DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH AND CLINICAL PSYCHIATRY

The department is responsible for the training of the Clinical Officer Psychiatry. This is a post-basic programme which is open to all qualified Clinical Officers General who are in possession of five 'O' level passes or its equivalent including English Language, Mathematics and any Science subjects, and would have been in the field for 2 years or more.
PROGRAMME CONTENT
The programme runs for the period of 12 months starting January each year. 20 students are admitted each year for the training and usually reside in the College hostels occupying a room each. The curriculum is designed in such a way that a bio-pyschosocial approach to health care and the understanding and investigation of psychiatric problems is emphasised in the training of the students. The theory work is done at the College followed by practical work at Chainama Hospital and various provincial hospitals. The main subjects taught are
Psychiatry
Psychology
Sociology
Counselling
Research
Administration.
AWARDS - Graduates are awarded with Diploma in Clinical Medical Sciences (Psychiatry).

DEPARTMENT OF NURSING EDUCATION

The Department offers training for the Registered Mental Nurse Cadre. Eligible students should have a Registered General Nurse certificate with a minimum of 2 years work experience plus 5 'O' level passes or its equivalent including English Language, Mathematics and any Science subjects except Agricultural Science. There is also an age limit of not more than 30 years at the time of entry. The course is open to all although international applicants are advised to apply through the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, P.O. Box 30205, Lusaka, Zambia.

DURATION - The course runs for 18 months and students may be admitted either in January or July of each year.
SUBJECTS COVERED -
Applied Anatomy and Physiology of the Nervous and Endocrine System.
Principles and Practice of Psychiatric Nursing.
Introduction to Community Mental Health Nursing.
Power politics and psychiatric Nursing objectives.
Psychiatry and psychopathology.
Sociology and family dynamics.
Psychology of human behaviour.
Practicum.
Educational visits
Nursing Research.
PROGRAMME ARRANGEMENT
Orientation period 2 weeks
Study blocks/internal examinations 30 weeks
Ward based Clinical experience 21 weeks
Experience in special areas 6 weeks
Community Mental Health Field experience 6 weeks
Holiday 4 weeks
Rural setting experience 8 weeks
Final examinations 1 week

DEPARTMENT OF CLINICAL MEDICINE

The department of Clinical Medicine is responsible for training Clinical Officers General. It provides a sound training programme whose emphasis is in practical training. The overall expectation is that the students upon completion of the course should acquire skills to make accurate diagnosis of diseases, treat and manage them appropriately.
COURSE CONTENTS - At the end of the three year period of study, the student should have covered the following courses:

Basic Sciences
Clinical Methods
General and Orthopaedic Surgery
Paediatrics and Child health
Internal Medicine
Psychiatry
Community Health and Primary Health Care
Nursing
Obstetrics and Gynaecology
ASSESSMENT: - There are two major examinations conducted in conjunction with the Examinations Council of Health Sciences. These are:

Medicine
Surgery
Health Promotion
Community Health
Paediatrics
Obstetrics and Gynaecology
Psychiatry
At the Final level, the examinable courses are -
Medical and Surgical Emergencies
Obstetrics and Gynaecology
Administration
Medical laboratory
Psychiatry
Community Health
Health Promotion.
Screening
Course work is an important part of assessment procedure. Each student has to pass the session's course work before continuing to the next year of the course.
AWARDS - Upon successful completion of the course, students are awarded with a Diploma in Clinical Medical Sciences by the Examinations Council of Health Sciences

