LivingZimbabwe.com » Health

Medical Misadventure In Zimbabwe

LivingZim — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 11:45:04 +0000

Statistics show that chronic diseases such as caner and diabetes are on the rise in developing nations. A number of these nations are still battling infectious diseases such as HIV. Having to deal with both infectious and chronic diseases puts even more pressure on health systems that are already struggling to cope. Zimbabwe’s brain drain of medical professionals has further compounded this situation due to the shortage of nurses, doctors and specialists.

The increase in the prevalence of chronic diseases has lead to the need for more specialists such as oncologists for cancer management. In the case of diabetics, there may be a need for them to have access to a team of specialists that may include an endocrinologist, nutritionist, eye doctor and cardiologist. Not all of these specialists will be at the publics’ disposal and if they are, there is a limited choice as to whom someone can visit about a particular condition.

This may lead to a predicament where lets say for example there is only one or two specialist in a particular field in the whole of Harare. This for a number of reasons is not a good situation for those seeking medical attention. Doctors don’t always get it right and patients may be in a situation where they are not showing any signs of progress. With the limited choice of medical care, patients become reliant on one person for their disease management. Under normal conditions, if someone is not showing signs of progress, it is always a good idea to get a second opinion. With not being able to do that and living with a condition that is progressively deteriorating, a point will eventually and unnecessarily be reached where nothing can be done.

Just like everywhere else in the world, specialist visits come at a cost and you would hope that you are getting the best care possible. If after repeated visits and interventions and it is plain to see that a patient is not showing signs of progress you would hope the specialist would suggest other options. One feasible option is seeking medical attention outside of Zimbabwe with a good option being neighbouring South Africa.

Some people in Zimbabwe have the means of making their way to South Africa to explore treatment options. Due to various circumstances such as the logistics of booking the necessary appointments, the prospect of travelling abroad seems like a very daunting task.

Every life is worth living and you only have one life to live. Whether or not you or they (doctors) may not like to admit it, there is only so much treatment you can get in Zimbabwe. If you, a family member or a friend are in a situation where it seems as if all hope has been lost and treatment options abroad have not been explored, then do what it takes to make it happen. It may not be too late!

Inside a Zimbabwean Jail

LivingZim — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 12:41:00 +0000

A quick taste of life in a Zimbabwean jail – SHOCKING!!!

Red Cross Launches Zimbabwe Appeal

LivingZim — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 17:45:00 +0000

The British Red Cross launched an appeal on 11 December to help thousands of people affected by cholera and food shortages in Zimbabwe and the surrounding region.

In Zimbabwe, the Red Cross has been on the ground since the beginning of the cholera epidemic, focusing largely on public education. Cholera is a treatable and curable disease, but people need to know the simple steps they can take to minimise or even eliminate risk of the disease.

In the last two weeks, Red Cross volunteers have reached more than 11,000 people with health and hygiene messages. Funds have also been used to provide cholera kits and water purification equipment, which are being distributed to affected communities.

The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is increasing its assistance across the region in response to the worsening humanitarian situation and further funding is vitally needed. The appeal will support emergency relief to support health, water and sanitation, and hygiene needs.

Donations can be made on their website – Zimbabwe Appeal

There Is No Cholera In Zimbabwe

LivingZim — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 11:46:00 +0000

Cholera, the Zimbabwe Killer

LivingZim — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 17:26:00 +0000

Cholera according to the world health organization is:
an acute intestinal infection caused by ingestion of food or water contaminated with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. It has a short incubation period and produces an enterotoxin that causes a copious, painless, watery diarrhoea that can quickly lead to severe dehydration and death if treatment is not promptly given. Vomiting also occurs in most patients.

Cholera is hitting Zimbabwe hard at the moment with an estimated 300 people having succumbed, 6,000 reported cases and 1.4 million people at risk. Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA), the government body responsible for water provisions and sewage management has failed to provide adequate services which has lead to the cholera outbreak. Those who once had running tap water now have no choice but to seek out water in shallow wells and rivers but the pools of stagnant sewage dotted around the streets does not make the situation any better.

The already crippled health system is struggling to ease the situation and for all we know, the actual number of people with cholera could be well above the reported estimates. The government has been urged by Zimbabwe’s Medical Association to declare a national disaster which would bring aid to ease the situation. At the moment it seems as if the Zanu PF government may not see the need to take such measures. With the onset of the rainy season the epidemic could get a whole lot worse and see many more people dying.