Bunjiwe Mkwananzi
Blessings Chidakwa in Masvingo
THE country’s Health and Child Care Ambassador, First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa, yesterday reaffirmed her commitment to supporting initiatives that expand access to quality healthcare across the country, particularly those bringing essential services closer to vulnerable communities.
Dr Mnangagwa said this during the ongoing, oversubscribed week-long specialist medical outreach at Nemamwa Grounds in Masvingo Province. For people who have struggled to access specialised healthcare, the medical outreach is bringing specialist attention closer to their communities.
The week-long programme, which started last Thursday, is being spearheaded by Dr Mnangagwa through her Angel of Hope Foundation in partnership with Zimbabwe Care from the United States.
The official opening drew a bumper crowd of jubilant beneficiaries, who welcomed Dr Mnangagwa with songs, ululation and cheers as she arrived at the packed venue.
The atmosphere was simply vibrant and cheerful, with multitudes of people voluntarily turning up to receive free medical treatment and medicines.
Zimbabwe Care medical specialists from the United States are working alongside local doctors, nurses and other health personnel to provide a comprehensive range of services.
These include specialist consultations, cancer screening, eye examinations, dental care, mental health support and HIV testing, among a comprehensive range of free medical services, with patients requiring treatment receiving medicines free of charge.
One notable aspect was the First Lady’s state-of-the-art mobile hospital and clinic, where scores of women thronged to access free cervical and breast cancer screening.
Beyond the medical outreach, as a complementary gesture, Dr Mnangagwa also brought food hampers to support families across all districts of Masvingo Province, which she personally distributed.
Pregnant mothers were also given baby preparation kits, while older people and persons with disabilities received support equipment, including wheelchairs, walking aids, eyeglasses and other assistive devices.
Scores of pupils set to enroll for Form One next year also received school stationery and satchels, courtesy of the First Lady.
In her address, Dr Mnangagwa said her work remained guided by a deep concern for the wellbeing of Zimbabweans, with a focus on bringing healthcare and other essential support closer to communities across the country.
“I remain firmly committed to expanding healthcare accessibility, building durable partnerships, and bringing life-changing interventions where possible to every corner of Zimbabwe.
“Early detection saves lives, and taking charge of your health is the first step towards a thriving future. May this outreach bring healing, comfort, and lasting health to the people of Masvingo Province,” she said.
Dr Mnangagwa said the initiative was helping bridge gaps in access to specialised medical care, particularly for people in rural and vulnerable communities.
“My heart’s desire has always been to ensure that no citizen, regardless of their location, social standing, or background, is left behind when it comes to wellbeing. It is for this reason that my office continues to champion health outreach initiatives that bring essential care directly to your doorsteps,” she said.
“Health is the bedrock of development. When our people are healthy, our children can learn, our farmers can till the land, our businesses can flourish, and our nation prospers.”
The Health and Child Care Ambassador urged the people of Masvingo Province to take full advantage of the services being offered, stressing the importance of early detection and taking charge of personal health.
“This outreach is for you. Whether you have come for a routine check-up, specialised diagnostic consultation, or treatment, please know that you are cared for and valued,” she said.
“I encourage every member of the province, be it mothers, fathers, elders, and young people, to take full advantage of the free medical consultations, screenings, and treatments available throughout this exercise.”
Dr Mnangagwa expressed gratitude to Zimbabwe Care medical specialists from the United States for partnering in the outreach, saying their participation demonstrated the value of international cooperation in improving people’s lives, while welcoming them to Masvingo, home of the Great Zimbabwe monument.
“Your presence here in Zimbabwe is a profound testament to the universal language of service. You have left your homes, families, and regular practices to donate your time, expertise, and resources to the people of Zimbabwe,” she said.
“You have brought not only your medical skills, diagnostic tools, and treatments, but also hope, relief, and renewed energy to families who needed it most. I would like to take this opportunity to express my deepest gratitude. Your selflessness embodies the true spirit of partnership.”
The First Lady said she remained committed to expanding healthcare accessibility, building durable partnerships and supporting interventions that bring essential services closer to communities across Zimbabwe.
Dr Mnangagwa expressed her appreciation to local doctors, nurses, healthcare workers, the provincial administration, including traditional leaders, and the security sector in Masvingo Province for working alongside the visiting teams.
“You remain the backbone of our healthcare system. Your seamless coordination with our international guests ensures that this programme delivers the maximum benefit to our people,” she said.
The First Lady also used the occasion to urge communities to preserve the spirit of Ubuntu and protect young people from drug and substance abuse.
Beneficiaries continued to express appreciation for the specialist services being provided at Nemanwa Grounds, saying the outreach had brought much-needed healthcare closer to communities.
Mr Tinashe Murwenga said the presence of the medical teams was giving people an opportunity to address health concerns they had previously left unattended.
“The doctors took time to examine me and explain what was happening with my eyes. I now have a better understanding of the problem and what I need to do,” he said.
For Mrs Naome Mubaiwa, having several services available at one location had made it easier for local people to access medical attention.
“It is good to have these services here in our community. We have been attended to and given the help we need without travelling far,” she said.
She added that receiving medication and undergoing breast cancer screening had further strengthened her appreciation of the programme.
“Our First Lady also made sure that we received the medication we needed here free of charge. I am glad that I was screened for breast cancer at the Angel of Hope Foundation mobile hospital,” she said.
Gogo Silvia Gopa said the attention she received for her eye problem had brought relief after living with discomfort for some time.
“I had been experiencing problems with my eyes, especially in bright light. After being examined and receiving treatment, I feel relieved,” she said.
Mrs Mildred Rwafa left the outreach with prescription glasses after her eyesight was assessed by the medical team.
“I came for an eye examination and was assisted. I received glasses, which will make it easier for me to see and carry out my daily activities,” she said.
Mr Tinotenda Ziko said the outreach was also encouraging communities to prioritise their health by undergoing tests and seeking medical advice.
“It is important to know your health status and seek help when necessary. I encourage others to come and make use of these services while they are available,” he said.
After undergoing health checks, Mrs Vaness Magundu said she had gained a better understanding of her health and how to look after herself.
“I have learnt more about my health after being checked and speaking to the medical team. The information I received will help me take better care of myself,” she said.
Beyond the medical services, beneficiaries also received food hampers as part of the complementary support being provided during the outreach.
“I am grateful for the assistance we received. This is a welcome addition to the support being provided through this programme, and we truly appreciate the gesture,” said Gogo Mwenga.
Masvingo Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Ezra Chadzamira commended Dr Mnangagwa for bringing specialist healthcare services closer to communities.
“This people-centred initiative will go a long way in improving healthcare access in remote communities,” she said.
Minister Chadzamira said the programme demonstrated Dr Mnangagwa’s commitment to expanding access to healthcare and supporting the attainment of universal health coverage.
He said Dr Mnangagwa’s work through the Angel of Hope Foundation had brought hope to communities through healthcare interventions, including cancer screening, mobile clinics and support for vulnerable people.
“In a time when men look away, Amai Mnangagwa looks closer. In a time when men speak of problems, She brings solutions,” the Minister said.
Minister Chadzamira said the outreach was helping communities appreciate the importance of good health, noting that a healthy person was a wealthy person.
He also praised her efforts to tackle drug and substance abuse, which he described as a growing challenge affecting young people and families.
Chief Nemwamwa also expressed appreciation to the First Lady for taking the medical outreach to the province and bringing essential healthcare services closer to communities.
The outreach continues to benefit people from all districts of Masvingo, with medical teams attending to patients throughout the week.