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH & HYGIENE

COURSE OBJECTIVES: The department of Environmental health and Hygiene is responsible for training Environmental Health Technologists. Their training programme emphasizes more on prevention. Students upon completion of their course are supposed to acquire knowledge and skills in Environmental Health activitties or services and on the team approach (both sectoral and intersectoral) in the improvement of health care delivery.
The course is designed to train Environmental Health Technologists with the main objective of preparing them to adopt an integrated approach in solving health problems. The graduates are expected to have acquired the capity on the following -
Analyse the local health status of a community and the performance of its health care system.
Identify points at which interventions can be made to iprove health care delivery.
Plan interventions and execute them.
Evaluate the effectiveness of activities in the plan of action.The emphasis of this course is placed on planning, execution of activities or services and on the team approach (both sectoral and intersectoral) in the improvement of health care delivery.
METHODS USED IN TEACHING: The course offers an opportunity for participants to prepare themselves through participation in a continuous learning process. The methods used include: - Lectures, Discussions, Group Presentations, Individual, Exercises, Study Visits, Field Practicals which includes camping, Self study and Written Assignments. The College is responsible for the organisation and administration of Joint Introductory course and Internal Assessment Examinations. The intermediate and Final year Examinations are organised and administered by the Medical Council of Zambia through External Examiners at the end of second and third academic year.
COURSE OUTLINE: The duration for this course is three calendar years. The courses are divided into six semester examinable blocks of six months each. The students are expected to acquire skills in forty-six subjects which are related to Public Health. These subjects are classified under the following broad headings:
Applied Sciences
Laboratory Sciences
Biomedical Sciences
Social - Mental Sciences
Building Sciences
Communication Skills
Community Health
Sanitation
Management of Solid wastes and Human Remains
Disease and Pest Control
Meat Inspection
Food Sciences.
Management and Public health Administration
Principles of law
Health Systems Research
Environmental Pollution and Hazards control.

Academic Programmes

The College is organised into 6 departments and 4 units
Department of Environmental Health and Hygiene
Department of Clinical Medicine.
Department of Nursing Education.
Department of Mental Health and Clinical Psychiatry.
Department of Basic Sciences.
Projects Unit.
Teaching Health Centre.
Research Unit.
Dean of Students Unit.
Department of Centre for Continuing Education in Health.

