Just got back from the workshop at the UZ School of Health Sciences which focused on mental health services. There were a variety of people there from health practitioners to sufferers of mental illness and current patients at Tirivanhu psychiatric rehabilitation centre in Ruwa. The first part wasn't that interesting but the lady from Ethiopia who has set up an organisation for services raised some valid points about conducting research and involving patients. It also then became more lively when the floor opened and we got onto the topic of affordability of medication and access to it. The point being raised of what happens when the drug you are supposed to be on is no longer available and conditions for patients in government hospitals. The human rights of patients was also discussed and what is in place in Zimbabwe compared to Ethiopia. Also the issue of funding for mental health care and prioritising it in government spending. So it was a good afternoon and I made some contacts. There is another mental health trust that does some similar things to Unquiet Minds and also tries to do fundraising for Tirivanhu.
There is electricity but I am going out to dinner in a bit with a friend and her son who also has mental illness. So it is a very mental illness filled day today. Just now I am talking on whatsapp to a friend in Australia who ran the fundraising for Tirivanhu here.
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