UK in Zimbabwe

17/07/2020

“I knew I could make a change”: Zimbabwean medical student Malone Mukwende writes handbook for black and brown skin. Looking for weekend inspiration? We interviewed him. Read on:

Malone Mukwende: I was born at Mbuya Nehanda Hospital, in Harare. I moved to the UK with my family when I was two years old. I am currently a second year medical student at St George’s, University of London. I decided to go into medicine as I’ve always had a sense of compassion and the ability to help people.

Lack of teaching

On arrival at medical school I noticed the lack of teaching in darker skins. We were often being taught to look for symptoms such as red rashes. I was aware that this would not appear as described in my own skin. It was clear that tutors didn’t know of any other way to describe these conditions either. After asking peers, tutors and lecturers it was clear there was a major gap. I was motivated by the fact that I knew I could make a change. I have heard many stories about people being wrongly diagnosed, not taken seriously, or just not happy with the care they are receiving.

“I had to change it for others”

I knew that I had to change it for others who were being affected by the gap in medical teaching and perhaps prevent misdiagnosis and ultimately the loss of lives. From initial research I also found that Black women are 5 times more likely to die during childbirth, Black people are less likely to get pain medication. Ethnic minority patients are affected more than others. The current #COVID19 pandemic has further highlighted the need for this work.

A resource that will add value to medical care

Mind the Gap is a clinical handbook of signs and symptoms in black and brown skin. The book will essentially act as a resource that will add value to medical care. There is currently a white-skin bias in medical textbooks.

The process of writing the book began in December 2019. Margot Turner (Senior Lecturer in Diversity and Medical education) and Dr Peter Tamony (Clinical Lecturer in clinical skills) and I worked together to produce the book. We are now working really hard to get the work published and accessible to others.

Powerful tool

The book is aimed at medical students and other allied healthcare professionals. Education is one of the most powerful tools anyone can have. I want it to be a resource that empowers medical professionals to have more confidence in treating patients of darker skin worldwide. I want it also to empower patients so that they know their story, understand their own condition and can be heard. I want this work to save lives and break down some of the health inequalities that exist globally.

Change in medical curriculum

I would like to see Mind the Gap become a staple in all medical institutions across the UK and eventually the world - from medical schools libraries through to GP consultation rooms. I would also like to see the medical curriculum change so that it is more inclusive of the diverse range of patients that it serves. This needs to be reflected across the entire course from clinical skills teachings to exams. You are never too small to make a change.

St George's, University of London

17/07/2020

We’ve published our 2019 Human Rights and Democracy Report. It’s a basis for honest dialogue with Zimbabwe&others on upholding their international human rights obligations. Violations increased in 2019. One year on there has been no accountability for the worst crimes #hrdreport

LINK: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/human-rights-and-democracy-report-2019

15/07/2020

#UKaid 🇬🇧 incedisa ukulwisa i #COVID9

#UKaid 🇬🇧 irikubatsira kurwisa #COVID19

14/07/2020

"UKaid🇬🇧 is part of the multi-donor Health Development Fund..A mention in today's NewsDay-Zimbabwe:"

12/07/2020

Our ambassador Melanie Robinson spoke to Everjoice Win.

Here's what she said:

Highlight of my week: today I spoke to Everjoice, longtime feminist and social justice activist from Zimbabwe. She’s Action Aid’s International Director for Programmes & Global Engagement and was recently appointed Professor of Practice
If you haven’t heard of Everjoice (unlikely) please google!

Her story will help you understand the long & rich history of grassroots feminist movements in Zimbabwe. Read her obituary for Mabel Moyo, published early in July - an incredibly powerful & moving piece of writing.

I was fascinated by Everjoice’s ideas for connecting up the grassroots, 1990s policy & advocacy and newer strands of the women’s movement in Zimbabwe, to have more impact. She made a powerful case for connecting with women where they come together and on their issues, be it on street lighting, water, violence in public places or the educational system.

On coping with #COVID19 we discussed what we can learn from HIV & AIDS: the need not to blame others for bringing in the virus, the chance to reactivate community-based responses, home-based care (without burdening women with more unpaid carework) and the need to recognise that women are on the frontline. We found a common history in our time working in the Participation Group at the Institute of Development Studies with the amazing John Gaventa.

That explains our shared interest in grassroots action. We also both love podcasts (even if Everjoice’s first ones were recorded on cassettes)
Thanks for agreeing to share your top lock down podcast picks with me, Everjoice.

We disagreed on Premier League football , but I had to congratulate Everjoice on her team Liverpools big win. There are lessons in there for working hard on the foundations and then the right timing!

I’ll be watching out for the Feminist Humanitarian Network and what it does to bring women's rights movements and their issues into that space. Whether bringing the feminist voice and women’s grassroots action into climate justice or humanitarian work, I can see Everjoice is restless for meaningful, bottom-up transformation. Lucky SOAS!

