The ZATA Project
WE HAVE LOST A VALUED MEMBER OF THE ZATA PROJECT FAMILY:
Buy beautiful, unique Zimbabwe paintings at Esty.com
Sadly, Dr. Hakim, a founding member of the ZATA Project and an invaluable member of its Advisory Board, passed away on January 26, 2021 from complications of COVID-19. James’ numerous academic and clinical achievements will always be praised and remembered by his many friends and colleagues in Zimbabwe and around the world. The ZATA Project has identified funds to establish the James G. Hakim Prize in his memory. The funds will be used as matching donations for a multi-year grant for young students and faculty at UZ who excel in their research, clinical, or teaching contributions and can demonstrate that they are improving the lives of Zimbabweans infected with HIV or other serious infectious diseases, such as COVID-19.
BACKGROUND:
The ZATA (Zimbabwe AIDS Treatment Assistance) Project was founded as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization in 2004 in cooperation with University of Colorado (CU) Anschutz Medical Center AIDS experts to raise funds through donations and the sale and auction of Zimbabwean art and sculpture. ZATA funds have been a critical source for the University of Zimbabwe's physician faculty in their fight against the AIDS epidemic, which has been catastrophic for so many Zimbabweans and their familiies. While more and more Zimbabweans now have access to life-saving antiretroviral medications, many health-related needs still remain.
ZATA has raised almost $400,000 for a number of critical expenses in Zimbabwe. Not only have we been able to buy life-saving AIDS medications for UZ patients, but we also funded a clean water well in 2009 at the UZ AIDS Research Centre to stave off an outbreak of cholera. Additionally, we funded AIDS-related research projects of two talented UZ post-graduate students and provided support for orphans and farmers affected by the AIDS epidemic.
Most recently, ZATA purchased thoracic ultrasound equipment for the Department of Medicine physicians and staff at the UZ. We collaborated with Professor Ali Musani, Vice Chair, Global Health, Department of Medicine at the CU School of Medicine on the purchase and Dr. Musani trained the faculty and staff at UZ on the equipment February 26 and 27, 2019. The ZATA Board is very appreciative of the training and travel support provided by The Department of Medicine CoZIE (Colorado Zimbabwe Exchange) Program.
The organization is managed by an entirely volunteer Board of Directors in Denver and San Diego, as well as an Advisory Board comprised of mostly medical experts in Colorado, California and Zimbabwe.
The beautiful, original Zimbabwe artwork that our CU AIDS experts have bought directly from the artists, and then brought back after completing their research and teaching collaborations are now on Etsy! Our donors have bought this fantastic art throughout the years, and the remaining paintings are now totally accessible on line for sale.
UPDATE ON COVID-19:
Thank you for your continuing interest in our 17-year initiative to support medical care and associated services in Zimbabwe. Many of our board members are currently working from home while others are working on new drug therapies for the COVID-19 virus. We very much hope that you and your families are also staying well during this time. Please contact Jane Oppenheim, President, with any questions about artwork or donations at janeoppenheim50@gmail.com.
