Online Reporter
Tendai Gukutikwa
Health Reporter
A TEAM of specialist paediatric surgeons will conduct a free mobile clinic at Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital on July 31 and August 1, targeting children with correctable physical disabilities.
The free paediatric mobile clinic, will run from 8am to 4pm on both days.
VCPH medical superintendent, Dr Hilary Makiwa said the outreach programme aims to provide free screenings, consultations, and follow-up surgeries for children under the age of 18.
The initiative is led by Cure Children’s Hospital of Zimbabwe, in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Child Care and Celebration Health.
“To ensure that no child with correctable disabilities is left behind, CCHZ has partnered with a group of paediatric surgeons providing healthcare interventions in urban, remote, and rural locations,” said Dr Makiwa.
The mobile clinic will identify children with conditions such as clubfoot, bowed legs, knock knees, cleft lip and palate, neglected fractures, and burn contractures.
Those requiring surgery will be referred to CCHZ in Bulawayo, where procedures will be performed free of charge.
“We expect over 100 children to benefit from this outreach, with our team aiming to screen more than 50 patients per day,” said Dr Makiwa.
To facilitate access, patients from Mutare are encouraged to visit VCPH independently, while those from outlying areas should visit their local clinics and hospitals for assessment and guidance on attending the Mutare clinic.
In preparation, VCPH has notified district hospitals across Manicaland, advising doctors and nurses to identify children with specific conditions and prepare them for the upcoming screenings.
“We have prepared consultation rooms, counselling spaces, and administrative support teams to ensure a smooth outreach programme, providing every child and guardian with the attention they deserve,” said Dr Makiwa.
This opportunity is particularly significant for families who cannot afford specialist treatment, offering them a rare chance to access vital care.
Dr Makiwa urged parents and guardians not to miss this rare opportunity for specialist treatment for children with physical disabilities.
“We call on parents and guardians to bring their children with visible deformities, lingering disabilities, or conditions causing pain or affecting movement or growth. No referral letter is needed for the initial screening; simply arrive on time with the child and any medical records,” said Dr Makiwa, further assuring them that patients referred to Bulawayo for surgeries will receive transport assistance from VCPH, in partnership with organisations like World Vision and REPSSI.
“Transport logistics will be supported within their operational areas. We will also provide follow-up care, either at VCPH or local district hospitals, with a detailed plan developed and explained to parents or guardians,” he said.
VCPH has been a consistent referral partner for Cure Children’s Hospital of Zimbabwe, with six percent of its surgeries attributed to Manicaland patients.
The mobile clinic model aims to expand access to specialised paediatric care in the province, deepening collaboration between the two institutions.
“This clinic is, not only about treating patients, but also building long-term systems for consistent access to expert services. It presents an opportunity for skill transfer between visiting surgeons and our local medical personnel, enhancing paediatric services at our hospital in the long run,” said Dr Makiwa.
Cure Children’s Hospital of Zimbabwe is a charitable paediatric hospital based in Bulawayo, established in 2021 under a Public-Private Partnership Agreement with the Ministry of Health and Child Care, to provide free orthopaedic and reconstructive plastic surgeries to children under 18.
To date, CCHZ has performed over 4 000 life-changing operations for children with correctable physical disabilities across Zimbabwe, transforming the lives of countless young individuals.
