IHZ Champions Zambia–China Radiology Partnership at Belt and Road Medical Training Launch
Lusaka, Zambia – May 2025
The International Hospital of Zambia (IHZ) was at the heart of a significant milestone in Zambia-China healthcare cooperation, attending and contributing to the official opening of the “Radiology of West China Hospital – Belt and Road Disease-Oriented Imaging Training Zambia Program.”
This initiative is part of a broader commitment to enhancing diagnostic imaging capacity and strengthening the medical infrastructure in Zambia through international collaboration.
Representing IHZ at the event were General Manager Dr. Luan and Dr. Barakat, whose participation in the planning phase helped ensure the success of the meeting. Their presence signified IHZ’s role as a key stakeholder in the realization of this ambitious training program. Notably, Mr. Huang Yaochi, the Board Chairperson of IHZ, was one of four distinguished guests who officiated the ribbon-cutting ceremony, reinforcing IHZ’s leadership in advancing healthcare initiatives in the country.
The ceremony drew esteemed attendees, including Vice Governor Yang Xingping of Sichuan Province, officials from the Chinese Embassy in Zambia, and top representatives from West China Hospital and the Chinese Medical Association’s Imaging Technology Branch. Their presence underscored the importance of the program and highlighted the growing health diplomacy between the two nations.
A key moment came with the speech from Mr. Kaumba Roy Tolopu, President of the Zambia Medical Association.
He praised the initiative as a practical and transformative development for Zambia’s healthcare system. Tolopu noted that the training will equip local medical professionals with advanced diagnostic imaging skills, which are critical for improving patient outcomes across the country. He emphasized that the program is not only an educational opportunity but also a strategic step forward in Zambia’s healthcare reform efforts and its positioning as a regional medical hub.
West China Hospital, which spearheads the training, is one of the largest and most advanced general hospitals in the world. With over 5,000 bed spaces, more than 11,000 staff, and extensive international linkages, the hospital brings unmatched expertise to Zambia.
Its radiology department alone serves more than 2.3 million patients annually and operates as a national training center in China. By extending its global capabilities to Zambia, West China Hospital offers access to cutting-edge technologies, innovative diagnostic protocols, and decades of experience in disease-oriented imaging.
The program will focus on advanced imaging techniques relevant to Zambia’s health landscape, including areas such as cardiology, neurology, and oncology. It also represents a commitment to ongoing research collaboration, remote learning, and knowledge exchange that can elevate the standard of care in both nations.
For IHZ, the partnership aligns perfectly with its mission to provide high-quality healthcare while building bridges with international institutions. As Zambia continues to pursue its vision of becoming a Sub-Saharan center for medical excellence, such partnerships demonstrate how local leadership and global expertise can intersect to create sustainable, long-term improvements in health outcomes.
This event marks not just a launch of a training program, but the beginning of a deeper, strategic alliance between Zambia and China in the field of medical science—with IHZ proudly at the forefront.