Moffat Mungazi
Tendai Gukutikwa
Health Reporter
WOMEN who attended the International Women’s Day celebrations in Zimunya last Friday received access to advanced and technology-driven, free health services, including Artificial Intelligence (AI) augmented breast ultrasound and cervical cancer screening.
The services were brought to their doorstep by ZimSmart Villages, a digital medical company in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Child Care.
The event, held at Munyarari Primary School, saw hundreds of women from the Zimunya-Marange communities accessing the crucial health services that could potentially save their lives.
ZimSmart Villages chief medical officer, Dr Admore Jokwiro said offering free health services during the IWD celebrations was a deliberate effort to honour and empower women by prioritising their health and well-being.
“Women are the backbone of our communities, yet many face barriers to accessing critical health services, especially in rural areas.
‘‘We chose to offer these screenings for free as part of the IWD celebrations to show our commitment to their health, and to raise awareness about the importance of early detection,” he said, adding that the event presented a perfect opportunity to reach more women, many of whom may not have regular access to healthcare facilities.
“Bringing these services directly to the community breaks down financial and logistical barriers.
‘‘We wanted to ensure that no woman missed the chance to get screened just because they could not afford it or travel long distances,” said Dr Jokwiro, adding that the tests were automated and produced immediate results.
“We conducted cervical cancer screening using the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) oncoprotein test, a highly sensitive and advanced screening tool that detects high-risk HPV types. The method enhances early detection, ensuring high-risk women receive immediate care,” he said.
The screening services did not end with cervical cancer as AI-augmented breast ultrasounds for early breast cancer detection were also done.
“We utilised an AI-powered breast ultrasound, a technique designed for early breast cancer detection. By so doing, we captured real-time images of internal structures.
‘‘The AI algorithm analysed the images, detecting abnormalities and highlighting areas of concern.
‘‘Results were made available forthwith,” he said.
This method is especially useful in low-resource settings like rural areas.
For many women in the community, this was their first time getting screened for cervical cancer and breast cancer.
Mrs Rufaro Muchabveyo (62), of Marange thanked the doctors for bringing the advanced services closer to their homes for free.
“Everything has been done for free, I paid nothing. I never thought I would get a chance to be screened for cancer. I always thought such services were for people in big cities, but now I know my health status, and I am grateful,” she said.
Ms Sarah Sibiya (58), shared her relief after being screened for breast cancer.
“I was worried because my breasts have been painful for months, but I did not have money to go to a private clinic for screening.
‘‘This test gave me peace of mind, and the nurses told me what to do next,” she said.
Online Reporter