adminTichavona Makonese
Residents of Hopely, Southview Park and Ushewokunze have been encouraged to undergo regular health check-ups as a means of fighting chronic diseases.
Dr Tafadzwa Rusakaniko, a medical practitioner who was part of the health expo sponsored by Fidelity Park Surgery, Hilltop Radiology Services and Diagnopath Services, urged the youths to avoid drug use and distributed information on the negative effects of drug abuse.
The event was designed to offer free community outreach with services, including harm reduction information, NCD management, and consultation and counselling and is planning on bringing more products to the platform such as cervical cancer screening and contraception for mothers.
“We are targeting youths in light of the rampant drug and substance abuse. We are providing harm reduction information, managing acute intoxication and withdrawal symptoms.
“We are also dealing with issues of NCDs, which include chronic respiratory diseases, asthma, high blood pressure and heart diseases. These have seen children and adolescents being diagnosed earlier than usual because of lifestyle changes.
“Hence we have decided to offer these routine free services to our community.”
Alice Mangena, a local resident, expressed gratitude for the free health check-up, which motivated her to stop drinking alcohol while pregnant.
“l was taking alcohol while pregnant, but I have decided to stop after receiving free counselling and consultation,” said Alice.
Another youth Tichayeva Ngubo said they now understand the risks associated with crystal meth and noted that the information provided at the expo would lead to positive changes.
“I can’t risk my health anymore and strongly believe that with the information l got, l will be a changed person.”
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter