Online Reporter
Remember Deketeke
INCLUSIVE development must give every citizen an opportunity to harness their talents and contribute to the country’s socio-economic transformation, First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa has said, as she champions inclusion through support for people with albinism.
Dr Mnangagwa said this during an interface with scores of people with albinism at Chitungwiza Aquatic Complex, where she handed over a consignment of dermatological lotions and clothes.
Sun protection creams are critical in protecting their sensitive skin against harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation and reducing the risk of sun-related skin damage.
Initially organised for people with albinism, the programme drew scores of beneficiaries from Chitungwiza and surrounding communities, reflecting the growing reach of Dr Mnangagwa’s initiatives aimed at supporting vulnerable communities.
Dr Mnangagwa also handed over food hampers to all attendees, which she personally distributed with the assistance of the wife of the Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Madame Lyu Renhong, and Director of Elective Care at the NHS, Jacqueline Ntaka.
The First Lady also donated a consignment of rice to Chitungwiza General Hospital and clothing for children with albinism.
Pregnant women were also not left out, as they received preparation kits, bringing smiles and renewed hope as the First Lady extended her warm hand of support.
The First Lady also brought her state-of-the-art mobile hospital and clinic to provide essential healthcare services, with multitudes of women benefiting from free cervical and breast cancer screening.
The world-class mobile hospital is equipped with an ultrasound scanner, an advanced gynaecological oncology screening unit, and a radiation machine.
Before her address, the First Lady took the opportunity to have a moment of silence for those who lost their lives during the Kariba tragedy, which has claimed more than 90 lives.
Dr Mnangagwa said society should move away from viewing disability through the lens of limitations, stressing that physical differences did not determine a person’s intellectual capacity, abilities or vision.
“We must continue to dismantle societal barriers and foster a culture of inclusion.
“Physical variation does not restrict human intellect, capability, or vision. As I maintain across all our platforms, disability does not mean inability.
“Every citizen possesses unique talents and capacity to contribute meaningfully to the socio-economic trajectory of our nation when provided with equal opportunity, dignity and appropriate support,” she said.
Dr Mnangagwa said that sunscreen is not a cosmetic luxury, but rather, it is a preventative medical necessity against the constant threat of severe sun damage and skin cancer.
The First Lady said Zimbabwe needed to create an environment in which people with disabilities were not only protected, but also empowered to participate fully in the socio-economic affairs of the country.
She said beneficiaries of programmes targeting people with disabilities should be assured that they were an integral part of Zimbabwean society.
“To all our beneficiaries here today, know that you are integral to the fabric of Zimbabwe. We will continue to advocate for your health, defend your dignity, and expand opportunities for your growth.”
Dr Mnangagwa said her work with people with albinism will continue as part of a sustained effort to safeguard their well-being and address the challenges they face.
“This gathering is neither an isolated gesture nor a fleeting programme. It is part of a sustained, systemic endeavour to safeguard the well-being of persons with albinism,” she said.
“My work with this community stems from an acute awareness of the challenges faced, ranging from health risks to the social friction caused by lingering superstitious myths and discrimination.”
Dr Mnangagwa said efforts had consistently been made to challenge harmful misconceptions surrounding albinism.
“We have consistently worked to dispel harmful misconceptions, advocate for legislative and social protection, and ensure that health intervention items such as protective lotions are integrated into sustainable support systems,” she said.
The First Lady expressed gratitude to Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe Mr Zhou Ding for the partnership with Angel of Hope Foundation, saying the dermatological lotions would assist people whose skin lacks the protective pigment known as melanin.
She said the Chinese contribution reflected the longstanding relationship between Zimbabwe and China, which she described as a strategic partnership and historical friendship forged during Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle.
Among the interventions, Dr Mnangagwa said, were sustainable agricultural projects, vocational skills training and micro-entrepreneurship programmes.
The First Lady also expressed appreciation to the Chinese Ambassador’s wife, Madam Lyu Renhong, for attending the programme, saying her presence demonstrated compassion and solidarity with vulnerable communities.
The gathering further provided an opportunity for beneficiaries to interact with the First Lady and share some of the challenges they face in their daily lives.
During the interaction, Ms Tariro Kanyandura shared her experience after being diagnosed with skin cancer, emphasising the importance of regular screening and early detection among people with albinism.
“I was diagnosed with skin cancer and this showed me the importance of regularly checking our skin and seeking medical attention whenever we notice something unusual,” she said.
Ms Kanyandura expressed gratitude to the First Lady for continuing to raise awareness of the challenges faced by people with albinism.
Another beneficiary, Mr Tafadzwa Chizhou, spoke about challenges with his eyesight and revealed that he had been advised to start wearing glasses.
“I was told that I now need to start wearing glasses because of my eyesight. It is important for us to have our eyes checked regularly,” he said.
The testimonies highlighted the importance of regular health screening for people with albinism, particularly for skin cancer and eye-related conditions.
Madame Lyu Renhong, said the initiative demonstrated the growing cooperation between Zimbabwe and China.
She added that the support was aimed at helping people with albinism mitigate health hazards associated with their condition.
“This support initiative for persons with albinism embodies our shared dedication to equality, inclusion and diversity, reaffirming that every life is worthy of dignity and equal rights,” Madame Lyu said.
“Empowering this community to fully engage in public life is our common pursuit toward a warmer, more inclusive society.”
Madame Lyu commended the Angel of Hope Foundation and the First Lady for championing social inclusion and community welfare initiatives across Zimbabwe.
She said the First Lady had “long championed a culture of compassion and social inclusion across Zimbabwe”, adding that her commitment to community welfare was “an inspiring model for equitable social development”.
“China stands ready to continue partnering with the Government of Zimbabwe and organisations including the Angel of Hope Foundation to enable every individual to realise their full potential,” she said.
Jacqueline Ntaka, Director of Elective Care at the National Health Service in England, also commended the Angel of Hope Foundation for its free cancer screening programmes.
“I am quite excited because Angel of Hope is doing the very thing I was doing. They are doing great work around screening,” she said.
Mrs Chipo Shamhu thanked Dr Mnangagwa for ensuring that people with albinism were not forgotten.
“We want to thank you, our mother, for remembering us and for the initiatives you have introduced to support people with albinism,” she said.
Mr Peter Karimudumba said the First Lady’s programmes had demonstrated the importance of listening leaders.
“We are grateful for this opportunity to meet you and share our challenges. Your initiatives have shown us that our concerns matter,” he said.
Mrs Caroline Mutasa also praised the First Lady for her compassion and commitment to vulnerable groups.
“Thank you, our First Lady, for the love and support you continue to show us. Your work gives us hope and reminds us that we are part of the nation,” she said.
Mrs Plaxedes Mawhite said the assistance being provided through the First Lady’s initiatives was making a meaningful difference in the lives of beneficiaries.
“We sincerely appreciate everything you are doing for us. Your support is changing lives and giving vulnerable people the confidence to face the future,” she said.
The beneficiaries said they hoped the programmes would continue reaching more people across the country.
Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Deputy Minister Mercy Dinha said Government remained committed to ensuring persons with disabilities had access to essential services and opportunities.
She thanked the First Lady for her continued support of vulnerable communities.
Mrs Cathrine Kampila, who was representing the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Harare, Charles Tavengwa, said the First Lady’s programmes were giving practical meaning to the Government’s inclusive development agenda.
“Your presence demonstrates the special place that vulnerable and marginalised communities occupy in your heart,” she said.
“It is not ceremonial, but a statement. It tells persons with disabilities across this nation that the nation is committed to improving their welfare.”
