Zimbabwe: Treating non-communicable diseases

SolidarMed improves access to and quality of medical care for diabetes, high blood pressure, oral conditions, and other non-communicable diseases.

Non-communicable diseases are already responsible for around a third of deaths in Zimbabwe, yet there is a lack of awareness, equipment and medicines, particularly in rural regions. SolidarMed is developing new services, supporting capacity building and conducting research to improve quality of care.

Keyfacts

Aim of the project

To reduce the disease burden from non-communicable diseases.
Target groups

Patients with non-communicable diseases and groups at high risk of disease in the rural Masvingo Province.
Milestones

Opening of the second and third specialist clinic that now cares for 500 patients.
Methods

Training healthcare professionals, providing medicines and equipment, diagnosing and treating patients, raising awareness among high-risk groups.

Keyfacts

Zimbabwe

Health services and training in diagnosis and treatment

Despite the high disease burden from NCDs, health workers in Zimbabwe are mostly lacking up-to-date knowledge about these conditions. SolidarMed therefore trains doctors and nurses to correctly diagnose and treat diseases such as high blood pressure and diabetes. This also includes detecting eye damage, for example by carrying out opthalmoscopies in order to deliver timely treatment for eye damage caused by high blood glucose levels and therefore to prevent blindness. Health workers are also trained to educate and raise awareness.

SolidarMed supports the health authorities in the Masvingo Province in the south-east of the country in tackling the double burden of communicable and non-communicable diseases

Diabetes-Screening in Chiremwaremwamarket.

Diabetes Screening in Chiremwaremwamarket.

The demand for diabetes screening in Chiremwaremwamarket is high.

Improving diabetes treatment also involves education and free blood glucose tests, like this one being conducted in Bikita, Zimbabwe.

Procuring vital medicines and medical equipment

SolidarMed provides equipment such as blood pressure monitors, blood glucose meters and dental equipment, and assists the authorities in procuring the necessary medicines. In this way, SolidarMed is tackling the widespread shortage of medical equipment, medicines and consumables needed for the treatment of non-communicable diseases.

Awareness and health policy

SolidarMed educates the public about the importance of a healthy diet and regular exercise to tackle the increase in diseases such as high blood pressure and diabetes. Another priority is oral hygiene to prevent tooth decay. SolidarMed runs awareness campaigns on this, mainly in primary schools. SolidarMed is also in regular touch with health officials and the government to contribute to a health policy that supports services in the area of non-communicable diseases in the long term.

Your donation prevents suffering

Your valuable donation allows us to raise public awareness about diabetes, high blood pressure and tooth decay in rural Zimbabwe, and to deliver timely treatment to those affected. Thank you so much!

e.g. diabetes medication for 4 people for 1 month _CHF60

e.g. Diabetes tests for 20 pregnant women _CHF100

e.g. 30 check-ups for diabetics _CHF150