Russia deploys Specialist Medical Team to Zambia as part of 100-Year People’s Diplomacy Drive
Russian House in Lusaka, forms part of Russia’s centenary commemoration of People’s Diplomacy (1925–2025)—a milestone celebrating 100 years of humanitarian cooperation, solidarity and international exchange.
December 8, 2025 – Lusaka
The Federal Government of Russia has dispatched a team of highly specialised medical doctors to Zambia to strengthen skills exchange and enhance capacity in key areas of the country’s health system, with a particular focus on neurosurgery, Francis LUNGU reports.
The delegation, drawn from the renowned Kulakov National Medical Research Centre for Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Perinatology, will work alongside Zambian health professionals to share advanced medical knowledge, modern techniques and professional expertise.
Their visit, coordinated by the Russian House in Lusaka, forms part of Russia’s centenary commemoration of People’s Diplomacy (1925–2025)—a milestone celebrating 100 years of humanitarian cooperation, solidarity and international exchange.
The initiative underscores Russia’s continued commitment to supporting the development and modernisation of Zambia’s healthcare system, reflecting both historical ties and contemporary collaboration.
The Russian medical experts led by Galina Khlestova, also included Liliya Barakhoeva, Olga Teplyakova, Ekaterina Eroshenko, Olga Shabalova and Aida Casanbekova.
Dr. Khlestova said the five-day practical training in Lusaka stretching from December 8-12, covered areas such as identification and diagnosis of diseases, access conditions of new born babies among others.
She said during the programme, participants are expected to submit on how their expectations were met.
“We have also brought with us simulation equipment to be used during the training,” Dr. Khlestova said in an interview on the sidelines of the training.
The training attracted local health personnel invited mainly from government health facilities from across the country.
The Russian experts also took time to share practical hygiene tips like effective hand-washing especially that health workers are highly exposed to risky working environments.
In addition to health sector partnerships, Russia has also been a significant contributor to Zambia’s education system.
Over the years, it has provided more than 200 fully funded scholarships to outstanding Zambian students to pursue tertiary education in various disciplines at leading Russian universities.
The latest medical exchange mission is expected to further deepen bilateral relations, improve specialist care, and contribute to long-term capacity building in Zambia’s health and education sectors.
About The Author
