Zim Health Team Tours UK Mental Health Services

Delegation explores innovative approaches in community health and mental healthcare during UK-Africa Health Summit visit

Zim Now Reporter

A high-level delegation from Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Health and Child Care visited East London NHS Foundation Trust this week as part of the UK-Africa Health Summit 2025, forging new partnerships in global health innovation.

Led by Permanent Secretary Dr. Aspect Maunganidze and Dr. Christopher Pasi, Head of the Health Service Commission, the group explored cutting-edge mental health and community services alongside Global Health Partnerships.

"This exchange is a tremendous opportunity to share knowledge and strengthen health systems between our countries," said Dr. Maunganidze.

The visit, hosted by Tower Hamlets Service Director Day Njovana and Clinical Director Dr. Leah White, showcased the trust’s pioneering work in patient-centered care.

The delegation began with a tour of Tower Hamlets Community Health Services, meeting Deputy Service Director Petra Nittel and her team.

A highlight was an interactive session on Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services led by service manager Richard Vivian, who demonstrated innovative therapeutic approaches.

Global Health Partnerships CEO Ben Simms, who accompanied the delegation, emphasized the visit’s significance.

"Seeing these services firsthand helps identify practical solutions we can adapt for Zimbabwe’s health system," said Simms.

The group also examined acute care models, with Borough Lead Nurse Dadai Dandato and Crisis Lead Melanie King explaining how staff wellbeing initiatives directly improve patient outcomes.

The visit culminated in a strategic roundtable introducing a new collaborative project between East London NHS Foundation Trust and Global Health Partnerships.

Dr. Nick Bass, Director of Global Health, outlined the initiative alongside digital health leads and patient engagement specialists.

"By combining our expertise in mental healthcare with Zimbabwe’s public health experience, we can co-develop sustainable solutions," Dr. Bass said.

Chief Operating Officer Edwin Ndlovu reinforced the trust’s commitment: "Global partnerships like this align perfectly with our mission to deliver outstanding care while supporting international health development."

The delegation’s insights will inform future collaboration under the UK-Africa Health Summit framework, with particular focus on adapting community-based mental health models.

"What we’ve seen today demonstrates how technology and patient involvement can transform service delivery," remarked Dr. Pasi. "We look forward to implementing these learnings back home."

The visit marks a significant step in health diplomacy, creating pathways for ongoing knowledge exchange between UK and African health professionals.