10/07/2020

The Health Development Fund donors (UK, EU, Sweden, Irish Aid and Gavi) through Unicef and working with the government, supported an early preparedness and response plan to COVID-19 and will continue to support priority and effective interventions that are needed for Zimbabwe based on local and global evidence. We believe this life saving equipment will help to make the greatest impact to save lives of the poorest and most vulnerable,” said Cate Turton, DFID Zimbabwe Country Director.

Read the full text of the @unicefzimbabwe press release below.

09/07/2020

WATCH: Since 2011, UK firm Gilbert Gilkes and Gordon Ltd has been partnering with renewable energy suppliers in Honde Valley to provide sustainable energy in Zimbabwe.

As we head to United Nations Climate Change Conference- COP26, now is the time to look to clean energy across Africa to support a green post-covid recovery.

07/07/2020

#UKaid🇬🇧 nevamwe vatsigiri veHealth Development Fund vakabatsira kupa 65 mushina wemaUltrasound Scan kuzvipatara. Zvareva kuti vakadzi vazhinji vakazvitakura vave kukwanisa kuvhenekwa zvakareruka pazvipatara zviripadyo navo.

“Every pregnant woman should get an Ultra Sound Scan at least once during the eight visits that are recommended during pregnancy. This will help us reduce the maternal and neonatal mortality as complications are detected early."
Full story: uni.cf/3f0ElmO

06/07/2020

03/07/2020

Statement from the British Embassy in Harare

“It has been brought to our attention that a photo is being shared online pretending to show a UK government document from 2001. This document is a fake and should be dismissed as such.”

03/07/2020

Ambassador Melanie Robinson was on a skype call with Cook Off the Movie actress Tendaiishe Chitima. This is her feedback:

03/07/2020

Ambassador Melanie Robinson spoke to Tendaiishe Chitima of the movie Cook Off and here’s what she said after their chat:

Been looking forward to this: today I spoke to Tendaiishe Chitima who plays Anesu in Cook Off, Zimbabwe’s first ever film on Netflix. Loved Tendai's character when I watched the film 3 weeks ago: a single mum, pushed by her son and grandmother, to enter a cooking competition.

Tendai's brilliant in the film! I loved Cook Off first of all because it tells another kind of story from Zimbabwe, one that’s less in the news headlines but is no less true, a story about real-life hopes, determination and loyalty.

I loved Tendai’s tips to young Zimbabwean aspiring actresses: ‘Do your research, train hard to ground yourself and then collaborate and be proactive. It’s tough - if you’re not working hard you’re doing something wrong. But if you can apply those things, you should go for it!’

Tendai had a shout out for British Council Zimbabwe for supporting creative industry hubs in Zimbabwe. Platformer gives Zimbabwean creatives a platform to share their content globally. Maybe Netflix will pick them up too!

Cook Off's success, Tendai’s talent & the resourcefulness of the team give me faith in the creativity and enterprise that exist here. We'll keep working hard to support young Zimbabweans so they can continue to do their work and connect globally, following Tendai’s message of hope.

I was so struck by Tendai’s belief that telling authentic stories of ordinary Zimbabweans succeeding can inspire her fellow country people to keep going and follow their dreams.

She’d love to see more stories about what the future will be. I loved her dream of one day appearing in a futuristic action movie set in Zimbabwe. I can’t wait to watch it!

01/07/2020

ENDING MALNUTRITION: #UKaid 🇬🇧 through its partner UNICEF Zimbabwe has been screening and treating children with moderate to severe acute #malnutrition. Such important work during the #COVID19 pandemic

In May, more than 500K children were screened in Zimbabwe for acute malnutrition. Of those screened 562 were admitted for treatment of moderate acute malnutrition and 332 were admitted for severe acute malnutrition.

30/06/2020

UK Prime Minister

“Kukunda #Corona ndicho chinhu chakatikoshera tose panguva ino yatiri. Pazvichaitika, hakusi kukunda kwenyika imwe chete asi kukunda kwedu tose sevanhu pasi rose.” -UK Prime Minister, Boris Johnson.


#GlobalGoalUnite

PM Boris Johnson addresses the Unite for Our Future event, demonstrating the UK’s commitment to international collaboration on vaccines, treatments and tests.

29/06/2020

On Friday 26 June 2020, Ambassador Melanie Robinson tweeted:

"Glad to hear that mamombe, Chimbiri and Marova were granted bail today. Look forward to hearing of their release from custody. An extremely concerning case."

We heard news of their release from custody a short while later.

26/06/2020

Torture is a crime under international law, a violation of human rights and human dignity. It has devastating consequences for victims, their families & the wider community.

The UK urges all countries to sign the UN Convention Against Torture: Zimbabwe has yet to sign

Foreign Office Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum

26/06/2020

Congratulations Liverpool FC ⚽️⚽️ ⚽️, fans in Zimbabwe 🇿🇼 and around the world! #YNWA #SportIsGREAT 🇬🇧

Premier League #champions 🏆

Liverpool's first-ever PL-winning season 🙌

26/06/2020

Our ambassador Melanie Robinson, writing about a Skype chat she had yesterday with a brilliant ZImbabwean microbiologist Thandeka Moyo:

"I absolutely loved talking to Zimbabwean microbiologist Thandeka Moyo via Skype. Impressive background in research into a vaccine for HIV. Now in JHB, Thandeka’s doing vital research into antibody response to #COVID19. We spoke after her 3-hour experiment today! I share her passion to encourage more young women into STEM careers: her own path, starting at Girls College School in Bulawayo, is *so* inspiring.

