman in Critical Labour Outside Hospital
Patricia had just knocked off duty from Kanyama Level One Hospital when she noticed a large crowd gathered around a taxi in Kanyama, Lusaka.
Still dressed in her nurse’s uniform, she moved closer to find out what was happening.
As members of the public recognized her as a health worker, they quickly ushered her into the centre of the crowd, where she found a pregnant woman lying down in distress.
The woman’s water had already broken, and labour was progressing rapidly, putting both mother and baby at risk.
Taxi Driver Initially Refuses Over Fear of Staining Seats
Realizing there was no time to waste, Patricia pleaded with the taxi driver not to leave and requested permission to assist the expectant mother inside the vehicle.
“I begged the taxi driver not to leave and asked him to allow me to help the expectant mother give birth from his car,” Patricia told TV Yatu.
The taxi driver initially hesitated, expressing concern that the car seats would be stained during delivery.
However, Patricia convinced him by assuring him that she would ensure the vehicle would be cleaned afterward.
“But I convinced him and assured him that I would have his car washed,” she said.
Taxi Heads to Kanyama Hospital as Labour Intensifies
After the driver agreed, Patricia asked women in the crowd to help lift the pregnant woman into the taxi.
As the crowd continued to grow, Patricia instructed the driver to quickly drive towards Kanyama Level One Hospital, with a few women accompanying them to assist.
The situation became even more urgent as labour intensified during the journey.
Baby Delivered in Taxi at Hospital Car Park
Moments after the taxi arrived at the hospital car park, Patricia noticed the baby’s head had already started crowning.
She quickly put on gloves and proceeded to assist with the delivery right inside the taxi.
“I quickly put on my gloves and helped the mother deliver a healthy baby boy right there in the car,” Patricia narrated.
The delivery was successful, and both mother and baby survived the dramatic experience.
Mother and Baby Rushed to Labour Ward
After the birth, Patricia rushed into the hospital to get a wheelchair and safely transported the mother and her newborn baby into the labour ward for further medical care and monitoring.
Photojournalist Captures the Moment
Unknown to Patricia, the dramatic and inspiring moment was captured by renowned photojournalist Jean Mandela, who documented the scene from a distance.
The powerful image of Patricia delivering the baby inside the taxi later appeared in a local newspaper, drawing admiration from many Zambians.
Incident Happened on January 1, 2025
According to the report, the heroic incident happened on January 1, 2025, making it a memorable start to the year for the newborn baby and the midwife who helped bring him into the world.
Patricia Remains a Volunteer Midwife
Despite her outstanding service, Patricia continues working as a volunteer midwife.
She began volunteering at Kanyama Level One Hospital in November 2023, shortly after graduating from Chikankata College of Nursing and Midwifery.
Patricia says midwifery is not just a profession for her, but a calling.
“To me, this is not just work. It is my passion to see mothers deliver safely,” she said.
A Story of Courage From Zambia’s Public Health System
Patricia Hamalambo’s story has been praised as one of the many untold positive stories coming from Zambia’s public health institutions.
Despite not being among the recently recruited health workers, she remains hopeful that one day her dedication will be recognized.
Her story stands as a reminder that compassion, courage, and commitment can turn an ordinary moment into an extraordinary act of service.
© TV Yatu | April 28, 2026
Pictures: Jean Mandela ©️2025