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Theseus Shambare in GOROMONZI
DESPITE countless hardships, the unwavering spirit of frontline community childcare workers (CCWs) shines bright.
Their tireless efforts to care for mothers and children in adversity cannot go unnoticed.
They trek through treacherous terrains, covering countless kilometres, to bring aid to the remote reaches of Goromonzi rural district.
This is the everyday reality for Betty Bonono (54) of Mashayamombe Village under Chief Chinamhora, a dedicated CCW.
For her, a bicycle is an invaluable gift, empowering her to fulfil her crucial role, even amid the recent cholera outbreak.
In the far-flung areas, where access to healthcare is scarce, CCWs like Bonono become the lifelines that bridge the gap between vulnerable communities and essential medical services.
CCWs are the ones who ensure that pregnant women receive the care they need, that malaria patients get timely treatment, and that children in need of vital nutrients and growth assessments are not left behind.
In Goromonzi, the CCWs are also ensuring that people who live with HIV and AIDS get their medications on time, reminding them to take them.
Often, they are the last hope when hospitals and clinics seem out of reach.
Against the backdrop of maternal, neonatal and child mortality, Bonono’s mission takes on even greater significance.
But the path to reaching mothers and children has never been a walk in the park for her and colleagues.
Since the early days of her noble calling in 2005, she has been forced to traverse endless kilometres on foot, battling fatigue and uncertainty at every step.
However, on Tuesday, Mavambo Orphan Care, a local non-governmental organisation that supports orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) living with and/or affected by HIV and AIDS handed over 44 bicycles to CCWs, including Bonono.
“The terrain is rough here, and some people live in places that are difficult to reach, but I have to reach them, so I walked. It was tough. These bicycles will go a long way,” Bonono told The Sunday Mail Online on the side-lines of the handover ceremony.
Her trips involved bush paths and rugged dirt roads up and down the valleys and mountains where some homesteads are perched.
Then, the gift came.
The bicycles were procured by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Zimbabwe-PEPFAR under the five-year programme, Mavambo Orphan Care-Vana Activity, worth US$10 000.
Goromonzi district development coordinator Ms Prisca Dube said Government appreciated its long-standing relationship with PEPFAR.
She said the relationship had transformed lives in Goromonzi and other surrounding areas.
“We appreciate the help extended to a total of 46 365 OVCs living with HIV or who are under the care of HIV-positive parents,” she said. “The cordial relationship we have has been a formidable partnership with USAID Zimbabwe since 2003, as we reach out to vulnerable children and families.
“We are happy to receive these bicycles as they are going to enhance the CCWs execution of duty.” Mavambo Trust Orphan Care technical director Ms Beaula Ruparanganda said: “We are coming in as a community partner to support the children and caregivers to identify undiagnosed children, referring them to the facility for testing and for those that test positive, we continue to support them through comprehensive services such that they adhere to treatment.”
Between January and April 2024, CCWs in Goromonzi district had reached 10 836.
X: @TheseusShambare
Online Reporter