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From: as on 13 Aug 2010 04:58
British Embassy donates an epilepsy detector machine

http://www.thestandard.co.zw

Wednesday, 11 August 2010 15:35

THE British Embassy has donated an electro-encephalogram (EEG) medical
equipment worth US$21 000 to Nicholas George Epilepsy centre in Harare.
Zimbabwe only has three working EEG machines with an old dilapidated
machine
at Parirenyatwa hospital.

EEG machines are used to measure electrical activity in the brain and
detect
the cause of epileptic seizures.
"Accurate and early diagnosis is essential in establishing the best
treatment and ensure a better quality of life for sufferers," British
Ambassador to Zimbabwe Mark Canning said at the handover ceremony on
Wednesday.

"The British Embassy will continue in helping Zimbabwe restore the
basic
services especially in the health sector."
It is estimated that over 2% of the population is living with epilepsy
in
Zimbabwe and the majority of them are not on medication or have not
been
medically assessed.

"This support will improve access for the less privileged and help
improve
lives of the less privileged," Canning said.
Lotto also donated a 5 000 litre storage tank and a 5.5 kilojoules
generator
to the foundation.
Speaking at the donation, Lotto trustee Getrude Chikwava said, "The
donation
has come just in time to cover the gap of EEG in Zimbabwe."
Britain has donated three million pounds to organisations with
disabilities
in the country this year.

Over $100 million has been donated by Britain for the whole year to
help in
the education and health sectors.
The British Embassy is also helping with the refurbishment of six major
hospitals while contributing with aid in the field of HIV.
Canning said, "We have provided funding for over 290 000 people with
HIV for
counseling and support."

"We have received good support from the Ministry of Health and Child
Welfare
and the Ministry of Education Sports Arts and Culture."
The epilepsy support foundation will use the equipment to provide free
or
low cost treatment to hundreds of patients each year.

BY PERPETUA CHIKOLOLERE

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