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There is a shortage of medical supplies and equipment throughout Health Centres in Zambia leading to overcrowding at main referral hospitals and potential life threatening situations. In some Health Facilities, hospital linen is being handwashed as machines broke down several years ago. Lack of equipment also leads to low morale, frustration and resignations of experienced medical personnel from Government Health Centres. The Rotary Club of Nkwazi, Lusaka, Zambia and Rotary Club of Lee's Summit, Missouri, USA intend to work with an International NGO, Project CURE USA to much needed medical supplies and hospital equipment for distribution to Health Centres in Lusaka. The donated equipment includes physio and rehabilitation equipment. Project CURE USA successfully conducted a needs assessment by visiting 10 health facilities in Lusaka, Zambia and mirroring 13 others. The needs assessment report concluded that to meet the needs of the facilities, 9 x 40 foot containers of donated medical supplies and equipment will need to be shipped to Zambia, with each container containing US$300,000 to US$400,000 worth of equipment and supplies. The Rotary Clubs have been working on a US$290,000 Global Grant to fund the logistics, training and distribution of the donated hospital equipment and medical supplies and to purchase washing machines that cannot be supplied by Project CURE. The beneficiaries will be the hundreds of thousands of underprivileged patients that use public health facilities in Lusaka together with health workers who will be more effective in quality health service delivery.
https://www.rotary.org/en/institute-economics-and-peace. Rotary International partnered with the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP) and encourages the writing of Rotary Projects in the framework of the 8 pillars of Positive Peace. These pillars are based on empirical research and statistical analysis, and they represent the attitudes, institutions, and structures that create and sustain peaceful societies, which is the definition of Positive Peace. Positive Peace is therefore not merely the absence of war or threat of war but supports an environment where human potential flourishes. We can apply the 8 pillars of Positive Peace into the Nkwazi Lee's Summit Project CURE Hospital Equipment Project as follows: -
1. High levels of human capital: By enhancing the physical and mental health of the people, the donation could increase their productivity, creativity, and potential including school children. With access to proper health equipment, the Project can help reduce healthcare costs associated with treating and diagnosing illnesses, freeing up resources for other economic activities and opportunities.
2. Equitable distribution of resources: By providing access to quality health care for those who need it regardless of their health status, gender, or socioeconomic status, the donation could reduce inequality and foster social justice.
3. Good relations with neighbors: By showing solidarity and compassion for the recipients of the donation, the donors could build trust and friendship across borders and cultures. This helps prevent conflicts related to access to basic resources, promoting peace and stability in the community
4. Acceptance of the Rights of others: By providing access to affordable quality healthcare and improving the health and well-being of beneficiaries, the project can help promote and protect the human rights of individuals.
5. Free Flow of information: The Project involves all stakeholders including community members in the design, implementation, and maintenance of the Hospital Equipment Project hence promoting democratic participation and community ownership.
6. Well-functioning Government: The project aims to provide access to healthcare to all beneficiaries, regardless of their cultural background, promoting a sense of tolerance and inclusion in the community.
7. Sound business Environment: The project can promote retention of staff within Government facilities as they will be able to work safely and in well-equipped environment.
8. Low levels of Corruption: The project can promote good governance by working collaboratively with local authorities and community-based organizations to ensure transparency and the sustainable and effective implementation of the project.
The main idea is that by aligning the donation with the principles of Positive Peace, Rotary could help create a more peaceful and prosperous world for everyone.
It is hoped to start the Project in March/April 2024 once all funds are to hand.
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