Online Reporter
Africa Moyo-Deputy National Editor
The two-day Run for Hope Half Marathon begins today in Beitbridge, with one of the partners set to offer a comprehensive first aid training programme to residents, aimed at equipping them with essential emergency response skills.
The marathon, being held in honour of Vice President Kembo Mohadi’s legacy, mainly his social infrastructure development programmes in the area, takes place tomorrow. After the marathon, hundreds of community members and senior Government officials such as Defence Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, who is also the National Drug and Substance Abuse Chairperson, converge at Mtetengwe Primary School, where the rehabilitation works done at the school will be handed over.
The event will help promote the fight against drug and substance abuse.
In an interview, Permanent Secretary in Vice President Mohadi’s Office, Dr Benson Martins Dube, said the mega event starts today.
He emphasised the programme’s importance in a region prone to accidents, particularly road incidents, noting that empowering individuals with first aid knowledge can significantly reduce fatalities and improve outcomes during emergencies.
“Our goal is to ensure that before professional medical help arrives, community members are capable of providing immediate assistance, which can be crucial in saving lives,” he stated.
The training is expected to cover various emergency scenarios, including road accidents, home injuries, and workplace incidents. We want to create a culture of preparedness within the community,” he said.
The initiative is a collaborative effort under the auspices of the Ministry of Health and Child Care, integrating local healthcare providers to ensure that the training is relevant and applicable to the specific challenges faced by Beitbridge residents.
Tomorrow, the Run for Hope Half Marathon will take place, together with a medical outreach event where local doctors will offer free consultations and distribute medication to residents.
Provisions have been made for home visits.
The medical outreach aims not only to treat ailments, but also to educate the public on preventative health measures, reinforcing the programme’s dual focus on immediate care and long-term wellness.
The marathon will be led by the Ministry of Sports, Arts and Recreation, in collaboration with the Sports and Recreation Commission and the National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe (NAAZ).
Deputy Director for Monitoring and Evaluation in the VP’s Office, Dr Takudzwa Zvobgo said the marathon is an opportunity to promote physical health and community engagement.
