A specialist training fund of £200,000 has been set up by the Scottish Government to allow 3 Doctors from Zambia and Malawi to advance their skills in Scotland.

The Livingstone Fellowship Scheme, provided through the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges and Faculties in Scotland will also enable a further 8 doctors to receive smaller amounts of funding for training.

Dr Alasdair Allan,International Development Minister in the Scottish Government said:

photo Scot Gov

“I’m delighted that we are able to expand this valuable programme and extend it to Zambia, as a key partner country.

“In the past the Livingstone Fellowship Scheme has enabled doctors in Malawi to significantly increase their expertise and take those skills home for the benefit of their country.

“It is fitting that Dr David Livingstone’s legacy, which have left equally strong links between Scotland and Zambia, is also reflected in the award of these fellowships.

“I’m looking forward to getting the chance to see how our investment is supporting the excellent initiatives developed in Zambia, that are making a very real difference on a daily basis to the local population, not only now but for years to come.”

“I am also looking forward to discussing how Scotland and Zambia can further collaborate in areas like global health, as we develop our NHS Scotland Global Citizenship Programme.”

The training of experienced doctors from Zambia and Malawi then enables them to return as consultants and  pass on their experience and enhanced skills empowering the medical community in their respective nations.