SHAZ, formed in 2019, is a non-profit organization that seeks to improve the quality of life of persons with Spina Bifida and/or Hydrocephalus by improving access to comprehensive health care, information, social integration and preventative measures. Spinabifida is a condition which some babies are born with, where they have a defect in their back usually a lump/swelling and have varying degrees of weakness in their legs ranging from total paralysis to mild weakness. They usually also have problems controlling their bladder and bowels. Hydrocephalus is a condition that affects flow and/absorption of brain fluid in the head. The affected usually have enlarged heads and varying levels of neurological dysfunction. Both these conditions need surgery amongst other things. Spina bifida and hydrocephalus constitute about 60% of children needing specialist neurosurgical care. In Zimbabwe there was no functional association assisting these marginalized children needing high end specialist care and expensive medical supplies. A huge number die every year for lack of surgery and the majority have lifelong poor quality of life for lack of timely comprehensive treatment. However, with timely comprehensive care the majority can live enriched and fulfilling lives.
Vision
Every child with spina bifida and/or hydrocephalus is operated timely and lives to reach their maximum potential in life.
Mission
To enrich the quality of lives of persons living with spina bifida and/ or hydrocephalus. We achieve this by improving access to information, preventative measures and comprehensive health care and enhancing social integration into the community for both children and adults affected by hydrocephalus and spina bifida.
Our Motto
“It takes a village to raise a child!”
Our Values
- Equality
- Inclusion
- Partnerships
Our Goal
To develop a self-sustaining organization that seeks to improve the quality of lives of those affected by spina bifida and/or hydrocephalus