dyton mupawaenda
Remember Deketeke-Herald Correspondent
AT just 17, Ruvimbo (not her real name) who lived in Epworth thought her life had come to an abrupt end.
Abandoned by her husband soon after giving birth, she found herself alone, scared and struggling to care for her newborn child.
“I would cry every night. I did not know where to find food to feed my baby, or even how to take care of myself,” she said.
“I felt like I had no future, especially after I found out I had contracted an STI.”
But her story took a different turn the day she met the team from “Zimbos Abantu, Health Care on Wheels”, a community-based initiative that delivers healthcare and empowerment programmes directly to Zimbabwe’s under-served areas. Through this innovative programme, Ruvimbo was not only given access to medical check-ups and maternal care, but she was also trained in sewing skills, allowing her to earn an income and care for her child independently.
“They gave me a needle and thread, but what they really gave me was dignity,” she said. “Now I make pads and pant liners for neighbours and very soon I will be making dresses and designer clothes, which will enable me to look after my one-year-baby.”
The initiative, in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Child Care and the National AIDS Council is bringing essential health services to the doorsteps of communities that had long felt forgotten. Another 17-year-old girl, Tariro (not her real name), who is currently married and raising a child with her husband, also praised the programme.
“This initiative (of sewing) has uplifted my life,” she said. “I learnt how to manage our household better, I now know how to look after family. It’s like someone held my hand and showed me the way.”
The launch event of the six mobile clinics in Kuwadzana was marked by heartfelt testimonies and applause from community members. Local residents expressed their appreciation, calling the mobile clinics “a godsend”.
“These vans are not just vehicles,” said Mr Tendai Nyamazana, a community elder. “They are moving hospitals, moving classrooms, moving hearts.”
Zimbos Abantu – Health Care on Wheels is a people-driven mobile clinic programme designed to reach marginalised communities with primary health care, HIV services, chronic illness screenings, maternal and child health education, and income-generating training.
In addition, the initiative promotes self-sufficiency through health savings clubs and entrepreneurship support.
Speaking at the launch on behalf of the Minister of Health and Child Care Dr Douglas Mombeshora, chief director of curative services Dr Maxwell Hove, emphasised the critical role of inclusive healthcare in transforming lives.
“This partnership between Zimbos Abantu, the National AIDS Council and the Swiss Re Foundation stands as a commendable example of integrated, people-centred healthcare delivery,” he said. “These mobile clinics are not merely modes of transportation; they are instruments of hope, equity and dignity for the under served.
“President Mnangagwa has always said: ‘Leave no one and no place behind.’ That is exactly what we are doing here today in Kuwadzana.”
“Through innovative models like this one, we are reaching the unreached and restoring faith in public health. To the young women who shared their stories your resilience and strength are the true success stories of this project.” Minister Mombeshora encouraged stakeholders to create synergies that will transform communities.
“I encourage all stakeholders and provincial leadership to draw inspiration from this initiative and tailor similar models to meet their unique local needs. Let this launch be the beginning of many milestones on our shared journey towards a healthier, more inclusive Zimbabwe.”
And for girls like Ruvimbo and Tariro, that journey has already begun, one sewing needle, one health check, and one new beginning at a time
Online Reporter