Online Reporter
Ray Bande
Senior Reporter
MORE than 100 000 villagers from Watsomba and surrounding communities are breathing a collective sigh of relief following the opening of the affordable Kerr Clinic.
The facility, currently undergoing a US$400 000 upgrade, has already launched its outpatient department, while maternity, male, female, and children’s wards — along with other key services — are nearing completion.
Operated by the Zimbabwe Africa Trust, Kerr Clinic has quickly become a vital healthcare lifeline for Mutasa District, serving wards 11, 17, 18, 19, 20, and 21, as well as nearby schools and State institutions.
Beyond its broad coverage, the clinic distinguishes itself by offering free medical services and medication to those unable to pay, particularly elderly residents aged 60 and above.
Mutasa District Medical Officer, Dr Arthur Kapfunde, acknowledged that Watsomba’s rapidly growing population has in recent years outstripped the capacity of existing health infrastructure, making the Kerr Clinic’s arrival both timely and transformative.
“Watsomba serves a rapidly growing and highly mobile population whose healthcare needs have far outpaced the capacity of existing facilities.
“Current infrastructure is under immense strain and increasingly unable to deliver essential preventative, promotive, curative, and rehabilitative services,” said Dr Kapfunde.
Mutasa Rural District Council chairman, Councillor Pardington Nemaunga expressed gratitude for the new Kerr Clinic, saying: “Thank you to all involved with the Kerr Clinic for your compassion in improving the lives of our villagers. Your free healthcare provision is more than just a medical service — it is a symbol of love, care, and respect.”
Dr Kapfunde highlighted the struggles residents previously faced in accessing care.
“Because of limited service capacity, many were forced to seek treatment at distant facilities such as Sakupwanya and Zongoro clinics. This meant longer travel distances, delayed healthcare-seeking behaviour, higher indirect household costs, and potential adverse health outcomes. Such barriers undermine the principles of equitable access and universal health coverage,” he explained.
Kerr Clinic is currently being upgraded into a fully-fledged hospital, with construction underway on male, female, maternity, and children’s wards, as well as additional consultation rooms and service areas.
Marira village head, Mr Lenorth Marira, expressed his gratitude for the new facility.
“We are pleased that Watsomba now has a clinic and a pharmacy.
In the past, people had to walk long distances for treatment, but that is now a thing of the past — especially for the elderly, who struggled to walk or pay for transport. We would like to thank Zimbabwe Africa Trust for this clinic, which will soon be upgraded to a hospital.”
In a statement, Zimbabwe Africa Trust confirmed:
“Consultations are affordable, starting at US$10. For those who cannot afford it — including people living with disabilities and elderly residents aged 60 and above — we provide consultations and medication free of charge.
Prices for other hospital services will be announced once the expanded section with wards becomes fully operational.”
Staffed by a qualified general practitioner, a senior nurse, two junior nurses, a janitor, and three pharmacy employees — all recruited locally — the clinic has already seen an overwhelming response since opening its doors.
One of the project’s main funders, Mr Alistair Kerr, has also funded the construction of 100 water pumps in villages across Zimbabwe.
In recognition of his contribution, the facility bears his name: Kerr Clinic, soon to become Kerr Hospital.
Dr Kapfunde emphasised the broader public health significance.
“The area’s substantial disease burden is amplified by continuous population growth, migration, and movement patterns that increase demand for healthcare services while elevating the risk of communicable disease transmission and public health emergencies. These dynamics strain existing resources and compromise service delivery efficiency.
“The establishment of this facility within the Watsomba catchment area has already enhanced geographical accessibility, reduced patient congestion, improved service coverage, strengthened disease surveillance and outbreak response capacity, and will contribute to better health outcomes. From a public health perspective, expanding primary healthcare infrastructure here is a strategic, evidence-based intervention that promotes equity, improves utilisation, and strengthens the resilience of the local health system,” he said.
