IHZ ADVANCES ZAMBIA–CHINA MEDICAL TIES WITH LAUNCH OF LANDMARK RADIOLOGY TRAINING PROGRAMME
Lusaka, Zambia – May 2025
The International Hospital of Zambia (IHZ) has strengthened its role in international health diplomacy by supporting the official launch of the Radiology of West China Hospital, Belt and Road Disease-Oriented Imaging Training Zambia Program. This milestone event, held in Lusaka, marks a significant step in the Zambia–China partnership to enhance diagnostic imaging capabilities and build a stronger, more resilient healthcare system.
The training initiative, led by China’s prestigious West China Hospital, aims to equip Zambian medical professionals with advanced imaging expertise in areas critical to the country’s health landscape, including cardiology, neurology, and oncology. Through knowledge exchange, research collaboration, and remote education, the programme is poised to make lasting contributions to medical practice and patient care in Zambia.
Representing IHZ at the event were General Manager Dr. Luan and Dr. Barakat, both of whom were instrumental during the programme’s planning phase. Their active participation underscored IHZ’s commitment to driving innovation and fostering global partnerships in healthcare delivery. Also present was IHZ Board Chairperson Mr. Huang Yaochi, who was among four distinguished guests to officially cut the ribbon, signaling the formal commencement of the training.
The launch attracted high-level dignitaries, including Vice Governor of Sichuan Province Yang Xingping, senior officials from the Chinese Embassy in Zambia, and representatives from West China Hospital and the Chinese Medical Association’s Imaging Technology Branch. Their presence reaffirmed the programme’s strategic importance within the broader Belt and Road medical cooperation framework.
Speaking at the event, Zambia Medical Association President Mr. Kaumba Roy Tolopu praised the initiative as both timely and transformative. He emphasized the need for such partnerships in strengthening Zambia’s healthcare system and advancing its goal of becoming a regional hub for medical excellence. “This training will empower our frontline medical professionals with the skills and tools necessary to deliver better diagnostic care,” he said. “It’s not just training, it’s a foundation for long-term progress.”
West China Hospital brings unmatched capacity and experience to the partnership. With more than 5,000 beds, over 11,000 medical staff, and one of the busiest radiology departments in the world, serving over 2.3 million patients annually, the hospital is globally recognized for its leadership in clinical innovation, education, and international outreach.
For IHZ, this collaboration reflects its mission to elevate healthcare standards through strategic global alliances. The hospital continues to lead in championing initiatives that combine local vision with international best practices.
The launch of this training programme is more than a ceremonial moment, it is the beginning of a long-term, purpose-driven alliance that promises to transform diagnostic healthcare delivery in Zambia. Through this partnership, IHZ reaffirms its position at the forefront of medical advancement in the region.
