Part of our Nursing Councils and Associations series. Last checked: November 2026.
The Zambia Union of Nurses and Midwives Organisation (ZUNMO), still widely known by its older name ZUNO, is the trade union and professional organisation representing nurses and midwives in Zambia’s public and private sectors. Its roots go back to the Zambia Nurses Association, founded in 1950.
In 2026, ZUNMO helped conclude a public service pay deal that raised basic salaries by K700 across the board, pushed the government to give nurses and midwives a larger share of health worker recruitment slots, and encouraged new nurses to accept rural postings. This guide explains the union’s history, leadership, recent achievements, current campaigns, and how to join.
Imagine you graduated as a registered nurse in Lusaka three years ago. You passed your licensing exam, but you are still waiting for a government job, volunteering at a clinic while your savings run out. When the Civil Service Commission announces a new recruitment exercise, you wonder how many places will go to nurses, and whether the process will be fair. ZUNMO’s leaders are asking exactly those questions on your behalf.
What is ZUNMO?
ZUNMO describes itself as a trade union and professional organisation for nurses and midwives in Zambia working in both the private and public sectors. Its mission is to be a vibrant, self-sustaining professional and socio-economic welfare organisation that protects and promotes members’ interests through representation and capacity building. It combines two roles:
- Trade union: collective bargaining on salaries and conditions of service, representation of members in disputes.
- Professional association: promoting professional standards, education, ethics and the image of nursing and midwifery.
History and name
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1950 | Zambia Nurses Association (ZNA) established, the predecessor organisation |
| 2007 | Registered as the Zambia Union of Nurses Organisation (ZUNO) on 20 June 2007 |
| Recent years | Now the Zambia Union of Nurses and Midwives Organisation (ZUNMO), recognising midwives in its name |
The union is Zambia’s member of the International Council of Nurses. Its website remains at zuno.org.zm.
Leadership: National Executive Committee 2024–2027
| Position | Name |
|---|---|
| President | Fray Michelo |
| Vice President, Professional Affairs | Chimuka Sikapoto |
| Vice President, Labour Affairs | Alfred C. Mulenga |
| General Secretary | Martin Muloongo |
| Deputy General Secretary, Finance and Administration | Ernest S. Mumba |
| Deputy General Secretary, Operations and Organisation | Kean J. Sakala |
| National Chairperson, Gender Affairs | Vanelle M. Mabumba |
The 2026 salary and conditions of service agreement
Negotiations between public service unions and the government began on 4 November 2025 and were concluded in early 2026. ZUNMO reported the following outcomes for unionised public service employees:
| Item | Outcome |
|---|---|
| Basic salary | Increased by K700 across the board from 1 January 2026, with January arrears paid in February |
| Salary-related allowances | Revised upward in line with the new basic salary |
| Meal allowance | Increased from K150 to K175 |
| Settling-in allowance | Paid through payroll for those engaged from 1 January 2026 |
| Rural and remote hardship allowance | Framework agreed to guide administration |
| Standard house definition | To be reviewed by a joint technical committee |
ZUNMO also listed administrative issues to pursue with the Ministry of Health, including uniforms and protective clothing, promotions and upgrades, and placing in-charges on the correct salary scales.
Recruitment: more places for nurses and midwives
Zambia has many trained but unemployed nurses and midwives, while rural facilities remain short of staff. In 2026 the Civil Service Commission announced a recruitment exercise for around 2,600 health workers. In July 2026, ZUNMO president Fray Michelo urged the government to allocate a substantial share of positions to nurses and midwives, as the largest frontline group in the health workforce, and welcomed assurances that selection would be transparent and merit-based.
Rural postings
In August 2026, ZUNMO encouraged newly recruited nurses not to fear rural postings. Rural health centres are where nurses and midwives are most needed and where they often work with the greatest independence. The union continues to press for hardship allowances, housing and safety for nurses in remote areas.
Respect and safety
ZUNMO has condemned abuse of nurses and midwives by patients and community members and called for community respect for health workers. See our global report on violence against nurses.
Membership
Membership is open to all categories of nurses and midwives registered or enrolled with the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Zambia, with student, associate and honorary categories. Benefits include collective bargaining, representation, member education and a voice in health policy. Register with the council first; see our guide to the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Zambia.
ZUNMO vs the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Zambia
The council (NMCZ) regulates: licensing exams, registration, practising certificates and discipline. ZUNMO represents nurses’ and midwives’ interests. You need registration with NMCZ to practise; union membership is voluntary but gives you a collective voice.
Frequently asked questions
What does ZUNMO stand for?
Zambia Union of Nurses and Midwives Organisation, formerly the Zambia Union of Nurses Organisation (ZUNO).
Who is the president of ZUNMO?
Fray Michelo, for the 2024–2027 term.
What did the 2026 pay deal give nurses?
A K700 increase in basic salary from January 2026, a meal allowance rise from K150 to K175 and other adjustments.
Who can join ZUNMO?
Nurses and midwives registered or enrolled with the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Zambia, plus student and associate members.
But can a union fix unemployment among nurses?
Not alone. Recruitment depends on government budgets. But ZUNMO can push for more nurse positions, fair selection, rural incentives and better conditions that keep nurses in the profession, and it has a seat at the table when those decisions are made.
Your next step: If you are a nurse or midwife in Zambia, check that your February 2026 payslip included the K700 increase and January arrears, and contact your ZUNMO branch if it did not.
Related: Nursing and Midwifery Council of Zambia · Government nursing schools in Zambia · The ICN explained
Sources: ZUNMO (zuno.org.zm): About Us and 2026 salary negotiations statement; International Council of Nurses member profile; Diggers News (23 July and 9 August 2026); Zambia Monitor (July 2026). Check ZUNMO’s official channels for updates.
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