Decentralized Nursing Education in Zambia

In many regions of Zambia, there is a shortage of qualified nurses. Health facilities are under heavy strain, and access to high-quality education is limited for many young people.

 

At the same time, the demand for well-trained nursing staff is high, particularly in rural areas.

The project “Scaling Up Decentralized Education for Nurses (SUDEN)” addresses this situation. It is financially supported by LED and other partners and is implemented in cooperation with the Zambian Ministry of Health. The aim is to decentralize practical nursing education and establish it nationwide.

 

The training model is based on integrating nursing education systematically into hospitals and health facilities across the country, rather than concentrating it in a small number of large hospitals. Students complete their training through a rotation system between colleges, hospitals, and rural health facilities. Doctors and nurses at participating sites are specifically trained to serve as mentors.

 

In addition, skills laboratories are established and used to provide practice-oriented training of clinical skills. In this way, a nationwide network of training sites is gradually being developed, which also strengthens local health services.

 

Together with the Ministry of Health, SolidarMed is introducing this decentralized training model in all provinces of Zambia.

 

The project contributes to improving the quality of education and increases the number of students who successfully complete their training. At the same time, the proportion of nurses working in rural areas after graduation is increasing. SUDEN therefore contributes to strengthening the health system and improving access to basic healthcare for the population.