Online Reporter
Michelle Musandinyoze, Chronicle Writer
MPILO Central Hospital, in partnership with Brave Little Hearts, the Iraqi Lipid Clinics Network (ILCN), and the International Atherosclerosis Society (IAS), has launched a lipid clinic to strengthen cardiovascular care and tackle
the growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Zimbabwe.
The clinic, housed at Mpilo Central Hospital, was officially opened during World Heart Day commemorations on 29 September. It forms part of the hospital’s commitment to patient-centred care, while also leveraging public-private partnerships to expand health services.
Brave Little Hearts director, Mrs Tendai Moyo, described the new facility as a milestone in the fight against NCDs, particularly cardiac diseases.
“This lipid clinic symbolises that embracing patients is not just about treating them as beneficiaries, but also recognising them as leaders in decision-making and solutions that support progress in our health system,” she said.
President of the Iraqi Lipid Clinics Network and IAS board member, Dr Mutaz Al-Khnifsawi, said their organisations are committed to supporting healthcare providers worldwide, particularly in Africa, to strengthen skills in managing heart disease risk factors.
IAS Board Member
President of the Iraqi Lipid Clinics Network
“Like the clinic we have just established at Mpilo, we are creating opportunities for healthcare workers to access training beyond their home countries. Through fully sponsored grants, we cover costs of visas, flights, accommodation and course fees,” he said.
Dr Al-Khnifsawi added that African countries urgently need such support to remain up to date with new strategies to prevent heart diseases and reduce the economic burden of treatment.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), non-communicable diseases are responsible for over 30 percent of all deaths in Zimbabwe, with cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer and chronic respiratory illnesses being the leading causes. Cardiovascular diseases alone account for thousands of preventable deaths annually, driven largely by risk factors such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, poor diets and limited access to specialised treatment.
Public health experts have also warned that the burden of NCDs is gradually rising in Zimbabwe, worsened by urbanisation, lifestyle changes and inadequate screening and diagnostic facilities. The establishment of specialised clinics is therefore seen as a critical step towards early detection, prevention and management of heart-related illnesses.
