An international medical mission led by Ekaterina Glok has completed its work in Zambian healthcare facilities. The main goal of the team was to reduce maternal and child mortality in the country and to mitigate the risk of postpartum hemorrhages, which pose the greatest threat to women in labor. Russian specialists provided high-level medical care, performed complex surgeries, and trained Zambian doctors.
The mission was carried out as part of the “World Volunteers” humanitarian program, supported by the Presidential Grants Foundation, the World Christian Association of Parliamentarians, and State Duma Deputy Dmitry Kuznetsov.
The mission was carried out as part of the “World Volunteers” humanitarian program, supported by the Presidential Grants Foundation, the World Christian Association of Parliamentarians, and State Duma Deputy Dmitry Kuznetsov.
TRAINING ZAMBIAN DOCTORS
The doctors worked at the University Teaching Hospital in Lusaka, the largest specialized hospital in the Zambian capital. Here, Russian specialists treated 45 patients and, most importantly, shared their expertise with Zambian colleagues: training 21 gynecologists, 13 surgeons, and 8 oncologists.
They conducted a master class on the most gentle method of performing cesarean sections, delivered a lecture on shoulder dystocia and its prevention, and practiced hands-on techniques for managing dystocia using simulators.
In an interview with *AI*, Ekaterina Glok and her colleagues highlighted the high standard of healthcare in Zambia, which is one of the leading African nations in this area. The mission team hopes the knowledge they shared will further enhance Zambia’s medical outcomes.
They conducted a master class on the most gentle method of performing cesarean sections, delivered a lecture on shoulder dystocia and its prevention, and practiced hands-on techniques for managing dystocia using simulators.
In an interview with *AI*, Ekaterina Glok and her colleagues highlighted the high standard of healthcare in Zambia, which is one of the leading African nations in this area. The mission team hopes the knowledge they shared will further enhance Zambia’s medical outcomes.
COMPLEX SURGERIES
The mission focused on complex surgical procedures. For instance, maxillofacial surgeon Anatoly Atasov from Orenburg successfully removed a stage IV malignant tumor of the upper jaw alongside Zambian colleagues. The operation lasted about five hours, and the patient reported significant improvement just days later. He is now set to undergo chemotherapy and a lengthy rehabilitation process.
The mission also assisted with the first vertical births in Lusaka. Ekaterina Glok demonstrated new obstetric methods to local specialists that make delivery easier while protecting the perineum from tears. She also trained them in careful management of the third stage of labor, which helps reduce the risk of postpartum hemorrhages. Additionally, the Russian doctors managed shoulder dystocia during deliveries, showcasing the "corkscrew maneuver" to quickly and safely deliver the baby while minimizing trauma and asphyxia risks.
The mission focused on complex surgical procedures. For instance, maxillofacial surgeon Anatoly Atasov from Orenburg successfully removed a stage IV malignant tumor of the upper jaw alongside Zambian colleagues. The operation lasted about five hours, and the patient reported significant improvement just days later. He is now set to undergo chemotherapy and a lengthy rehabilitation process.
The mission also assisted with the first vertical births in Lusaka. Ekaterina Glok demonstrated new obstetric methods to local specialists that make delivery easier while protecting the perineum from tears. She also trained them in careful management of the third stage of labor, which helps reduce the risk of postpartum hemorrhages. Additionally, the Russian doctors managed shoulder dystocia during deliveries, showcasing the "corkscrew maneuver" to quickly and safely deliver the baby while minimizing trauma and asphyxia risks.
HUMANITARIAN AID
The mission donated humanitarian aid to the University Teaching Hospital in Lusaka and other clinics, including a cesarean section kit and 15 packets of dry ultrasound gel concentrate, enough to produce 450 kg of gel. The Presidential Grants Foundation helped procure the necessary equipment and materials critical for diagnosis and treatment.
The mission was conducted at the invitation of local authorities and members of parliament, with support from Rossotrudnichestvo and the Russian Embassy. The medical team was granted all necessary permits and provided with suitable living conditions during their stay, allowing them to achieve their goals successfully.
The mission donated humanitarian aid to the University Teaching Hospital in Lusaka and other clinics, including a cesarean section kit and 15 packets of dry ultrasound gel concentrate, enough to produce 450 kg of gel. The Presidential Grants Foundation helped procure the necessary equipment and materials critical for diagnosis and treatment.
The mission was conducted at the invitation of local authorities and members of parliament, with support from Rossotrudnichestvo and the Russian Embassy. The medical team was granted all necessary permits and provided with suitable living conditions during their stay, allowing them to achieve their goals successfully.
«SUPPORTING MULTIPLE AFRICAN COUNTRIES
Zambia was the third country visited by Ekaterina Glok’s International Medical Mission. Previously, the team had traveled to Cameroon and Uganda, where they also provided significant training and medical assistance.
In Cameroon, where the healthcare system faces numerous challenges, including high child mortality and a shortage of oncologists, Russian specialists were a tremendous asset. They performed surgeries and trained local doctors in central hospitals.
In Uganda, the team assisted over 80 patients in a short time, successfully performing life-saving operations on newborns. During their stay, they signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Ugandan authorities, paving the way for the creation of a Russian medical hub in the country.
Zambia was the third country visited by Ekaterina Glok’s International Medical Mission. Previously, the team had traveled to Cameroon and Uganda, where they also provided significant training and medical assistance.
In Cameroon, where the healthcare system faces numerous challenges, including high child mortality and a shortage of oncologists, Russian specialists were a tremendous asset. They performed surgeries and trained local doctors in central hospitals.
In Uganda, the team assisted over 80 patients in a short time, successfully performing life-saving operations on newborns. During their stay, they signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Ugandan authorities, paving the way for the creation of a Russian medical hub in the country.
Looking ahead, the mission plans to continue its work in Africa, expanding its reach to assist and train local specialists. One key priority is establishing a Russian medical center in Kampala, Uganda’s capital, which would not only provide regular medical services but also foster collaboration between Russian and African healthcare professionals.
Oleg Glok, Andrey Dubrovsky
Oleg Glok, Andrey Dubrovsky