Spotlight on Dr. Chido Zhakata: Championing Paediatric Wellbeing and Diaspora Unity

The Zimbabwe Doctors Association UK (ZDAUK) is proud to shine a spotlight on Dr. Chido Zhakata, who recently represented Zimbabwean excellence on the international stage at the BMJ IHI International Forum on Quality and Safety in Healthcare, held in Utrecht, The Netherlands, from 21–23 May 2025.

Dr. Zhakata had the honour of presenting a poster focused on improving sleep routines in children—a vital yet often under-discussed aspect of paediatric care. Reflecting on her experience, she shared:

"I had the privilege of presenting my poster at the BMJ IHI International Forum on Quality and Safety in Healthcare in Utrecht, Netherlands, this week — and what an incredible experience it was!
My poster presentation focused on improving sleeping routines in children, and it was a fantastic opportunity to exchange ideas and receive thoughtful feedback from a truly engaged audience."

Currently serving as a paediatrics registrar and an Educational Fellow for Paediatrics at Leeds Teaching Hospital NHS Trust, Dr. Zhakata’s journey is one of perseverance, passion, and leadership. After graduating from the University of Zimbabwe in 2014, she completed her internship at United Bulawayo Hospitals before moving to the UK in 2019. Her initial role as a Senior Housing Officer at Leeds Spire Hospital marked the beginning of a journey that would eventually see her thrive in both clinical and educational spheres within the NHS.

But Dr. Zhakata’s impact goes far beyond the hospital walls. She was the founding force behind the WhatsApp platform that laid the groundwork for the creation of ZDAUK—proving that with vision and initiative, community can be built from the simplest of tools. As a member of the ZDAUK committee and a planning committee member of the inaugural ZDA meetup held on 21st September 2024, Dr. Zhakata exemplifies the kind of servant leadership that uplifts others while creating lasting structures for collective success.

Her dedication to both clinical excellence and community empowerment reflects the very ethos of ZDAUK: to celebrate, support, and connect doctors of Zimbabwean heritage working in the UK.

Dr. Zhakata’s presence at the International Forum is a proud moment for us all—not only because of the professional insights she shared, but because of the example she continues to set. Through her work in paediatrics, her advocacy for wellbeing, and her trailblazing role in the Zimbabwean medical diaspora, she stands as a true pioneer.

As we build towards the second ZDAUK Meetup on 20th September 2025, we are inspired by leaders like Dr. Chido Zhakata, who remind us that excellence and service go hand in hand.

MBChB Class of 2008–2014 Reunion: A Celebration of Friendship, Heritage, and Wellness

The Zimbabwe Doctors Association UK (ZDAUK) is delighted to celebrate the joyful and inspiring reunion of the MBChB UZ Class of 2008–2014, who gathered in the picturesque Peak District for a week of reconnection, reflection, and fun—with their families by their side.

This special gathering brought together doctors of Zimbabwean heritage who trained together over a decade ago and have since gone on to serve in various parts of the UK and beyond. It was more than just a nostalgic trip—it was a celebration of shared journeys, deep friendships, and the unique bond forged through years of medical training.

At ZDAUK, we are immensely proud when members of our community come together to socialise, support one another, and strengthen the ties that connect us. In an era where the pressures of the medical profession are immense, these social collaborations are not just welcome—they are essential.

Events like this reunion offer a powerful reminder that mental wellbeing, connection, and cultural identity are critical parts of a doctor’s life. Spending time with people who understand your professional and personal background fosters a sense of belonging and emotional safety. For many, these moments provide much-needed respite from the daily demands of clinical life and reinforce networks of encouragement and care.

It was a joy to see ZDAUK members Dr. Vimbai Duncan and Dr. Chido Zhakata among those pictured enjoying the serene countryside, shared meals, and family activities. These moments embody the heart of what our community strives to promote—wellbeing through unity.

We are hopeful that such gatherings not only continue but evolve. As connections deepen, we envision the emergence of economic collaborations and community development initiatives, built on the foundation of trust and shared identity. The future of our diaspora lies not just in individual success but in the strength of collective empowerment.

As we look ahead, we’re excited to announce that the 2nd ZDAUK Meetup will be held on 20th September 2025 at The Turnpike in Sowerby Bridge, conveniently located between Leeds and Manchester. This event is open to all Zimbabwean doctors in the UK and promises to be another opportunity to grow our networks, celebrate our culture, and support one another professionally and personally.