Courses Offered

Two Basic courses are offered to Secondary School leavers
Diploma in Clinical Medical Sciences (General).
Entry Qualifications - Five GCE 'O' levels with credits in English Language, Maths, Biology, Sciences, i.e. ither Physics or Chemistry, or combined plus another subject (except Local Language or Religious knowledge)
Duration - 3 years for school leavers and 2 years for Clinical Officer Pychiatry who hold the above qualifications. 15
Diploma in Environmental Health Technology
Entry Qualifications - Five GCE 'O' levels with credits, which must include English language, Maths, Biology, Science, i.e Physics or Chemistry. Technical/Geometrical drawing is an added advantage.
Duration: Three (3) years.
Post-Basic Courses
Diploma in Clinical Medical Sciences (Psychiatry)
Entry qualification - Applicants for course (I) must be in possession of 5 GCE 'O' levels plus Clinical Officer General with at least three years experience, and, Registered with Medical Council of Zambia.
Diploma in Registered Mental Health Nursing
Entry Qualification - Must be a qualified Clinical Officer General, Three years post qualification experience, Registred with Medical Council of Zambia.
Duration - One year
Diploma in Registered Mental Nursing
Entry Qualifications - Must be a qualified Registred Nurse; Two years post qualification experience; Registered with Genral Nursing Council
Duration: Eighteen months (1 1/2 years)
In Service Training Courses
CLINICAL MANAGEMENT AND COUNSELLING OF HIV/AIDS
TARGET GROUP: Clinical Officers, Nurses in Public/Private
HEALTH Institutions, Tutors, Clinical Teachers
DURATION: Two weeks
HEALTH SYSTEMS MANAGEMENT
TARGET GROUP: All HEALTH Workers in Management Positions.
DURATION: Two weeks
MANAGEMENT OF MALARIA
TARGET GROUP: Clinical Officers, Nurses, Environmental HEALTH Technologists, Laboratory Technicians
DURATION: One Week
MANAGEMENT OF ESSENTIAL DRUGS
TARGET GROUP: Clinical Officer, Pharmacy Technicians, Nurses,Environmental HEALTH Technologist, HEALTH Centre Administrators
DURATION: Two weeks
NURSING PROCESS: A SCIENTIFIC APPROACH TO NURSING CARE
TARGET GROUP: All Nursing Cadres
DURATION: One week
MEAT INSPECTION SKILLS
TARGET GROUP: Environmental HEALTH Technologists In Governmental And Private Companies
Four Weeks
MEDICINE UPDATE
TARGET GROUP: Clinical Officers, Registered Nurses
DURATION: Two Weeks
PRIMARY EYE CARE
TARGET GROUP: Clinical Officers, Nurses, Industrial Workers.
DURATION: Two Weeks
HEALTH SYSTEMS RESEARCH AND PROJECTS MANAGEMENT
TARGET GROUP: Programme Coordinators, Tutors, Administrators, HEALTH Education Officers, HEALTH Inspectors, Public HEALTH Nurses, Environmental HEALTH Technologists
DURATION: Three Weeks
MEDICAL LEGAL ASPECTS OF PSYCHIATRY PATIENTS
TARGET GROUP: Clinical Officers Psychiatry, Registered Mental HEALTH Nurses, Enrolled Psychiatric Nurses, Margistrates, Police Officers, Drug Enforcement Commission Officers, Social Workers, Psychologists
DURATION: One Week
MEDICAL SURGICAL EMERGENCIES/AMBULANCE PATIENT CARE
TARGET GROUP: Clinical officers General/Psychiatry and Nurses working in HEALTH Centres, Out patient department and emergency wards
DURATION: Two Weeks
MEDICAL LABORATORY UPDATE AND MANAGEMENT
TARGET GROUP: Laboratory Technicians, Laboratory Assistants, Clinical Officers, Nurses, Environmental HEALTH Technologist
DURATION: One Week
PRIMARY EAR, NOSE, THROAT (ENT) CARE
TARGET GROUP: Clinical Officers, Nurses
DURATION: Two Weeks
CONTROL OF DIARRHOEA DISEASES
TARGET GROUP; Clinical Officers, Environmental HEALTH Technologist, Nurses, Programme Co-ordinators in N.G.Os
DURATION One Week
CERTIFICATE IN PUBLIC HEALTH
TARGET GROUP: Clinical Officers, Registered Nurses, Environmental Health Technologist, Other HEALTH Workers, Projects Managers and Co-oridinators in N.G.Os
DURATION: 12 Weeks (Non - Resident)
SAFE WATER AND SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT
TARGET GROUP: Enviromental HEALTH Technicians, Public HEALTH Nurses and Clinical Officers
DURATION: Two weeks
REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH (MCH)
TARGET GROUP: Family HEALTH Nurses, Registered Midwives, Zambia Enrolled Midwives, Environmental HEALTH Technologist, Clinical Officers, Teachers, HEALTH Workers in NGOs
DURATION: Two weeks
SAFE WATER AND SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT
TARGET GROUP Environmental HEALTH Technologist, Public HEALTH Nurses and Clinical Officers.
DURATION: Two weeks
MEDICAL EPIDEMIOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT OF EPIDEMICS
TARGET GROUP Environmental HEALTH Technicians, Public HEALTH Nurses, Family HEALTH Nurses, Infection Control Nurses, Clinical Officers, HEALTH Workers in Private Sectors, Any other interested persons.
DURATION: Two Weeks
INTERNATIONAL CLASSIFICATION OF DISEASES (ICD-10)
TARGET GROUP: Clinical Officers Psychiatry, Registered Mental HEALTH Nurses, Tutors,
DURATION: 2 Weeks
FAMILY PLANNING
TARGET GROUP: Nurses, Clinical Officers and Environmental HEALTH Technologist, HIV/AIDS Counsellors, School Teachers
DURATION: Two Weeks
PRINCIPLES AND TECHNIQUES OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT IN HEALTH
TARGET GROUP: Clinical Officers, Clinical Instructors, Registered Nurses, Social Workers, Psychologists, Environmental HEALTH Technologist, Project Managers/Co-ordinators in NGOs
DURATION: Two Weeks
ORAL HEALTH UPDATE
TARGET GROUP: Dental Clinical Officers, Clinical Officer General, Nurses.
DURATION: One week
PSYCHIATRY UPDATE - RECENT INNOVATIONS IN TREATMENT PROTOCALS AND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
TARGET GROUP: Clinical Officers Psychiatry, Registered Mental HEALTH Nurses
DURATION: Two Weeks
NB: Individuals, HEALTH Boards and Private Organisations wishing to sponsor their employees on our National Courses can get details from The Registrar. Applications should be made through their Supervisors to:

International Students

Chainama College of Health Sciences has a number of foreign students and a good number so far have graduated from the College over a number of years. The college still welcomes foreign students as it seeks to strengthen international relations in the region and currently a reasonable number of foreign students are studying in the College.
Method of application - Application is made on a prescribed Admission form, which can be obtained by writing to the Registrar of the College.
English Proficiency - In general only those foreign students who have a good command of both written and spoken English will be selected for admission. A student whose native language is not English or who was not educated in an English speaking country must show proof of English proficiency course taken prior to admission in the College.
Selection procedures - The admission to the College is on merit. The applicants should understand that the satisfaction of minimum requirement does not automatically guarantee admission.
It is a very competitive selection process. The College admissions and selection committee is the final authority in the selecting of candidates. It comprises all Heads of Departments chaired by a designated chairperson drawn from among the heads on behalf of the College Registrar. The majority of the students admitted to the College are sponsored by the Ministry of Health, however, students are encouraged to source for sponsorship from individual or organizations.

