The Sidobe Project      

To Our Supporters,

The members of the Sidobe Project had originally planned to travel to Zimbabwe for 5 weeks in June-July 2008. However, due to the government’s banning of all foreign aid operations in the country following the March 29, 2008 elections and also to the overall political and economic instability, these plans were cancelled. Instead, the members of the Sidobe Project individually researched existing medical clinics and private health programs throughout the world in Thailand, Tanzania, and Botswana in order to gather a better idea of how to implement the holistic rural health center in Sidobe. In July, Joseph Johnson and Lilliam Ambroggio were able to meet with Dr. Munatsi in Botswana and travel to Sidobe. There, we held a conference with Dr. Munatsi, Mr. Mpofu and Mr. Ndhlovu, the traditional government representatives of the village, and Mr. Alouis Mugonda, a Zimbabwean contractor based in Botswana.

                The parties involved reaffirmed dedication to the project and resolved to proceed with construction plans as soon as the political and economic turmoil calmed down. The Sidobe Project discussed the reality of establishing a health center in the current climate and decided that it would not be sustainable to break ground until the country is able to halt hyperinflation and restore political order. Dr. Munatsi would not be realistically able to leave his attending position at Delta Medical Centre in Maun, Botswana to find work in Zimbabwe right now as the Sidobe Project would be unable to support his salary, there is no market for a private clinician, and the government has repeatedly failed to pay public physicians adequately. Furthermore, the education system has completely collapsed in Zimbabwe. As the father of 14 year old and 10 year old sons, Dr. Munatsi’s primary responsibility is to his family. The boys’ education would be severely compromised if they were enrolled in classes in Zimbabwe. Once the country’s financial stability is restored and the government begins to function more responsibly and effectively, the project will resume with fervor.

One of two food storage containers meant to last 9 people for 7-8 months.

                Until recently, the Sidobe Project was optimistic that these changes would come sooner rather than later. Tragically, this has not proved the case. The Government of National Unity that was agreed upon in September has yet to come to fruition, and the quality of life in Zimbabwe has continued to deteriorate as a result. The economy, particularly agricultural production, is not expected to support the food needs of the population this coming season. The health sector has almost completely shut down throughout the country as many large and small hospitals along with the medical and nursing schools are now closed. The education system has been described as “a lost year” for students. It is obvious to the Sidobe Project and Dr. Munatsi that we would be foolish to begin construction of a small holistic rural health center now. We tentatively plan to resume construction plans in 2011. Until then, we have been forced to adopt a “wait and see” approach to these efforts. If you are interested in obtaining resources to monitor the situation in Zimbabwe, please don’t hesitate to email us and we’ll guide you in the right direction.

                This is not to say we will sit idly and watch the suffering unfold in Sidobe. At the end of December Dr. Munatsi will travel to meet with the people of Sidobe to draft a list of high-yield supplies to provide a cushion against starvation and disease. The Sidobe Project will be reallocating some of our construction budget towards purchasing these supplies for the each homestead in Sidobe. We are confident that any money spent out of this budget will be replaced by further fund raising by 2011.

Second storage container, to last until March '09. Photos from July '08.

                We are also well into the process of incorporating as an independent 501(c)3 non-profit organization. We are holding a conference the first week of January in order to organize all of the paperwork and re-design this website.

                For more information and updates on our progress in this regard, please email questions@holistichealthinternational.org. We will get back to you promptly by email or telephone.

Sincerely,

Joseph Douglas Johnson and the Sidobe Project

Dr. Edmand M. Munatsi and Joseph Douglas Johnson seeing patients in Sidobe

What IS the Sidobe Project?

Zimbabwe is currently experiencing an economic crisis that has affected all branches of society, including the health sector, where the health professional to individual ratio is minute, disease is on the rise, and basic needs are not being met.  The need for creation of and provisions for a holistic rural health center in the village of Sidobe was brought to us by a Zimbabwean physician named Dr. Edmand Munatsi.  The village headman, Mr. Mpofu, had given Dr. Munatsi a plot of land in the village on which to construct and maintain the health center.  Dr. Munatsi would see patients at the center a few days each month free of charge, exchanging medications for grain, poultry, and the like when necessary.  The health center is intended to be a locally run, permanent fixture in the village, and Dr. Munatsi plans to recruit other local health care professionals to the clinic on a regular basis.  This project was not implanted by a non-governmental organization or foreign non-profit. Rather it was initiated by the residents of Sidobe, and so the likelihood of its sustainability is great, especially if they are involved and remain invested. 

Lilliam and Joseph with Dr. Munatsi, Mr. Mpofu, and village elders.

NEWS

12/5/08 Begin process to reallocate a portion of funds to provide food aid and medication to the villagers of Sidobe.

6/25/08 - 7/31/08 Joseph D. Johnson and Lilliam Ambroggio spent this time researching medical clinics in sub-Saharan Africa and meeting with Dr. Munatsi and Mr. Mpofu. Justin Stone conducted similar research in Thailand, learning many things that can be applied to the Sidobe Clinic.

6/10/08 Dinner at Plough and Stars in Old City. 25% of food proceeds are donated to The Sidobe Project, from 5pm-10pm.

5/27/08 Event at Mad River Bar in Old City. $2 Coors lite and $2 well drinks, all drink proceeds are donated to The Sidobe Project, from 8pm-2am.

3/24/08 Event at Kildare's Irish Pub in Manayunk. $5 cover proceeds are donated to The Sidobe Project, beginning at 9pm

3/7/08    Meeting with INCLEN to finalize our sponsorship and nonprofit status

3/2/08    Launch of the Holistic Health International website

2/21/08 Dr. Munatsi got a big raise at the Delta Medical Centre! This is exciting for everyone, not just Doc, as his newfound financial stability will enable greater versatility to travel between Maun and Sidobe!

2/14/08  INCLEN grants The Sidobe Project its support and offered their administrative services to helping us achieve our goals