Seasons Greetings from the Virtual Doctors
We asked Clinical Officers in Zambia to submit a photograph for a competition and everyone agreed that this one below taken by George Mulenga (Luangwa District Hospital) was a worthy winner.
From all the team here at the Virtual Doctors, Trustees, staff, and volunteers we wish you a peaceful and happy Christmas and New Year.
Malawi Appeal
2018: we are launching our service into Malawi!
All donations add up – even small ones will make a difference.
Visit our new Malawi appeal page on our website to find out how to help.
For Christmas fundraising ideas, visit our Festive & Fund page. And for that inevitable last-minute Christmas shopping do not forget Give As You Live to raise funds for the VDrs with every transaction.
Why not send an e-card at the press of a button and make a donation to the Virtual Doctors instead. Check out: Dontsendmeacard. A heartfelt thank you to all those who have already used this service to donate to the Virtual Doctors - current data protection mean we do not know who you are so we cannot thank you personally.
Operations update
The Virtual Doctors service now operates in 40 sites! This past month we have expanded in 9 new sites in Chongwe District, already home to our more prolific Clinical Officers (COs): Chongwe UHC 1, Chongwe RHC, Chongwe UHC 2, Kasisi, Katoba, Mpango, Mwalumina, Palabana, Lwiimba. This marks the first time the service is provided in Urban Health Centres (UHC) in addition to Rural Health Centres (RHC) and District Hospitals (DH). Our site at Luangwa DH is also now active and generating cases courtesy of CO George Mulenga (author of the photo above).
Usage has been increasing across Zambia - 74% this past semester compared to the first half of 2017! October has brought a record number of cases.
Last October we were telling you about hiring a full-time In-Country Project Manager. This essential role has gone to Tyrell Junius, who has already been supporting the Virtual Doctors one day a week for the past year. With his deep knowledge of the Virtual Doctors and his increased availability, Tyrell will be able to fully support all operations on the ground and provide the close support our beneficiaries the COs require.
Finally, we would like to reiterate our heartfelt thanks to all those, volunteers and donors, who have made it possible for the Virtual Doctors to continue providing their service.