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UK Registered Charity 1129924

RURAL TELEMEDICINE SERVICE
ZAMBIA, SOUTHERN AFRICA


Welcome to The Virtual Doctor Project.
In many parts of Africa, far too many children and adults are dying unnecessarily from easily treatable diseases. In a world where many of us take basic healthcare for granted, one in six children in Zambia will still not reach the age of five.
 
Too often this problem is simply due to the lack of access to effective primary healthcare. Whether it is the huge distances to healthcentres and lack of transport, or the lack of doctors in many regions, very often easily treatable conditions are left until it is too late.

                                 With your help, we can use email to save lives.
 
 What is a Virtual Doctor?

      One of the main obstacles to providing adequate primary  
      healthcare in rural Africa is:
  • A lack of effective diagnosis due to a shortage of doctors. Over 50% of physicians trained in Zambia leave for better salaries abroad
     
     Using the internet via satellite or land-based system it is now
     possible to bring the expertise and experience of qualified doctors
     to rural areas  where they are needed most. Using a simple
     'store and forward' telemedicine system we can:
  • Connect African clinic staff on the ground by email with doctors and specialists in urban areas and overseas, to assist with the diagnosis and treatment of patients


 Why Is Remote Support Needed?
 
      Other key problems in rural regions are:
  • The distances patients must travel to reach clinics or hospitals, often taking several days
  • With many health centres poorly staffed and under-equipped, this effort may not guarantee any improvement in condition

 Why Zambia?

     Sadly, one in six children in Zambia will not reach the
     age of five (UNFPA 2008), and 14% of the adult population*
     are HIV positive (ZDHS 2007).
*(Aged 15-49)   

     Our project will prioritise child and maternal health, and will
     make a huge difference to the health of communities severely
     affected by HIV/Aids and other more treatable diseases such as
     Malaria.

     Our initial program will begin in the Kafue District of Southern
     Zambia, towards the end of 2011. 

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Utilizing technology to offer medical expertise directly to remote communities in Africa

Diagnostic and treatment advice for the more complex cases clinics receive will be available using the 'Virtual Doctor' system

    The project will provide I.T and diagnostic equipment, internet connection and training for clinic staff, and is developing a roster of experienced physicians around the world, prepared to volunteer their time and knowledge.


The Virtual Doctor Project
is entirely funded by
private donations and grants


For as little as £3 a month you could help us to make a life-changing difference to thousands of people who desperately need your help