To the MBChB Class of 2008–2014: thank you for reminding us of the power of community. Your reunion is more than a memory—it’s a model.

Celebrating Dr. Mercy Murinye’s Impact at the International Forum on Quality and Safety in Healthcare

The Zimbabwe Doctors Association UK is proud to celebrate the remarkable contribution of one of our members, Dr. Mercy Murinye, who recently represented both Zimbabwean excellence and the NHS at the prestigious International Forum on Quality and Safety in Healthcare, held from 21–23 May 2025 at the Royal Jaarbeurs in Utrecht, The Netherlands.

Dr. Murinye, a graduate of the University of Zimbabwe and a trainee paediatrician at Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust in the United Kingdom, delivered both an oral and poster presentation of her Quality Improvement (QI) project focused on improving risk management communication—a critical element in ensuring patient safety and effective multidisciplinary collaboration in clinical settings.

Her participation at this internationally respected conference, jointly hosted by the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) and the BMJ Group, underscores the value of the Zimbabwean medical diaspora in advancing healthcare standards across borders. This forum, now attracting over 5000 global health improvers annually, has grown since its inception in 1996 into Europe’s largest gathering of healthcare professionals committed to transforming care through quality improvement.

Dr. Murinye’s work exemplifies the vital role that QI initiatives play within the NHS, where continuous learning, systems-based thinking, and evidence-led interventions are cornerstones of delivering high-quality care. Quality Improvement isn’t just a set of tools—it’s a mindset that empowers clinicians to identify gaps, test changes, and measure outcomes for the betterment of patient and staff experiences alike.

Her project on enhancing risk communication shows the tangible impact that focused, frontline-led improvements can have on safety and team dynamics. In a health system as complex and pressured as the NHS, these efforts are more than academic—they save lives, reduce harm, and make the workplace more resilient.

We commend Dr. Murinye for her dedication to patient safety and for flying the flag for Zimbabwean clinicians on such a prominent international stage. Her achievement serves as a powerful reminder of the contributions our members continue to make across specialties and systems.

As we celebrate this milestone, the Zimbabwe Doctors Association UK remains committed to recognising, supporting, and amplifying the voices of our healthcare professionals who are driving meaningful change, both in the UK and globally.

ZDA President Dr Brighton Chireka Shines at The Zim Achievers Awards

We are proud to share that Dr Brighton Chireka, the founding president of the Zimbabwe Doctors Association UK (ZDA UK), was recognised at the prestigious Zimbabwe Achievers Awards (ZAA) 2025, held on 17 May at the Grand Hotel in Birmingham. Dr Chireka was awarded for his outstanding contribution to healthcare, a testament to his lifelong dedication to improving health systems and empowering medical professionals within and beyond the Zimbabwean diaspora.

Dr Chireka, a respected GP Partner based in Kent, is also the founder of the Docbeecee Leadership Academy, which has mentored and inspired many healthcare professionals in strategic leadership and service excellence. With over 25 years of experience in healthcare service delivery, policy influence, and systems strengthening, Dr Chireka has continually championed innovation and equity in healthcare. His six-year tenure as a board member of the Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) further highlights his impact on healthcare governance in the UK.

Reflecting on the award in a heartfelt LinkedIn post, Dr Chireka said he was “deeply honoured” and that the moment made him “pause and reflect.” Surrounded by fellow trailblazers, he described feeling “both proud and humbled” to be recognised among such inspiring achievers.

The Zimbabwe Achievers Awards, founded in 2010 by Conrad Mwanza, is a globally recognised initiative celebrating the achievements of Zimbabweans in the diaspora across industries including business, arts, sports, and healthcare. Held annually in several countries including the UK, USA, South Africa, and Australia, ZAA continues to spotlight the extraordinary stories of Zimbabweans making a difference abroad.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Dr Chireka on this well-deserved recognition. His legacy of leadership, mentorship, and service is not only a beacon of hope for the Zimbabwean community in the UK, but also an inspiration for healthcare professionals globally.

Zim doctor honoured in the UK

A UNITED Kingdom-based Zimbabwean medical doctor Ronald Manuhwa has been honoured with an Allison Gourdie medal after completing emergency medicine post graduate diploma with Royal College of Emergency Medicine in the European country.

The award is given annually to candidates with the highest combined scores across their first attempts at the MRCEM single best answer paper assessing and the MRCEM objective structured clinical examinations.