Admission

The College encourages application from suitable candidates of both sexes from all cultural, Racial, Religious and Ethnic groups in its commitment to widening of access to higher and continuing education.

Application form - The application for admission should be made on a prescribed application which can be obtained from the Admissions Office of the College.
Application fee - The application for admission form is issued by the Admissions Office on payment of ZK30,000.00 (Thirty Thousand Zambian Kwacha) non-refundable fee.
Interview - Those applicants who meet the minimum entry requirements are called for an interview.
Aptitude Test - All Government sponsored applicants are required to sit for an Aptitude Test organised by the College. The applicant is required to pay prescribed amount to sit for an Aptitude Test. Self/Privately sponsored students do not require the Aptitude Test.

MEDICAL FITNESS

Each student admitted to the College is required to submit a certificate of Medical Fitness duly signed by a Government Medical Officer before he/she can be registered.

The College

The Chainama College of Health Sciences, with a population of 650 full time students and 400 In-Service short courses participants; 50 full time and 20 part time academic staff, is the only institution in the country which trains Clinical Officers General/Environmental Health Technologists, Registered Mental Nurses and Clinical Officers Psychiatry. The curative as well as promotive/preventive Health services in the country can not run effectively without profound contribution from this College. Quantity and Quality of health services, starting from the remote parts of the republic to the district, provincial and up to the central level are dependent on the graduates of this College. Primary Health Care in the country, especially in the peri-Urban and Rural areas, depends largely on Environmental Health Technologists and Clinical Officers, who are specifically trained with community needs in mind. The Broad Primary Health Care objective - "Health for all by the year 2000 and beyond", can only be realized by training these cadres. In other words, Chainama College of Health Sciences is the backbone of the country's curative as well as promotive and preventive health services.

BACKGROUND

The institution gained College status in 1978. The first Director was a World Health Organisation consultant, Professor Manteur Perez, followed by Dr. Quobelo also a World Health Organisation (WHO) consultant. Before that, there were three different schools in various parts of the country which trained the different cadres:-
Medical Assistants at University Teaching Hospital (U.T.H)
Health Assistants at Katete Hospital and
Psychiatric Nurses at Chainama Hills HospitalEach school was under a different Principal. The original training of paramedicals can be traced as far back as 1936. There has been development of the various programmes in a some what patchy fashion until the amalgamation of the three schools into one College with its Director; the principals of the various schools became heads of their departments.

PRESENT ARRANGEMENT

The College falls under Chainama Hills College Hospital Board of Management and receives financial support from the Government through Ministry of Health Grant. The Policy of the present Government lays emphasis on further training of staff in relevant areas to meet the Nations Health Manpower needs. The onus, therefore, lies on the college to find well qualified and motivated Tutors and Lectures in relevant areas in order to produce high calibre College Graduates. The Learning experiences of the students are made possible in the present constraints, with emphasis on practical skills and supervised learning in rural areas alternating with more formal teaching. Achievements are measured using Continuous and Summative Assessment Examinations. Examining bodies are the Examinations Council of Health Sciences and the General Nursing Council of Zambia. The College Academic Board (CAB) formulates policy with regard to academic matters.

The Board is composed of -
The Dean - School of Medicine - UNZA ( Chairman)
The College Director Training (Vice Chairman)
The College Registrar (Secretary)
Seven Heads of College Departments
One Representative from:- Institutional Board of Directors ( Executive Director)
Ministry of Health Planning and Development
Medical Council of Zambia
General Nursing Council of Zambia
School of Medicine (UNZA)
Curriculum Development Centre
Dental School
Evelyn Hone College Paramedical Department
UNZA Main Campus (Great East Road Campus)

The College Comprises -
The main Campus - where the College Administration, the Lecture rooms, the centre for Continuing Education in Health, the library, the Audio-visual Unit, Dean of Student Affairs Office and Students hallsl of Residencel are located.
The teaching clinic - this is a model health centre where students practice under the supervision of Tutors and lecturers.
Project Areas - There are 14 Project Areas scattered throughtout the country where the students demonstrate their practical skills under the supervision and guidance of resident Clinical Instructors.

