malvernmugadzikwa
Senior Reporter
HEALTH ambassador First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa yesterday expanded her cancer screening initiatives to the golfing community as she forges ahead with her life-saving and wellness programmes, ensuring that no one and no place is left behind.
Through her Angel of Hope Foundation, the mother of the nation provided her ultra-modern, top-notch mobile hospital for the benefit of Chapman Golf Club in Eastlea, Harare.
The golfers and nearby communities were screened for breast, cervical and prostate cancer free of charge.
The mobile hospital has mammography equipment.
Services like HIV testing, as well as hypertension and diabetes checks were all being offered.
Dubbed “Tee off for Health”, the programme is being run by the Ministry of Health and Child Care, in association with the Angel of Hope Foundation, the National Aids Council, Diagnostic Laboratory and Population Solutions for Health, among other partners.
The tournament and health checks for the golfers are expected to continue today.
To sporting personalities, health checks can detect underlying illnesses, enabling prompt treatment and minimising the risk of transmission to teammates.
Cancer screening is crucial for early detection and treatment, which can significantly improve survival rates and quality of life.
So pleased with the initiative were the golfers that they punched the air with excitement.
“What the First Lady has done today for us as golfers is the first of its kind. Screening can detect cancer at an early stage, when it’s more treatable and curable. Amai is not leaving anyone behind.
“This shows her deep concern for the nation and quest to provide good healthcare for all. The tournament is ending tomorrow (today). Therefore, I am encouraging women to come out in their numbers and get help,” a female golfer said with a broad smile.
Similar sentiments were shared by a male golfer.
“We applaud the initiative that has been rolled out by the mother of the nation and other stakeholders as it ensures everyone is included in health provision. Most men do not visit health centres for health checks, but Amai is always encouraging us as men to do so and know where we stand in terms of our health. I am encouraging all men to be part of this initiative. Cancer screening is not even a painful process. We thank the First Lady heartily for this initiative, which assures good healthcare for all,” he said.
Mr Shorai Muronda, a community member, could not hide his excitement and deep appreciation for the First Lady.
“I am more than pleased that our mother has rolled out this initiative for sportspeople, which has also benefitted us from surrounding communities. Cancer screening has been shown to reduce mortality rates and improve survival rates. This testifies to Amai’s great love for the people and eagerness to promote good healthcare across the board,” he said.
Mrs Judith Makamure from the Ministry of Health and Child Care’s department of reproductive health sang praises to the First Lady.
“As the health sector, we are more than pleased to work with our ambassador, the First Lady. We thank her deeply for investing her time and resources into ensuring that every Zimbabwean enjoys good health. Early detection can prevent cancer from spreading to other parts of the body. Also, screening can raise awareness about cancer risk factors and promote healthy lifestyle choices. It reduces mortality and morbidity amongst women of childbearing age; that is, from 19 to 49 years. Also, the HPV virus is detected early, before it gets to a complicated stage,” she said.
National Aids Council communications director Mrs Medelline Dube said: “We are more than pleased to work with the First Lady in our various programmes. She has been at the forefront of promoting good health and ensuring people are screened for various non-communicable diseases so that they commence treatment early to save life.”
As health ambassador, Dr Mnangagwa has been involved in countless medical outreach programmes where people enjoy free hypertension, diabetes, HIV and Aids, as well as cancer screening. She has also ensured that previously marginalised communities are not left behind.
The Angel of Hope Foundation mobile hospital has helped many Zimbabweans, including those in hard-to-reach areas, enabling them to access healthcare near their homes.
Online Reporter