Council for Zimbabwe Health Taskforce Meeting Minutes Saturday, October 11, 2008
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zimco...@gmail.com
Oct 11, 2008, 11:09:00 PM10/11/08
to Council for Zimbabwe Health Taskforce
Good people,
Here are the minutes. Thanks to Dr. Chikosi for the minutes and to you
all for attending the meeting. Please them on to friends and help us
grow this network.
I am informed that Fungisai was at a funeral during the meeting.
Fungi- please accept our sincere condolences for your loss.
Once again, thank you all for coming. DO NOT FORGET TO SEND YOUR PHONE
NUMBERS.. if you do, tichatumira ma voices!
Dominic
Council for Zimbabwe
Health Taskforce Meeting Minutes
Saturday, October 11, 2008
In attendance:
1. Dr. Farai Charasika
2. Dr. Ruwadzano Chikosi
3. Tsitsi Gombe-Tafirenyika
4. Tully Mandizha
5. Shingi Mangwiro
6. Michelle Mhlanga
7. Dominic Muntanga
8. Natsai Zhou
Next Conference Call meeting:
Date: Saturday, October 25, 2008 at 2 pm EST.
Access Number: 1-309-946-5100
Access Code: 685810
Minutes Summary:
Welcome and Introductions
Dominic Muntanga welcomed participants. Following introductions Dr.
Chikosi went over the agenda and sought input from the group. The
group revisited the action items from the last meeting.
Updates from Last meeting
A. Dominic noted that a draft outline of a document on how to send
charitable goods to Zimbabwe has been developed and circulated to some
relevant stakeholders for input. The purpose of the document is to
provide information to lessen the burden for people wishing to send
goods to Zimbabwe. Members were asked to submit questions pertaining
to the shipment of goods to Zimbabwe to improve the usefulness of the
document to the general public.
B. Imani and Fungisai are working on a draft document to raise
resources from Harvard Medical School and other areas, including
churches, individuals or institutions.
C. Dr. Chikosi, Natsai, Fungisai and Mambi will develop the criteria
for selecting hospitals/clinics to help with supplies and other
support needed.
D. Dominic, Charles and Mambi are exploring options on creating a
program to use technology to benefit Zimbabweans in areas such as
continuing education courses for doctors, nurses and other related
professions. These training workshops however, are a long term goal
that could be very effective in keeping the health personnel
current.
House Keeping
Dominic noted that a Health Taskforce Forum has been created on Google
groups to enhance discussion of issues pertaining to health and how
the diaspora can play a constructive role to revive health delivery.
Members can invite anyone to join this group by visiting the page:
http://groups.google.com/group/healthtaskforce/members_invite
Group home page: http://groups.google.com/group/healthtaskforce
Dominic invited members to use their assignments as an opportunity to
develop leadership skills as well as accountability by helping each
other to ensure that each member fulfills commitments to enhance the
agenda of helping Zimbabwe. He encouraged people interested in
chairing meetings to come forward to ensure equal opportunities for
developing leadership and sharing other skills.
Business of the Day
Dominic noted the need to distinguish between the short term and long
term goals. He noted that in the short-term, 19 dental students at the
University of Zimbabwe desperately need dental supplies to graduate.
In response to the short-term need, the Council for Zimbabwe intends
to send supplies to help students graduate. To this end, Dr.Chikosi
collected quotations from two medical suppliers in South Africa and
the USA. In order to expedite the process and cut down costs, supplies
will be purchased in South Africa from The Wrights Millners Company,
which already has a relationship with the University.
Dr. Chikosi noted that the quotation of the goods required immediately
for students to complete their training will be posted on the Google
groups forum. The goods are valued at approximately US$ 600 at the
current rate of exchange. Following discussions, individuals present
for the conference call made commitments to donate money to get the
first shipment sent by end of next week. In addition to member
commitments, the University of Zimbabwe committed to other needs to
ensure that this is a partnership.
