Online Reporter
Tendai Gukutikwa
Health Reporter
PINKTOBER ended with colour, unity, and purpose last Friday in Mutare, as hundreds of residents flocked to the Central Business District to receive free health services ranging from breast and prostate cancer screening to diabetes and HIV testing.
The event, held at Meikles Park, drew long queues of men and women eager to take advantage of the free screenings.
The outreach, organised by FACT Zimbabwe, in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Child Care, was part of efforts to promote awareness and accessibility to health services during the Breast Cancer Awareness Month of October, commonly known as Pinktober.
It attracted, not just patients, but also curious passers-by who joined in after learning the services were free.
In an interview, FACT Zimbabwe’s head of programmes, Ms Bertha Mukome said the event was designed to make health screening more accessible and convenient to the public, particularly those who avoid visiting hospitals due to fear or financial constraints.
“October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time when we commemorate and raise awareness about the importance of early detection. Our theme this year was: ‘Step Up for Health’, where we encouraged mostly women, but really everyone, to come forward and get screened for any health issues they might have,” she said, adding that the event offered a wide range of services beyond cancer-related checks.
“We provided breast cancer screening, diabetes screening, blood pressure checks, HIV testing, and prostate cancer screening for men. Those showing any signs or symptoms were referred for further care at health facilities of their choice within Mutare. The goal is simple – early detection saves lives,” she said.
Ms Mukome said many people are diagnosed too late, making treatment difficult or ineffective.
“If you delay and are found at stage four, it might be too late to get the necessary treatment. We want to save lives through early detection, not last-minute panic. That is why we brought the services to the heart of the city, where people can get checked and go on with their daily activities,” she said.
The campaign began with a health awareness walk from Redan downtown to Miekles Park, drawing the attention of motorists and onlookers who joined in solidarity.
“We wanted to make noise for health. Our walk was symbolic of stepping up, literally and figuratively, for our wellbeing,” said Ms Mukome.
She said the event was made possible through partnerships with various health organisations, including SESHA, AHF, Simukai, the Zimbabwe National Family Planning Council, and Population Solutions for Health, all working under the guidance of the Ministry of Health and Child Care and Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises.
“Cancer is a serious health issue, and our collaboration under the ministries’ umbrella ensures that our efforts align with national health priorities,” said Ms Mukome.
Health professionals, nurses, and volunteers worked tirelessly throughout the day, offering on-the-spot consultations and referrals for further care.
The air was filled with optimism and relief as people embraced the opportunity to know their health status without worrying about costs or stigma.
One of the beneficiaries, Mrs Patricia Chikwindi (45), said she had never been screened for cancer before, and the free services gave her the courage to finally do it.
“I always thought screening was expensive and something only done at big hospitals. Today, I just walked in, got screened, and learnt a lot. I am thankful that such services were brought right here to us in town,” she said.
Another beneficiary, Mr Tinashe Danda, who got his blood pressure and prostate checked, said men often neglect their health until it is too late.
“As men, we like to pretend we are strong.
“But today I realised that getting checked early can save lives. I will be encouraging my friends to do the same,” he said.
