Non-physician clinicians in rural Africa: lessons from the Medical Licentiate programme in Zambia.

The paper provides new evidence concerning the benefits of 'task shifting' and identifies challenges that need to be addressed if MLs are to be a sustainable response to the surgical needs of rural populations in Zambia. Policy lessons for other countries in the region that also use NPCs to deliver essential surgery include the need for career paths and opportunities, professional recognition, and suitable employment options for this important cadre of healthcare professionals.