LUSAKA — Vice Governor of the People’s Government of Sichuan Province, Yang Xingping, has emphasized that sustainable healthcare in Zambia will require more than just medical aid—it must involve strengthening the capacity of medical professionals and fostering innovation within the sector.
Speaking during a courtesy call on Zambia’s Health Minister Dr Elijah Muchima on Tuesday, Yang highlighted the importance of collaborative partnerships and long-term strategies aimed at addressing systemic healthcare challenges. He underscored that while short-term medical aid plays a vital role, true transformation lies in empowering healthcare workers with knowledge, skills, and advanced training.
“Medical aid alone cannot resolve the fundamental challenges in the health system,” said Yang. “We believe in building the capacity of local professionals, because sustainable healthcare must come from within.”
Yang also expressed China’s readiness to support Zambia in the production of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), which has been gaining global recognition for its therapeutic value. However, he pointed out that certain policy barriers need to be addressed to make this collaboration viable.
“If policy restrictions are removed, we can begin cooperative ventures to produce traditional medicine locally, which will benefit both our countries,” he added.
Health Minister Dr Elijah Muchima welcomed the proposal and urged the Chinese delegation to consider investing in Zambia’s pharmaceutical manufacturing sector. He noted that local drug production is essential to achieving medicine security and reducing dependency on imports.
“China has vast experience in health innovation and pharmaceutical production,” said Dr Muchima. “We would like to see investments in local manufacturing which will not only create jobs but also reduce costs and improve access to essential medicines.”
Dr Muchima commended Sichuan Province for its continued support in Zambia’s health sector and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to expanding bilateral cooperation, especially in areas such as medical research, training exchanges, and infrastructure development.
Yang also praised Zambia’s resilience in overcoming past health crises, saying it demonstrates the country’s strength and potential. “In the meeting, we learned that you’ve overcome a lot,” he noted, referencing Zambia’s progress in health outcomes despite facing resource constraints.
As Zambia continues to reform and strengthen its health sector, both leaders agreed that the path forward lies in innovation, investment, and mutual cooperation. The meeting marks a renewed chapter in China-Zambia health diplomacy, with the potential to deliver lasting solutions to the country’s healthcare needs.
The visit by Vice Governor Yang Xingping is part of broader efforts to deepen economic and technical cooperation between Sichuan Province and African nations, especially in health, agriculture, and education.