Zambia: Training competent health professionals
Zambia lacks well-trained health workers
Zambia's population is growing rapidly. The United Nations estimates that the current population of 17 million will more than double to 41 million by 2050. Population growth poses enormous challenges for the health system.
Key Facts
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Project Goal
Train Medical Licentiates and improve the overall quality of the training programme
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Target Groups
ML students, Chainama College of Health Sciences, training hospitals and the population
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Milestones
Practical training is improved, high success rate among graduates
Key Facts

Zambia
The project in a nutshell
SolidarMed helps train Medical Licentiates and so counteracts the drastic shortage of skilled health workers. The focus lies on their practical training. After completing their training, Medical Licentiates take over the management of a health centre in rural Zambia. This initiative is instrumental in equipping the country for the enormous challenges the health sector faces now and in future.
Despite considerable economic growth and investment in recent years, the lives of most Zambians have not changed. Two thirds still live in extreme poverty and survive on less than US$1.25 per day. Less than 60% of all positions in the health sector are currently filled. Zambia launched the Medical Licentiates training programme as a response to the acute shortage of health workers. This programme has been running successfully for many years.
SolidarMed supports Zambia in improving the quality of the training programme. The focus lies on training and capacity building of the instructors at Chainama College of Health Sciences, which is responsible for training the Medical Licentiates. The instructors are trained in methods, didactics and different teaching tools to make the lessons more student-friendly and to meet the requirements of the government.
E-learning methodologies and classrooms in which students can practice their skills under real conditions contribute to the success of this dual training course. SolidarMed supports the health centres and hospitals in providing the necessary infrastructure for the training of Medical Licentiates. In the long-term, these competent specialists benefit not only the health system, but most importantly the approximately 10 million people in rural Zambia.
An English documentary by Minding the Gap highlights the profession of Medical Licentiates, SolidarMed's involvement, and the impact of the project on the Zambian health care system. The film also describes the main challenges associated with the profession. Watch the trailer of the film here.

«SolidarMed has supported the training of Medical Licentiates in Zambia since 2009. Since then, the number of graduates has tripled. Medical Licentiates are crucial for health care in rural areas.»
Ruth Ospelt, Vice President of SolidarMed
SolidarMed doesn't only train urgently needed health workers in Zambia. Learn more here.