World Mission Fund: United Church of Zambia

The United Church of Zambia (UCZ) – Covid-19 World Mission Fund support (£7,035.66).
Through World Mission Partnership, Irish Methodists contribute to the World Mission Fund annually.

The cases of Covid-19 in Zambia have been through two waves so far. The United Church of Zambia Health Institutions have recorded cases in the hundreds with a number of deaths, but as with other medical institutions in Africa, their experience in communicable disease prevention has helped them to avert overwhelming numbers.

A predicted third wave is expected to begin in June and July of this year and the surge in cases is expected to last for at least 4 months. The number of cases is likely to be double that of the second wave so significant assistance will be required.

Through COVAX, the vaccine AstraZeneca arrived in early May with 288 000 doses being made available to key workers, the over 65s and those with underlying condition. Staff are all trained and experienced in vaccination programmes and are on stand-by and ready to move into action when the vaccine becomes available at District Level. This roll-out has just started. However, UCZ clinics and hospitals are running out of personal protective equipment, which is necessary in preparation of the third wave.

UCZ has considerable experience with Health Programming Delivery in Zambia through its health institutions, staffed with over 600 health personnel across the country, serving an estimated population of +500,000 people. UCZ also has a number of smaller rural health centres, these Health Centres further serve in excess of 70,000 people.

In our Church Grounds, in the High Density Areas of Lusaka and the Copperbelt the Church has 9 Community Health Posts specializing in HIV testing and treatment. These posts serve a huge and fluctuating catchment of some of the most vulnerable populations in Zambia. (Approximately 500,000 people).

This grant will be used to provide Personal Protective Equipment for staff and ten oxygen cylinders

UCZ medical staff and patients of UCH medical centres are expected to benefit from these planned outcomes, with better safe working for staff and better health outcomes for patients.