Red Cross, ZITF partnership lauded

Herald Reporter

The Zimbabwe Red Cross Society (ZRCS) and the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) partnership through the provision of first aid services during the just-ended international annual business showcase has been lauded.

The humanitarian player deployed first aid action teams who responded to first aid casualties. Those in need of medical assistance got closer attention at the Red Cross Clinic which was situated near the main arena.

The ZITF is one of the largest intra-regional trade fairs in sub-Saharan Africa. The annual multi-national expo provides a convenient trade hub for the region, and welcomes both trade and public visitors.

The ZRCS secretary-general Mr Elias Hwenga said they were duty bound as an auxiliary to government’s humanitarian efforts and will continue providing such services whenever possible.

“As an auxiliary to Government and a humanitarian player whose sole mandate is to serve humanity, providing heath and first aid services at ZITF and other national events is in sync with our mandate and mission,” said Mr Hwenga.

He explained that the ZRCS medical services model, through the Red Cross Clinic in Harare and recently opened Red Cross Clinic in Karoi, thrives to offer affordable quality medical and pharmaceutical services at a low cost, bridging the gap between the private and public sector.

Plans, he said, are underway to decentralise these medical services throughout the country so that the general public can access these quality services at an affordable cost and closer to their communities.

“The Red Cross is a service organisation and we feel compelled to provide the much-needed service to members of the public as is always the norm. We are playing our role in augmenting Government services,” he said.

ZRCS provides free first aid coverages at key national events including Independence and Heroes Day celebrations, Harare Agricultural Show, provincial agricultural shows, ZITF as well as at political rallies and during national elections.

The organization has over the years continued to champion community-based disaster risk reduction programmes and initiatives that provide community-based solutions to everyday challenges.

To that end, the organisation provides top of the range first aid and nurse aid training services at its various centres around Zimbabwe. These trainings target communities, industry and the mining sector.