Alzheimer's Disease And Related Dementias In Zambia

Dementia Zambia, formally known as Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias in Zambia (ADDIZ), is a Zambian non-profit organisation dedicated to raising awareness about dementia and supporting individuals, families, and communities affected by Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. The organisation was founded in 2016 by Anderson Simfukwe, whose first-hand experience of dementia through his father's illness inspired him to create an organisation that assists people who do not have the benefit of private dementia care. It was registered as a Non-Profit Organisation in 2023. Dementia Zambia positions itself as a foremost authority on dementia in Zambia, providing a 24-hour helpline, weekly virtual support groups, monthly webinars, and educational resources. Its services are designed to be innovative and inclusive, reaching all Zambians who require support with dementia. The organisation actively champions the rights and dignity of individuals living with dementia, ensuring that services are accessible and respectful. The organisation operates primarily in Zambia, where dementia is often unrecognised, misunderstood, and undiagnosed. Zambia's growing elderly population, poor socio-economic conditions, and high HIV/AIDS infection rate make it especially vulnerable to the challenges of dementia. Dementia Zambia addresses these issues by offering support groups, webinars, and a mediated WhatsApp group for families and carers. It also engages in advocacy, including raising awareness about the Older Persons Act and combating the stigma that leads to accusations of witchcraft against people with dementia. Dementia Zambia depends on the backing of individuals, members, communities, and the business sector to deliver its vital services. It encourages donations and participation in events such as the Walk to End Dementia. Through its virtual help and support platform, the organisation provides free, facilitated online learning sessions and support groups guided by dementia experts. All webinars are recorded and made available on its YouTube channel, ensuring ongoing access to information and awareness. As a non-profit entity, Dementia Zambia is not publicly listed and operates as an independent organisation. Its work is rooted in person-centred care principles and collaborative efforts with health professionals, community workers, and international associations. The organisation continues to expand its reach and impact, striving to reduce the effects of dementia on individuals, their families, and the wider Zambian community.

Dementia Zambia was founded in 2016 by Anderson Simfukwe, along with a group of professionals and community workers, under the formal name Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias in Zambia (ADDIZ). Simfukwe's motivation stemmed from his first-hand experience of dementia through his father's illness, which led him to create an organisation that assists people who do not have the benefit of private dementia care. The organisation was registered as a Non-Profit Organisation in 2023. From its inception, Dementia Zambia aimed to address the growing challenge of dementia in Zambia, a country with a growing elderly population, poor socio-economic conditions, and the highest global HIV/AIDS infection rate. The organisation recognised that dementia in Zambia is mostly unrecognised, misunderstood, and undiagnosed, leading to inadequate care and support services. This lack of provision makes individuals with dementia, their families, and caregivers vulnerable to further suffering, stigmatisation, abuse, and neglect. To combat these issues, Dementia Zambia developed a range of services including a 24-hour helpline, weekly virtual support groups, and monthly webinars. These services are designed to be accessible and free of charge, utilising platforms like Zoom and WhatsApp to reach people across Zambia. The organisation also engages in advocacy, raising awareness about the Older Persons Act and addressing the stigma that leads to accusations of witchcraft against people with dementia. Dementia Zambia has organised events such as the Walk to End Dementia and a Dementia Symposium focused on capacity building through collaborative work in advocacy and caregiver support. It actively champions the rights and dignity of individuals living with dementia, ensuring all services are person-centred. The organisation collaborates with health professionals, community workers, and international associations to further its mission. As a non-profit entity, Dementia Zambia relies on donations and support from individuals, members, communities, and the business sector. It continues to expand its reach and impact, striving to reduce the effects of dementia on individuals, their families, and the wider Zambian community.

• 2023

  Registered as a Non-Profit Organisation in Zambia.

• 2016

  Dementia Zambia founded by Anderson Simfukwe and a group of professionals and community workers.

A foremost authority on dementia in Zambia, providing innovative, inclusive support services and advocating for the rights and dignity of people living with dementia.

• 24-hour national helpline

  A helpline providing support for people affected by dementia.

• Weekly virtual support group

  Free support groups on Zoom facilitated by dementia experts.

• Monthly webinars

  Interactive online learning sessions with dementia and care experts, recorded on YouTube.

• WhatsApp support group

  A mediated private WhatsApp group for ongoing support.

1. 1Home | Dementia Zambiadementiazambia.org
2. 2About | Dementia Zambiadementiazambia.org
3. 3Virtual Help and Support | Dementia Zambiadementiazambia.org
4. 4Wikidata: Alzheimer's Disease And Related Dementias In Zambiawikidata.org