Dominic urged members of the group to begin fundraising for the next
medical supplies shipment in November when Mark Grashow ships another
container of books and supplies to Zimbabwe.
Action Items & Commitments:
1. Shipment of supplies to the University of Zimbabwe
• Dr. Chikosi will receive checks and purchase supplies in South
Africa.
o Finalize method of dispensing supplies on clinic floor with UZ.
o Draft an accountability log sheet for students to use in case there
is a different system.
o Send the invoice of goods to the University to facilitate clearance
at immigration.
• The University of Zimbabwe Dean will obtain letter to facilitate the
clearance of goods, track and provide the information on the use of
goods to the Council for Zimbabwe as time passes.
• Council for Zimbabwe will provide an independent representative to
verify information provided by the University.
• Farai Charasika will take pictures of the delivery of the first
dental supplies to the UZ and interview some students so the
information can be posted on the website.
• Dominic will work with the fundraising team to draft a letter to
solicit donations for the next shipments and projects.
• Dominic will work with a registered not-for-profit organization in
New York to act as a fiscal sponsor that will provide staff capacity
to receive and account for donations on behalf of the Council for
Zimbabwe.
• Dr. Chikosi and Dominic will meet with three professors from New
York University in efforts to explore the option of initiating a NYU/
Zimbabwe Universities project.
• Natsai, Ruwa, Mambi and Fungisai will continue working on developing
the criteria for selecting hospitals to ensure that resources are sent
to various parts of Zimbabwe and help future initiatives.
Financial Commitments:
The following people made commitments to meet deadline of Thursday 16
October to expedite the shipment of the first consignment of medical
supplies to the University of Zimbabwe:
• Farai Charasika
• Ruwadzano Chikosi
• Tsitsi Gombe –Tafirenyika
• Shingi Mangwiro
• Dominic Muntanga
In addition to commitments made for this shipment, members committed
to fundraising from family, friends and colleagues for the next
shipment of goods to both hospitals and the University. Dominic
emphasized the need to work on a parallel process of addressing
current needs while setting up infrastructure and a sustainable plan
to help revive Zimbabwe. Noting that Zimbabweans in international
universities should take advantage of the resources of those schools
to benefit Zimbabwe, he encouraged members to lookout for professors
and students interested in doing research in Zimbabwe to help conduct
a needs assessment on which to guide future efforts in of the hospital/
clinics in Zimbabwe.
Dominic also spoke of current efforts to develop a scholarship fund to
help train students at Polytechnic Colleges in technical courses such
as repairing damaged equipment. This way equipment that is lying idle
or the newly donated equipment can be constantly serviced, which keeps
the hospital/clinics functional in the long run. Members were
encouraged to perpetuate a mentality of supporting local businesses in
Zimbabwe and in that way help people help themselves.
Next meeting
The date for the next conference call was set for Saturday, October
25, 2008 at 2 pm EST. Members can dial in using the access number:
+1-309-946-5100 and Access Code: 685810
Close
In closing, Dominic encouraged everyone to stay committed to the cause
of helping our beloved country and recruiting others to join in these
efforts. He urged members to work together and other stakeholders to
devise a long term plan of action to ensure that people wishing to
help Zimbabwe can do so in an organized and effective manner. The
meeting adjourned at 3.22 pm.
Additional Information:
• Join the Council for Zimbabwe Facebook :
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=7275155364
• Visit the Council for Zimbabwe Website:
http://www.zimcouncil.org
Here are the minutes. Thanks to Dr. Chikosi for the minutes and to you
all for attending the meeting. Please them on to friends and help us
grow this network.
I am informed that Fungisai was at a funeral during the meeting.
Fungi- please accept our sincere condolences for your loss.
Once again, thank you all for coming. DO NOT FORGET TO SEND YOUR PHONE
NUMBERS.. if you do, tichatumira ma voices!
