Online Reporter
Blessings Chidakwa
Herald Reporter
In her drive to make quality health care services accessible to all, Health and Child Care Ambassador Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa brought her state-of-the-art mobile hospital and mobile clinic to Chitungwiza, offering free medical services to the community.
The world-class mobile hospital is equipped with an ultrasound scanner, an advanced gynaecology oncology screening unit, and a radiation machine.
This enabled people from Chitungwiza and nearby areas to undergo screening for cervical, breast and prostate cancer.
Thanks to the advanced equipment, breast cancer can be detected at an early stage, significantly reducing the risk of cancer-related deaths.
There was also free First Aid training courtesy of Angel of Hope Foundation partner Discovery Ambulance Services.
Several tents, manned by Ministry of Health and Child Care personnel, provided checks for non-communicable diseases.
Services included family planning, blood pressure monitoring, diabetes testing, HIV testing, and counselling.
Patients with minor ailments such as flu and headaches were also attended to.
As part of the edutainment programme, the acclaimed Bulawayo-based arts ensemble IYASA performed a captivating play to raise awareness about the importance of regular health checks.
The mother of the nation received a thunderous welcome from multitudes of people before engaging with women during the screening process at the mobile hospital and clinic.
Dr Mnangagwa urged them to seize the opportunity to be screened for breast cancer, cervical cancer, NCDs and other conditions, stressing that early detection saves lives. Before her address, Health Ambassador Dr Mnangagwa first introduced the Parliament’s Health Portfolio Committee and its Cancer Caucus.
The First Lady, who praised the women for making their health a priority, emphasised the value of regular medical check-ups, urging the community to take advantage of her free medical outreach programmes.
“I came here mainly so that we can all know our health status each and every one of us must be aware of our own well-being.
“As of cancer it does not affect women alone; it affects everyone, even a breastfeeding toddler. It can attack any part of the body, including the face. However, because of our biological makeup, women are at a higher risk of developing cancer,” she said.
Dr Mnangagwa said apart from cancer, there are other illnesses for which one can also be tested and screened.
“That is why everyone should undergo screening so they can understand their health status and what it means including the kind of treatment that may be required for any detected condition.
“A nation is built by its people, but it takes healthy citizens to make that possible,” she said. The First Lady, also encouraged people to eat healthy meals, including traditional dishes that are both nutritious and delicious.
Dr Mnangagwa further addressed social challenges such as drug and substance abuse, saying these habits are contributing to some unexplained illnesses.
“These drugs and substances that are smoked or consumed are slowly destroying our bodies and can lead to mysterious diseases. Do not fall prey to them for any reason,” she said.
Dr Mnangagwa urged people to resist negative influences and instead live exemplary lives that can inspire others, especially the younger generation.
The First Lady called on parents to be vigilant in monitoring their children’s growth and behaviour at every stage, rather than being distracted by petty issues. Failure to do so, Dr Mnangagwa warned, could lead young people into prostitution, which in turn often results in gender-based violence.
“Wherever there is prostitution, many negative consequences follow including the spread of diseases, unwanted pregnancies and women attempting dangerous abortions that put their lives at risk,” she said.
“Our children are watching our footsteps. We must live positively and leave behind a legacy so that our good name is remembered even in our absence. Be a dependable person who contributes to the well-being of the community.”
Dr Mnangagwa also commended the Iyasa group for their excellent performance in raising awareness about the importance of regular health checks, exercise, and healthy eating.
A cancer survivor and Chairperson of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Health, Dr Thokozani Khupe, narrated her tale, encouraging other women to always get screened for breast and cervical cancers.
“Cancer is a dangerous disease affecting the whole nation, with most deaths being cancer-related. I personally have stage 4 breast cancer.
“So, the First Lady’s screening initiative ensures that cancer is detected in its early stages, when it is much easier and cheaper to treat. But when it advances, as in my case, it becomes very complicated, difficult, and expensive to treat,” she said.
