About GAZHP
A diaspora-led alliance strengthening healthcare systems in Zambia.
Our Mission
Our mission is to make a lasting, positive impact on Zambia’s healthcare system by driving innovation through technology, research, and continuous medical education. We are committed to launching voluntary projects that uplift the health of vulnerable communities and aim to be one of the most influential diaspora-led groups advancing healthcare delivery across the nation.
Our Story
Our story begins in Zambia — a nation that has produced countless skilled and passionate healthcare professionals, many of whom now practice around the world. Among them are those who have carried with them a deep desire to give back to the country that shaped them.
One such individual is Dr. David Kazhila, a Cardiologist and Internal Medicine Specialist based in Ontario, Canada, with over 25 years of clinical experience. His vision of mobilizing the Zambian diaspora to improve healthcare back home gave birth to the Global Alliance of Zambian Healthcare Professionals (GAZHP).
How It All Began
In March 2019, Dr. Kazhila was invited to join Zambia Blog Talk Radio (ZBTR), an online radio platform whose goal is to reach Zambians in the diaspora and consolidate individual contributions toward Zambia. During one of ZBTR’s Saturday discussions, he was asked a simple but powerful question: “What about you, doctor? What could you as doctors do to help?”
The question briefly caught him off guard because he was being asked what he had been asking others — a question for which he had no immediate answer. After the interview, Dr. Kazhila decided that he needed to do something.
In July 2019, Dr. Kazhila traveled to Fredericton, New Brunswick in Canada to discuss the question with a close friend, Dr. Sebastian Benaya, another Cardiologist and Internal Medicine Specialist. Together, they explored several ideas and settled on the vision of setting up a state-of-the-art hospital in Zambia that would offer the same services they provided to patients abroad.
They quickly realized that for this vision to work, it would require engagement and collaboration with other doctors across the globe, including those practicing in Zambia. As a result, they reached out to colleagues such as Dr. John Musonda, a practicing family medicine physician based in South Africa. Soon after, Dr. Lorita Kabwe, a cardiologist practicing in Zambia, joined the initiative.
By August 2019, twenty doctors were on board. By September 2019, the number of healthcare professionals involved — including nursing staff — had grown to forty. Today, GAZHP includes professionals from diverse backgrounds, all contributing to the healthcare sector.
Discussions continued through WhatsApp group chats and Zoom meetings as the vision developed further. In September 2019, Dr. Kazhila traveled to Dallas to attend the 10th Anniversary Celebration of Zambia Blog Talk Radio, which was also attended by the then Zambian Ambassador to the United States of America, Dr. Ngosa Simbyakula.
After listening to Dr. Kazhila’s presentation, the Ambassador suggested the formation of an organization to give structure and momentum to the idea. Also present at the event was Ms. Yareka Mhango, who delivered a compelling presentation on behalf of a group called Anakazi. Her contribution impressed Dr. Kazhila’s wife, who encouraged him to approach her with a view to bringing her on board.
Formal Establishment
Further meetings were held to develop a framework for the organization and to select a name and logo. The first executive team was formed, comprising Dr. David Kazhila, Dr. Sebastian Benaya, Dr. John Musonda, Ms. Yareka Mhango, Dr. Joseph Yikona, Dr. Pierre Dil, Mr. Steven Moyo, and Ms. Nyuma Harrison.
In December 2019, the Global Alliance of Zambian Healthcare Professionals (GAZHP) was formally registered as a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization in the State of Delaware, United States, with plans to register in other parts of the world in due course.
This Story Has Just Begun
This story has just begun. We look forward to your participation in this journey to deliver meaningful and lasting healthcare benefits to the people of Zambia.