What Thandeka’s doing now on #COVID19 antibody research is typical of the way scientists are working together globally to find a vaccine. Fascinating bits of Thandeka’s research include looking at how HIV+ people cope with COVID, how the SA pandemic differs to those in the UK and US and whether people who have recovered from COVID have high enough antibodies to help make vaccines. Her lab is collaborating with our own Oxford University trials - the first one started in SA this week, testing some of the antibody responses of that vaccine. ‘You can’t do research without collaboration these days’. Talk about making a global difference in real time! We found lots more in common.

Thandeka did PhD research at Toronto Sick Kids, where my little niece was so amazingly looked after. We both love the Matopos and Oxford for their beauty and grandeur. And we believe in Zimbabwe and have high hopes for her future."

25/06/2020

New drug to reduce Covid-19 fatalities

This week the world welcomed news of a breakthrough in the fight against #Coronavirus. Research results from Oxford University 🇬🇧 show that the drug #dexamethasone reduces death from the virus. Ambassador Melanie Robinson speaks more about this great development in this Sunday Mail Zimbabwe story by @Kuda Bwititi: bit.ly/2VjXcBf

DFID - UK Department for International Development Foreign Office World Health Organization (WHO) World Health Organization African Region

UNITED Kingdom Ambassador to Zimbabwe Ms Melanie Robinson has welcomed research from the University of Oxford which shows that the drug dexamethasone reduces death from coronavirus.

24/06/2020

Another good story about the #UKaid contribution to the public health system in Zimbabwe. Fourteen pediatricians from some of Zimbabwe’s provinces and districts were trained by ZOOM so that the quality of essential care and care provided to newborns can be improved. Zoom’s been an especially versatile work tool since the start of the #COVID19 pandemic: it’s really good to see it being used in this sphere too!

DFID - UK Department for International Development UNICEF UNICEF Zimbabwe

22/06/2020

Doctors in central Zimbabwe have safely delivered a baby via C-section to a mother with COVID-19 – and that’s partly thanks to #UKaid!

The mother had recently returned to Zimbabwe from Botswana. She was tested and found to have coronavirus while in a government quarantine centre in the city of Gweru more than two weeks ago, according to the Chronicle newspaper.

In a first for the southern African country since the start of the pandemic, a 20-strong medical team carried out the C-section in specially-prepared theatre at Gweru Provincial Hospital without a hitch and the baby does not have COVID-19, reports say.

Working through its partner UNICEF and the multi-donor Health Development Fund, #UKaid has in the last couple of months gone towards funding rapid assessments of Zimbabwean health facilities’ preparedness to deal with just such a situation, helping to boost the capacity of local clinics and hospitals to care for pregnant women with COVID19.

A huge amount of preparation went into ensuring the safety of this mother and child, other Gweru Provincial Hospital patients and medical personnel, according to the Chronicle.

Consultant obstetrician Dr Johannes Mukwembi told the paper: “We had intensive round-the-clock pre-op preparations for almost six days and these included setting up an identified safe facility for her from scratch at the hospital. We ran a drill on May 25 which was on a Wednesday to assess the set-up and it worked well.”

On the day of the C-section, the team set up in the operating theatre five hours before delivery.

Mukwembi said: “We tested the baby at birth just to rule out the theoretical risk of in-utero transmission and the baby was negative. The baby will have a repeat test on day eight and weekly as well till the mother recovers.”

Dr Davidzoyashe Makosa, the ministry of health and child care’s acting director for family health said: “The valuable lessons learnt from Gweru Provincial Hospital will be used to improve our model of response for managing similar scenarios.”

Country director for DFID Cate Turton said: “I am delighted that #UKaid is helping make delivery safe for women with coronavirus in Zimbabwe. This is part of our vital work supporting the primary health care system in Zimbabwe through our UN partners. This work has been stepped- up as part of 44 million USD #UKaid given to the people of Zimbabwe through our implementing partners to tackle coronavirus and it’s impact on the most vulnerable.”

UNICEF said in an estimate earlier this month that globally 160 million babies will be born under the shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In Zimbabwe, UKaid for COVID-19 goes through UN partners to help get information on the disease out to communities; control infections; help protect children and frontline workers; boost the provision of water and sanitation services, and provide humanitarian food aid and cash transfers to more than half a million people.

DFID - UK Department for International Development

18/06/2020

REMINDER: to receive up-to-date #Zimbabwe travel advice, subscribe: gov.uk/foreign-travel…

For the latest information on transiting through Zimbabwe and quarantine requirements, click and read: gov.uk/foreign-travel…

#COVID19 #consular

FCO travel - travel advice from the Foreign Office