Brief History

Zimbabwe gained independece in 1980 and has since gone through both economic ups and downs. However, the complete collapse of Zimbabwean currency in 2008 has resulted in a weakened health infrastructure.

Cave Paintings in Mutoko District

Nyadire Mission

Nyadire mission was founded in 1923 in Samuel Gurney. It has grown into a virbrant community that incudes an orphange, a primary school, secondary school, teacher's college, nursing college, farm and hospital.

Jarlath at the Nyadire River

Stakeholders

The burden of schistosomiasis in Zimbabwe is high - up to 90% of children are afflicted in some areas. Upenyu is partnering with the Ministry of Health as an implementing partner to treat children in Mutoko District.

meeting of stakeholders to explain research study and treatment of schistosomiasis

In This Section

Upenyu and Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe is a landlocked nation in southern Africa. The population of about 12 million is composed of roughly 80% Shona, 15% Ndebele, and 5% white, Asian, or mixed race Zimbabweans.

Zimbabwe achieved independence in 1980. Following independence, the nation has experienced unsteady growth and much of Zimbabwe remains very poor. Between 2000 and 2008, Zimbabwe suffered an economic crisis that led eventually to the suspension of the Zimbabwean dollar, which had at that time reached inflation rates as high as 60,000,000%. Zimbabwe's economic challenges have exacerbated the health inequalities that were the legacy of colonialism and minority rule.

Upenyu's work in Zimbabwe is centered around the catchment area of Nyadire United Methodist Hospital, in Mutoko District in the northeastern part of the country.