Dr Khupe said the non-partisan First Lady continues to demonstrate beyond reasonable doubt that she is the mother of the nation through her many life-changing programmes reaching every corner of Zimbabwe.
“We honour our mother for doing a great job in helping the nation in all facets, regardless of political or religious affiliation. She is working tirelessly to unite and uplift Zimbabweans for a better future,” she said.
Discovery Ambulance Services chief executive Mr David Munowenyu spoke about the free First Aid training services that were on offer: “After people are screened for various ailments, we will also offer free First Aid training.”
Beneficiaries were at a loss for words because of the love shown by Dr Mnangagwa, including Auxillia Bocho (73).
“Some of us are getting screened for the first time in our lives, which was never possible in the past. I heard about the programme on the radio and decided to come. I went through the whole process, and the nurses were very helpful. Everything went smoothly, thanks to our First Lady.”
Another beneficiary from the Apostolic Sect, Miriam Kubeta (60), from Nzira Church, said people often assume they are healthy simply because they eat well, yet they may be unaware they are suffering from conditions like breast cancer.
“As women from apostolic sects, we are truly grateful for the support from medical professionals. Let us get examined and pray with peace of mind.
“I have been diagnosed with diabetes and was given medication free of charge. I encourage everyone to take part,” she said.
A young woman who also benefited from the outreach, Miss Nqobile Nyampfeka (21), said: “As young women, we are encouraged to protect ourselves before it’s too late. Screening is being done freely, and I urge all young people to participate.”
Mrs Agnes Nyamusambira (66) said the process was well-organised and of high quality.
“I am grateful to Dr Mnangagwa for the love she is showing by offering us free medical treatment. As Zimbabweans, we can truly see how much she cares for us,” she said.
“I went through the screening and received attention. We are being encouraged to follow up regularly so we can receive treatment in time. I am now in the process of receiving care.”
Mrs Irene Murinzi (52) applauded the First Lady for assisting with cervical and breast cancer screening.
“All women should feel free to take part in this programme, where treatment is provided at no cost.
“Let’s not wait until symptoms appear; it might be too late by then. May the Lord bless our First Lady. On our own, we wouldn’t be able to manage,” she said.
Mr Kurauone Masungo (73), who came for prostate cancer screening, said the programme is a game changer.
“What pushed me to come was my health condition. I had started urinating more often, so I decided to come and get tested.
“It is important for men to get screened for prostate cancer early,” he said. Another beneficiary, Samukeliso Ndlovu (28), was overjoyed with the wide range of medical services offered freely.
“We thank Amai for providing us with free blood pressure, diabetes, and cancer tests. I encourage all women to come forward and get tested. Our mother of the nation is helping us without charging anything.”
Mrs Rudo Dumha (40) also thanked Dr Mnangagwa for the free medical care:
“We received free contraceptive injections (Jadelle), and we were also screened for cancer.”
Mrs Loviza Teputepu (72) emphasised that screening is for everyone, regardless of age.
“We are here to be screened for free. Whether young or old, everyone should get tested. If you don’t come, you risk being left behind with your illness,” she said.
Mrs Beauty Mutero (60), who came for cancer screening, said she was attended to without paying anything, and the entire process was smooth.
Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Harare Metropolitan Province Senator Charles Tawengwa said Amai’s medical outreach programme is a well-thought-out initiative which is leaving no one and no place behind.
“We thank you, First Lady, for the initiative which is being done openly and freely. Your works are transforming lives across the nation, and as Harare we are grateful for always remembering us,” he said.
Chitungwiza Mayor Councillor Rosaria Mangoma, who was represented by Councillor Betty Dokora, also lauded the First Lady for her numerous initiatives in the town, which she described as her second home.
Dr Mnangagwa, who is the country’s Health and Child Care Ambassador, always takes her fully equipped mobile hospital and mobile clinic for medical outreaches across the country, including hard-to-reach areas, to ensure no place and no one is left behind in her mission to save lives and ensure everyone knows where they stand health-wise.