FUTURE PLANS

The present infrastructure of the College was designed to accommodate a specific number of students and courses only. With an increase in the number of courses offered especially short In-service courses the College is embarking on an ambitious expansion programme and has so far submitted to relevant institutions and organizations for possible assistance in the expansion programme. The College strives to assume a regional character in Health Human Resource Development as the Institution is already attracting students from other African countries.

FUTURE VISION

Chainama College of Health Sciences in the process of affiliation with the School of Medicine, University of Zambia has made progress in this respect. Once affiliated the College will have strong international recognition. The College endeavour to form academic links with other Colleges and Universities abroad. The future vision of the College is to offer its basic graduates further post-basic specialisation in various fields of their interest, with an international recognition at least in Southern, Central, Eastern and West African regions.

INSTITUTIONAL PHILOSOPHY

It is valuable to state the philosophy, values and assumptions upon which the College courses are based. These are:
The College Philosophy is based upon two tenets: ACCENT ON INDIVIDUAL and ACCENT ON EXCELLENCE. The College believes in the individual worthiness and especially encourages the RESPONSIBLE INDIVIDUAL who strives for EXCELLENCE in every activity.
That people learn through experience and practice, thus the courses must provide plenty of experience and opportunity to practice and learning experiences will value active student participation.
That good health workers are made, not born, and thus the courses are designed and implemented in such a way as to create the most useful learning experiences for each trainee.
That self direction and individual interests are the most powerful forces external to learning and development.
The self direction and individual interests are the most powerful forces exerted on learning and development.
Thus the learning experiences in the courses will rely heavily on the individuals' ability to direct themselves and to initiate action. Where this ability is not readily apparent it must be fostered.
That students are a valuable educational resource, and can valuably learn from each other. The use of students perceptors, student led groups and peer evaluation are all emphasized in these courses.
In order to foster a co-operative approach to Health care, it is necessary to adopt a co-operative approach to training. This approach is utilised in the courses through group projects, group assignments and evaluation.
That Medical Field is a noble profession. It is more than just bread and butter earner. It is a service to humanity. The programmes must consciously and deliberately incorporate this philosophy into programmes activities.

JOB OPPORTUNITIES FOR COLLEGE GRADUATES

On completion of three years basic course, all graduates are assured of a permanent job by their sponsors. The graduates from Chainama College of Health Sciences are morally, ethically and professionally of high calibre and integrity. With the ever expanding health sector, the job opportunities for our College graduates are unlimited in the Government, Parastatal and Private Sector alike.

ACCREDITATION

The Chainama College of Health Sciences is accredited to: The Medical Council of Zambia and the General Nursing Council of Zambia. Register appropriately qualified personnel and these bodies also monitor ethical and performance standards in the field and where this is violated, appropriate legal action is taken against such officers accordingly.

Contact us

For further information, queries and suggestions please get in touch with the following:

The Executive Director
Tel: 292444-6 Ext. 2000; 2001
Telefax: 291754
Box 30043
Lusaka

The Director (Training)
Tel: 292444-6 Ext. 2069
Telefax: 293858
Box 33991
Lusaka

The Director (Clinical Services)
Tel: 292444-6 Ext. 2087
Box 30043
Lusaka

Registrar of the College
Tel: 292444-6 Ext. 2079
Box 33991
Lusaka.