Dominic
Council for Zimbabwe
Health Taskforce Meeting Minutes
Saturday, October 11, 2008
In attendance:
1. Dr. Farai Charasika
2. Dr. Ruwadzano Chikosi
3. Tsitsi Gombe-Tafirenyika
4. Tully Mandizha
5. Shingi Mangwiro
6. Michelle Mhlanga
7. Dominic Muntanga
8. Natsai Zhou
Next Conference Call meeting:
Date: Saturday, October 25, 2008 at 2 pm EST.
Access Number: 1-309-946-5100
Access Code: 685810
Minutes Summary:
Welcome and Introductions
Dominic Muntanga welcomed participants. Following introductions Dr.
Chikosi went over the agenda and sought input from the group. The
group revisited the action items from the last meeting.
Updates from Last meeting
A. Dominic noted that a draft outline of a document on how to send
charitable goods to Zimbabwe has been developed and circulated to some
relevant stakeholders for input. The purpose of the document is to
provide information to lessen the burden for people wishing to send
goods to Zimbabwe. Members were asked to submit questions pertaining
to the shipment of goods to Zimbabwe to improve the usefulness of the
document to the general public.
B. Imani and Fungisai are working on a draft document to raise
resources from Harvard Medical School and other areas, including
churches, individuals or institutions.
C. Dr. Chikosi, Natsai, Fungisai and Mambi will develop the criteria
for selecting hospitals/clinics to help with supplies and other
support needed.
D. Dominic, Charles and Mambi are exploring options on creating a
program to use technology to benefit Zimbabweans in areas such as
continuing education courses for doctors, nurses and other related
professions. These training workshops however, are a long term goal
that could be very effective in keeping the health personnel
current.
House Keeping
Dominic noted that a Health Taskforce Forum has been created on Google
groups to enhance discussion of issues pertaining to health and how
the diaspora can play a constructive role to revive health delivery.
Members can invite anyone to join this group by visiting the page:
http://groups.google.com/group/healthtaskforce/members_invite
Group home page: http://groups.google.com/group/healthtaskforce
Dominic invited members to use their assignments as an opportunity to
develop leadership skills as well as accountability by helping each
other to ensure that each member fulfills commitments to enhance the
agenda of helping Zimbabwe. He encouraged people interested in
chairing meetings to come forward to ensure equal opportunities for
developing leadership and sharing other skills.
Business of the Day
Dominic noted the need to distinguish between the short term and long
term goals. He noted that in the short-term, 19 dental students at the
University of Zimbabwe desperately need dental supplies to graduate.
In response to the short-term need, the Council for Zimbabwe intends
to send supplies to help students graduate. To this end, Dr.Chikosi
collected quotations from two medical suppliers in South Africa and
the USA. In order to expedite the process and cut down costs, supplies
will be purchased in South Africa from The Wrights Millners Company,
which already has a relationship with the University.
Dr. Chikosi noted that the quotation of the goods required immediately
for students to complete their training will be posted on the Google
groups forum. The goods are valued at approximately US$ 600 at the
current rate of exchange. Following discussions, individuals present
for the conference call made commitments to donate money to get the
first shipment sent by end of next week. In addition to member
commitments, the University of Zimbabwe committed to other needs to
ensure that this is a partnership.
Dominic urged members of the group to begin fundraising for the next
medical supplies shipment in November when Mark Grashow ships another
container of books and supplies to Zimbabwe.
Action Items & Commitments:
1. Shipment of supplies to the University of Zimbabwe
• Dr. Chikosi will receive checks and purchase supplies in South
Africa.
o Finalize method of dispensing supplies on clinic floor with UZ.
o Draft an accountability log sheet for students to use in case there
is a different system.
o Send the invoice of goods to the University to facilitate clearance
at immigration.
• The University of Zimbabwe Dean will obtain letter to facilitate the
clearance of goods, track and provide the information on the use of
goods to the Council for Zimbabwe as time passes.
