Online Reporter
Blessings Chidakwa
Senior Reporter
Multitudes of people converged yesterday at Maria Theresa Clinic for a major health expo providing essential services, an event graced by First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa, who called for fostering a culture of regular screenings and preventative care.
The free medical outreach programme, which began as early as 7 a.m. at Kakora Village, Chiweshe in Mashonaland Central Province, drew long queues of people eager to access the services.
Organised by Chief Negomo, with support from the Ministry of Health and Child Care and the National AIDS Council, the expo ultimately attracted a bumper crowd.
Services on offer included optometry, dental care, cervical, breast, and prostate cancer screenings through the state-of-the-art Angel of Hope mobile hospital and clinic, hypertension and diabetes checks, HIV testing and counselling services, TB tests, family planning, among numerous others.
The mobile hospital is equipped with an ultrasound scanner, an advanced gynaecology oncology screening unit, and a radiation machine, enabling beneficiaries to undergo screenings for cervical and breast cancer.
Dr Mnangagwa, who is also the country’s Health and Child Care Ambassador, began by touring various tents manned by medical practitioners offering free medical services.
After the tour, the First Lady addressed participants, saying the oversubscribed event demonstrated the community’s commitment to building healthier families and standing together against the country’s most pressing health challenges.
“I am very glad that you could all come out in big numbers as you have done, despite the fact that we are in the midst of the planting season. Your being here today is sufficient proof that you share my vision for healthier lives and stronger communities,” she said.
“The more we understand our health, the more empowered we become to take action. Let us foster a culture of regular screenings and preventative care, ensuring that we protect our loved ones from these diseases.”
Dr Mnangagwa added: “Remember, knowledge is power. The more informed we are about our health, the better choices we can make.”
The First Lady said the expo which resonates with her deeply provides an opportunity to raise awareness of essential health services that can transform lives, highlighting areas of critical concern, including mental health, drug abuse, cervical and prostate cancers, hypertension, diabetes, HIV and AIDS, family planning, dental care, and eye care.
“Each of these health issues affects our families, our friends, and our communities in profound ways. We must understand that health is not merely the absence of disease but a holistic state of well-being.
“Mental health and drug abuse are often overlooked in our discussions about health. It is essential that we create an environment where mental health and drug abuse are prioritised, where seeking help is seen as a strength and not a weakness,” she said.
Dr Mnangagwa urged communities to support young people, who are increasingly vulnerable to substance abuse, while also calling on Zimbabweans to be advocates for compassion and understanding, ensuring mental health services are accessible and stigma-free.
“Let us ensure that our youth understand their options and make informed choices that will lead to healthier lives. We have the power to protect one another, change perceptions, and create a society where everyone feels safe to speak about their struggles,” she said.
Dr Mnangagwa also emphasised the importance of early detection of cancers and encouraged the public to take advantage of screening services.
“Cervical and prostate cancers are significant health challenges that we must confront with urgency. Most of you know that I always conduct cervical cancer screenings, and today we have included prostate cancer to ensure that men are not left behind.
“Early detection is key. I urge every one of you to take advantage of the screening services available today,” she said.
The Health and Child Care Ambassador said chronic conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes also require attention.
“These diseases are often silent but can lead to severe health complications. Education and awareness are vital. I encourage you to engage with the health professionals present today. They are here to provide guidance and support,” she said.
Dr Mnangagwa said the expo also brought dental and eye care services so that most health challenges are addressed.
“Dental and eye care issues are often neglected in our discussions about health. However, good oral health is vital to our overall well-being. Regular check-ups can prevent serious conditions and lead to better health outcomes.
“Similarly, eye health plays a critical role in our ability to engage with the world around us. I encourage everyone to prioritise these aspects of our health,” she said.
Dr Mnangagwa further stressed the critical role of men in promoting family health.
“Male involvement is crucial in the fight against gender-based violence and in supporting family health initiatives. I call upon all men in our communities to take an active role in promoting healthy families,” she said.
Addressing social vices, Mother Zimbabwe called for united action against gender-based violence, child marriages, and teen pregnancies, which she said rob children of their future.
Dr Mnangagwa said her office, under the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development, is implementing a project to eradicate adolescent pregnancies in six provinces with the highest burden, including Harare, Mashonaland Central, Mashonaland East, Manicaland, Midlands, and Mashonaland West provinces.
The First Lady also took time to thank Chief Negomo, the Ministry of Health and Child Care, the National AIDS Council, health professionals, and all attendees for supporting health awareness initiatives.
Chief Negomo, who hosted the health expo, highlighted the significance of the day, expressing gratitude to community members and health professionals for making the programme a huge success.
“I’m very happy that so many of you came after hearing about the medical outreach, which will be graced by the First Lady. Our families can now feel relieved, knowing that the health issues affecting us are being addressed, and we can continue living well,” he said.
Beneficiaries praised the programme, emphasising its potential to improve access to medical care in remote areas, boost health education, enable early disease detection and prevention, and reduce mortality.
Mr Joseph Damiso, who received an eye check, described the programme as a game-changer.
“We have been helped because now we know which type of glasses we should wear. I am very grateful for this initiative,” he said.
A young beneficiary undergoing cancer screening, Ms Beauty Nemoni, said health checks know no age limit.
“For us young people, it is important to protect our health. We should take care of our bodies and monitor our health. Cancer screening is important so that you can receive help early, before it spreads. It is always good to be screened early,” she said.
For Granny Simiye Pudhala, who had been unwell, the free services provided huge relief.
“My body was aching and I sometimes felt feverish. I was safely tested, and the doctor gave me medicine to help. I am very grateful for the care,” she said.
Mr Andmio Chingwena, who was screened for prostate cancer, shared his experience.
“I started by being asked about my health background and daily routine, both at home and at work. We didn’t know much about our health, and this has helped me take better care of myself. Prostate cancer is becoming a growing concern, so I was examined to check if the symptoms were present. I encourage other men to come and be screened regularly,” he said.
Elderly beneficiary Mr Amos Chaitezi emphasised the importance of health and mental checks.
“We have had our health checked in a comfortable environment. These checks are important so that ailments can be detected early, allowing us to receive timely help and live longer. The team assisting us is very professional, making the entire process smooth. Despite the large number of people, they are serving us well,” he said. Mrs Letwin Chitekedza, also undergoing screening, highlighted the importance of early detection for effective cancer treatment.
Mr Trynos Ganyangu, who had a tooth removed free of charge, praised Chief Negomo for hosting such a valuable medical outreach programme.
Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution in Mashonaland Central Province, Christopher Magomo, lauded the initiative and thanked the First Lady for the numerous health programmes she is spearheading in the province.
He also commended Chief Negomo for his unwavering dedication to the people, which made the health expo a success.
Communities were urged to leave the event with a renewed commitment to their wellbeing, with the reminder that collective action helps build a healthier Zimbabwe for all.