Email Address: skilslab@coppernet.zm

Chainama Hills College Hospital

LOCATION - Chainama Hills College Hospital is located approximately 10 kilometres East of Lusaka, on the Great East Road from City Centre, within Chainama Hills College Hospital Board of Management complex. Visitors travelling to Chainama Hills College Hospital board mini buses destined for Chelston from City centre bus stop.
The bus transport is quite efficient. The College Hospital Complex is on the fifth bus stop from city centre by the Great east Road. For visitors arriving by plane, there are a number of Cabs/Taxis and/or buses from Lusaka International Airport, they could ask the driver to leave them at the hospital complex which is about 15 minutes drive from the Airport on the left of Great East Road. (Map of the College Campus, Hospital and surrounding areas is given on the back of this prospectus).
MANAGEMENT BOARD - The Chainama College Hospital (comprising collge of Health Sciences and the Chainama Hills Hospital) has a Board of Directos comprising fourteen members appointed by the Minister of Health. The Chairman of the Board is Honourable Justice E. Sakala a distinguished judge of the Supreme Court.
ADMINISTRATION - The Executive Director is the Chief Executive of the whole institution. He is assisted by two Deputy Directors, namely: Drector Clinical Services and Director Training. The former is responsible for the day to day activities of the hospital while the latter is responsible for the running of the College of Health Sciences.
CLINICAL SERVICES - The Director Clinical Services is responsible for running the hospital part of the institution. A number of units or sections in the hospital carry out functions to a common goal of providing quality health Care to its patients and the public. The units comprise:-
FILTER CLINIC - The filter clinic is a consulting centre for persons with mental health problems. Out-patient services include screening of patients who may require admission into the hospital and reviews of out-patients.
WARDS B, C, D, E and F - There are basically two admission wards, B and C for female and male patients respectively. Ward D and E are rehabilitation wards for female and male patients respectively. F ward is for children and was adopted by Round Table XI. Patients in these wards are engaged in recreation activities according to their capabilities in order to help them lead an independent life upon discharge.
DAY CENTRE - The Day Centre which is a special school for mentally handicapped children was established in 1970 as a unit of Education and Mental Rehabilitation for the mentally handicapped children. A normal school calender is followed though during school holidays, some children attend reviews and receive medication. The main objective of the centre is to prepare the handicapped child to integrate into normal society. Classes for normal children have also be commenced.
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY - This unit is specialised in rehabilitative treatment to clients with various malfunctions. It assists mental patients by speeding up the recovery process and also helps identify skills and improve on them. Patients are engaged in capentry, weaving, cookery and tailoring.
RECREATION THERAPY - Patients are provided with this therapy for the treatment and restoration of the body and mind of the mentally ill. Some of the activities engaged in are Picnics, Sight-Seeing, Indoor games, Sporting games and traditional dancing.
PHYSIOTHERAPY - This unit has a role which is vital in treating patients using physical means and exercise. The aim is to restore and improve the patient's well being.
PSYCHOLOGY SERVICES - The service is the only one of its kind in Zambia. It plays a leading role in producing the most appropriate programme for patients after initial diagnostic treatment. The unit also carries out assessments of mentally handicapped, physically handicapped and disabled adults and children for placement in special schools, units and Colleges on behalf of the Ministry of Education. The Unit also carries out counselling of the patients and offer parental and family guidance.
SOCIAL WORK UNIT - The focus of the unit is on the social aspect of the mental disorders. This entails carrying out social investigations to establish the factors that could have led to a mental breakdown.
AMBULANCE SERVICES - The ambulance facility is free to in-patients but out-patients at the College Teaching Clinic have to pay a small fee for referral to the University Teaching Hospital.
TELEPHONE - A telephone service is available through the switch board and callers are connected to various extensions in the institution. Personal calls are paid for at a nominal fee, per three minutes, by the person using the facility.

Introduction

Zambia is a landlocked country situated north of the Zambezi River in Central Africa. The legendary Zambezi River flows through western Zambia and forms the southern border with Zimbabwe. This juncture is the mark of the Great Victoria Falls. Other major rivers include the kafue and Luangwa Rivers, which also flow into the Zambezi. Besides Zimbabwe, Zambia borders seven other countries, including Zaire, Malawi, Angola, Tanzania, Mozambique, Botswana and Namibia.
Zambia has a tropical climate and vegetation, with temperatures ranging from 14 to 35 degrees centigrade. There is a dry cooler period from May to August, a hot dry season during September and October and a wet warmer period from November to April. Generally, the areas in the north of the country receive the highest rainfall during the latter period. Zambia's fairly pleasant climate year round can be attributed to her high elevation and mostly plateaux land. Most of the country's vegetation is made up of savanna woodland and grassland. The Country, which looks like a lopsided butterfly, covers an area of 752,614 square kilometers, with an elevation of between 1,067m and 1,372m above sea level.
Lusaka is the Capital City of the Republic of Zambia. The International Airport is approximately 25 kilometeres East of the Lusaka City Centre. There is a reasonably efficient transport system and a number of Hotels of international standards