• Council for Zimbabwe will provide an independent representative to
verify information provided by the University.
• Farai Charasika will take pictures of the delivery of the first
dental supplies to the UZ and interview some students so the
information can be posted on the website.
• Dominic will work with the fundraising team to draft a letter to
solicit donations for the next shipments and projects.
• Dominic will work with a registered not-for-profit organization in
New York to act as a fiscal sponsor that will provide staff capacity
to receive and account for donations on behalf of the Council for
Zimbabwe.
• Dr. Chikosi and Dominic will meet with three professors from New
York University in efforts to explore the option of initiating a NYU/
Zimbabwe Universities project.
• Natsai, Ruwa, Mambi and Fungisai will continue working on developing
the criteria for selecting hospitals to ensure that resources are sent
to various parts of Zimbabwe and help future initiatives.
Financial Commitments:
The following people made commitments to meet deadline of Thursday 16
October to expedite the shipment of the first consignment of medical
supplies to the University of Zimbabwe:
• Farai Charasika
• Ruwadzano Chikosi
• Tsitsi Gombe –Tafirenyika
• Shingi Mangwiro
• Dominic Muntanga
In addition to commitments made for this shipment, members committed
to fundraising from family, friends and colleagues for the next
shipment of goods to both hospitals and the University. Dominic
emphasized the need to work on a parallel process of addressing
current needs while setting up infrastructure and a sustainable plan
to help revive Zimbabwe. Noting that Zimbabweans in international
universities should take advantage of the resources of those schools
to benefit Zimbabwe, he encouraged members to lookout for professors
and students interested in doing research in Zimbabwe to help conduct
a needs assessment on which to guide future efforts in of the hospital/
clinics in Zimbabwe.
Dominic also spoke of current efforts to develop a scholarship fund to
help train students at Polytechnic Colleges in technical courses such
as repairing damaged equipment. This way equipment that is lying idle
or the newly donated equipment can be constantly serviced, which keeps
the hospital/clinics functional in the long run. Members were
encouraged to perpetuate a mentality of supporting local businesses in
Zimbabwe and in that way help people help themselves.
Next meeting
The date for the next conference call was set for Saturday, October
25, 2008 at 2 pm EST. Members can dial in using the access number:
+1-309-946-5100 and Access Code: 685810
Close
In closing, Dominic encouraged everyone to stay committed to the cause
of helping our beloved country and recruiting others to join in these
efforts. He urged members to work together and other stakeholders to
devise a long term plan of action to ensure that people wishing to
help Zimbabwe can do so in an organized and effective manner. The
meeting adjourned at 3.22 pm.
Additional Information:
• Join the Council for Zimbabwe Facebook :
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=7275155364
• Visit the Council for Zimbabwe Website:
http://www.zimcouncil.org
Tinashe Chap
Oct 14, 2008, 2:34:14 PM10/14/08
to Council for Zimbabwe Health Taskforce
Orphans International Worldwide (OIWW), a Manhattan-based NGO, will be holding Orphans International World Congress IV: *"Children's Health Issues in the Developing World"* on *Saturday, October 25th, 2008*.
The fall conference will be held at the Farkas Auditorium of NYU School of Medicine, 550 First Avenue at 33rd Street, New York, NY 10016 from 1:00 - 4:00pm followed by an information session on OIWW from 4:00pm - 5:00pm. Tickets are $20.00 for general admission and *$10.00 with a valid student ID* and can be purchased via PayPal at www.oiww.org/events.html.
With the assistance of lifelong humanitarians and sociopolitical activists like Peter Yarrow, this conference will examine the issues surrounding the health of children in the developing world. The overall goal of the conference is to educate and move attendees to action to meet the health needs of children globally.
