Tendai Gukutikwa
Tendai Gukutikwa
Health Reporter
IN a significant demonstration of its commitment to enhance maternal and primary healthcare access for rural women, Mutasa Rural District Council has initiated the construction of seven new health posts.
This endeavour, which is part of the council’s shift towards gender-responsive budgeting, seeks to bring healthcare closer to communities that have long struggled with poor access, particularly for pregnant women and young children.
Mutasa RDC chairperson, Councillor Pardington Nemaunga said seven health posts are being constructed in Wards 30, 29, 25, 19, 18, 11, and Five, with completion targeted for the end of September.
“We listened to the heartfelt pleas of numerous women who shared their harrowing experiences of travelling for hours to the nearest clinic.
‘‘In too many cases, those long journeys ended in tragedy. Following a full council meeting in March, we unanimously agreed to speed up the constructing of the health posts to address this pressing issue,” said Councillor Nemaunga.
The newly constructed health posts, strategically located in remote areas such as Vumbunu, Manhanga, and Nhera, will serve as the primary point of care for villagers. Each facility will be staffed by a qualified nurse and nurse aide.
Councillor Nemaunga said Mutasa RDC is collaborating with the Ministry of Health and Child Care to ensure that the health posts are adequately staffed and equipped to provide primary care, first aid, and referral services.
“This initiative is part of our broader health strategy to decentralise care.
In emergency situations, such as a woman in labour, a child with fever, or a snake bite victim, every minute counts. These health posts will provide immediate attention, and if necessary, refer patients to larger healthcare centres.
‘‘Timely intervention can be the difference between life and death,” he said.
In addition to the seven health posts under construction, Councillor Nemaunga revealed that three other facilities have already been completed and are operational in Mutasa North.
“We are committed to addressing the health challenges faced by rural women. The council is dedicated to improving their access to healthcare, and we are taking concrete steps to achieve this goal,” he said.
Furthermore, Mutasa RDC, in partnership with Honourable Innocent Benza, Member of Parliament for Mutasa Central, has initiated the construction of a waiting mother’s shelter at Mwoyoweshumba Clinic.
This intervention aims to alleviate the burden on pregnant women, who previously had to travel over 10 kilometres to access the nearest shelter at Tsonzo Rural Health Centre.
“The significant distance to the nearest shelter was resulting in complications during childbirth, including stillbirths and maternal deaths. We deemed this unacceptable and, given our commitment to budgeting with women in mind, partnered with our MP to address this issue. The waiting mother’s shelter, whose construction began in April, is expected to be completed by the end of May,” said Councillor Nemaunga.
Councillor Nemaunga emphasised the benefits of prioritising women’s needs in budgeting.
“By investing in localised health infrastructure, the council is championing decentralisation and inclusive development. Our goal is for the district to become a model for rural health investment and gender-responsive governance.”
For many women in Mutasa, the council’s initiatives have come as a welcome relief.
Ms Rumbidzai Mungofa, of Ward 17, applauded the council’s response to long-standing concerns.
“I feel we have been heard. It is empowering to know that our lives matter to our leaders,” she said.
Mrs Tsitsi Munyebvu, a representative for People with Disabilities, highlighted the positive impact of the health posts on female PWDs.
“Previously, some of us were unable to access health services due to the 10km distance to the clinic. The new health posts will alleviate this burden. We appreciate the council’s consideration of women with disabilities in their programming.
‘‘The waiting mother’s shelter will also transform the lives of expectant mothers who had been relying on unsafe alternatives,” she said.
Online Reporter