Proposal for prevention and treatment of hypertension and renal failure in Zimbabwe

ABSTRACT

Zimbabwe has made great strides in the development of a national health care system to provide care to all of its citizens. It has embarked on an extensive program to provide access to basic health services to the entire population. The Government of Zimbabwe established a Health Manpower Department within the Ministry of Health to facilitate the attainment of its health objectives in the most cost effective and efficient manner. The result is a commitment to an increase in all health services with an accompanied need not only for more manpower; and productivity in all existing disciplines; but also for the development of new essential specialties. Over the last few years there has been increased awareness of the devastating consequences that occur as a result of untreated or undiagonosed hypertension. Major sequelae that occur with hypertension include cerebral vascular accident; hypertensive cardiovascular disease; and renal failure. Appropriately; special emphasis has been placed on detection and treatment of hypertension so as to prevent the morbidity and mortality of this disease. The Health Department Institute (HDI); established in 1984; provides health care training; health risk management; hepertension screening; prevention education; and medical treatment for many in the greater Los Angeles area. HDI; and its affiliated companies; manage both hospital based hemodialysis units and free-standing hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis units. HDI trains patent care technicians and nurses to provide care at these facilities; and participates in curriculm development and training of medical students and physicians at university based hypertension/renal training programs. [abstract terminated]