Defence School of Health Sciences

A team of Public Relations Practitioners from the Ministry of Defence are among 42 participants who have attended a Government Public Relations and Crisis Communication Training in Siavonga District.

The training was organised by the Zambia Institute of Mass Communication (ZAMCOM) in conjunction with the Ministry of Information and Media.

Ministry of Information and Media Permanent Secretary Mr. Thabo Kawana officially opened the training on Monday and called on PR practitioners to be proactive and communicate government information timely.

The Continuous Professional Development (CPD) equipped the participants with practical knowledge and professional skills in managing Government Public Relations, understanding crisis communication and its importance in maintaining public trust and institutional credibility.

Other lessons involved how to anticipate and prepare for crisis situations, the role and functions of a Crisis Management Team (CMT), and how to effectively develop and implement crisis communication strategies.

A number of highly qualified and experienced facilitators took the PR practitioners in lessons involving designing and testing Crisis Communication Plans (CCPs), creating effective social media response plans during emergencies, and crafting clear and impactful key messages tailored to target audiences during crisis situations.

From the Ministry of Defence, the participants were Zambia Army Deputy Director Civil Military Affairs Col Cynthia Chimpusa, Defence School of Health Sciences Public Relations Officer Capt Rita Maanga Lubinda, Zambia Army Public Relations Assistant WOI Bwalya Nkandu, Maina Soko Medical Centre Public Relations Assistants Sgt Kennedy Mukuka and Mr. Gabriel Mwansa and Ministry of Defence Principal Public Relations Officer Mr. Paul Shalala.

*The Defence School of Health Sciences Participates in International Nurses Day 2026*

The Defence School of Health Sciences (DSHS) participated in the International Nurses Day 2026 celebrations held at the Mulungushi International Conference Center on May 12, following a march past from the University of Zambia.

The event was graced by Minister of Health Dr. Alex Katakwe, who delivered a speech on behalf of Her Honour the Vice President, Mrs. Mutale Nalumango.

In her address, the Vice President recognized and appreciated nurses for their dedication to healthcare. She also acknowledged the Government’s ongoing recruitment of nurses into the public service.

Speaking on behalf of nurses, the President of the Zambia Union of Nurses and Midwives Organization (ZUNMO), Mr. Fred Michelo, stressed the importance of providing nurses with protective wear and new uniforms annually.

He also called for clear, standardized job descriptions and duties for all nursing staff.

During the awards presentation, Brian Mambo Phiri — a former DSHS student from Intake 04 of 2020 and current volunteer in the surgical ward at Maina Soko Medical Centre — was recognized as one of the best hard-working volunteer nurses.

Speaking after receiving the award, Mambo said he felt privileged and grateful for the honor. He credited DSHS for his well-nurtured nursing training background.

Student nurses from DSHS also presented a poem and sung a song interpreted in sign language, emphasizing the importance of sign language training for nursing students to improve communication with hearing-impaired patients.

Also in attendance were nursing students and staff from the Defence School of Health Sciences.

*Ministry of Defence Claims Third Prize at Labour Day March Past*
The Defence School of Health Sciences participated in the march past under the Ministry of Defence during the 2026 Labour Day commemorations in Lusaka. The Ministry of Defence was awarded third prize for its performance in the march past.

The event was graced by her honour the Vice President Mrs. Mutale Nalumango

DSHS CATERING DEPARTMENT HOLDS A CONTINUOUS "CLEAN AS YOU GO" TRAINING

Major Nisa Chakupa the catering Officer at DSHS has embarked on training her catering team on food safety.

Major Chakupa trains her staff every Monday on how to handle raw ingredients, separate chopping boards, avoiding contamination of food and separation of raw food and cooked food.

She emphasized the role the knife plays in all aspects of the kitchen.

Major Chakupa emphasised on a clean kitchen and proper storage of food coupled with washing and handling of utensils.

She said hygienic steps must be followed to avoid food contamination which can be fatal if not handled with caution.

DFSHS Trains Snake Handling Instructors to Boost Safety

By Buffalo Reporter

Two instructors from Defence School of Health Sciences (DSHS) have completed a specialised snake handling and awareness training programme as trainer of trainers.

The course, conducted by ‘Snake Alive’ Zambia International (SAZI), equipped them with skills to identify, avoid, and manage snake encounters in deployment zones and training areas.

The training covered snake species identification, habitats, behaviour, and emergency first aid for snakebites.

The Defence School of Health Sciences aims to provide comprehensive training addressing all potential threats, ensuring personnel are prepared and resilient.

The snake handling programme is a new course introduced at the defence school for Military Medical Assistants, adding to the robust training regimen for service members.

Participants learned practical techniques and theoretical knowledge to minimise risks and protect personnel.

The training isn't just about handling snakes but also it's about minimising risks and protecting our personnel," said the instructors.

The Defence School of Health Sciences participated in the Youth Day activities at Lusaka Show Grounds, graced by Hon. Sheal Mulyata, Lusaka Province Minister. The event was held under the theme: Arise and Soar.