*The current list of scheduled keynote speakers includes*:
- *Sonia Ehrlich Sachs*, MD, MPH, Health Coordinator, Millennium Village Project
- "Challenges of Child Survival in Africa"
- *Dr. Jane Aronson*, The 'Orphan Doctor' and Founder of Worldwide Orphans Foundation
- "Life in the Orphanage: How Children Are Affected by Institutionalization"
- *Corinne Woods*, Campaign Manager, HIV/AIDS Section, UNICEF
- "The Global Challenges of Children with HIV/AIDS"
- *Emmanuel d'Harcourt*, MD, MPH, Senior Technical Advisor, Child Survival, The IRC
- "Children's Health in Fragile States: Challenges and Ways Forward"
- *Dr. Richard Alderslade*, Deputy Director, World Health Organization (WHO) will participate.
- "Improving Services for Children in Eastern Europe"
- *Peter Yarrow* of Peter, Paul & Mary, renowned American singer and social activist
Thank you in advance for your time and please visit www.oiww.org for
more information
Warm Regards,
Rex Belgarde
Event Coordinator
*r...@oiww.org*
(718) 986-3386 (cell)
*Orphans International Worldwide*
Jim Luce, Founder J...@oiww.org
540 Main Street, Suite #418, New York, N.Y. 10044
PH: 212/755-7285 F: 212/755-7302
EIN #43-1971411; NYS Charity #20-55-05
I.R.S. 501(c)(3) Not-for-Profit Corporation
Associated with U.N. Dept. of Public Information
www.oiww.org; Wikipedia; LinkedIn; Facebook; Plaxo
Best regards,
Tinashe
Stay up to date on your PC, the Web, and your mobile phone with Windows Live. See Now
The fall conference will be held at the Farkas Auditorium of NYU School of Medicine, 550 First Avenue at 33rd Street, New York, NY 10016 from 1:00 - 4:00pm followed by an information session on OIWW from 4:00pm - 5:00pm. Tickets are $20.00 for general admission and *$10.00 with a valid student ID* and can be purchased via PayPal at www.oiww.org/events.html.
With the assistance of lifelong humanitarians and sociopolitical activists like Peter Yarrow, this conference will examine the issues surrounding the health of children in the developing world. The overall goal of the conference is to educate and move attendees to action to meet the health needs of children globally.
*The current list of scheduled keynote speakers includes*:
- *Sonia Ehrlich Sachs*, MD, MPH, Health Coordinator, Millennium Village Project
- "Challenges of Child Survival in Africa"
- *Dr. Jane Aronson*, The 'Orphan Doctor' and Founder of Worldwide Orphans Foundation
- "Life in the Orphanage: How Children Are Affected by Institutionalization"
- *Corinne Woods*, Campaign Manager, HIV/AIDS Section, UNICEF
- "The Global Challenges of Children with HIV/AIDS"
- *Emmanuel d'Harcourt*, MD, MPH, Senior Technical Advisor, Child Survival, The IRC
- "Children's Health in Fragile States: Challenges and Ways Forward"
- *Dr. Richard Alderslade*, Deputy Director, World Health Organization (WHO) will participate.
- "Improving Services for Children in Eastern Europe"
- *Peter Yarrow* of Peter, Paul & Mary, renowned American singer and social activist
Thank you in advance for your time and please visit www.oiww.org for
more information
Warm Regards,
Rex Belgarde
Event Coordinator
*r...@oiww.org*
(718) 986-3386 (cell)
*Orphans International Worldwide*
Jim Luce, Founder J...@oiww.org
540 Main Street, Suite #418, New York, N.Y. 10044
PH: 212/755-7285 F: 212/755-7302
EIN #43-1971411; NYS Charity #20-55-05
I.R.S. 501(c)(3) Not-for-Profit Corporation
Associated with U.N. Dept. of Public Information
www.oiww.org; Wikipedia; LinkedIn; Facebook; Plaxo
Best regards,
Tinashe
Stay up to date on your PC, the Web, and your mobile phone with Windows Live. See Now
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