Chronicle Editor
Judge Jarachara, Chronicle Reporter
HUNDREDS of people from Sizinda, Bulawayo on Sunday received free medical treatment from Wellness Zimbabwe Philanthropic Trust, which was formed to help support people living with non-communicable diseases.
Wellness Zimbabwe Philanthropic Trust comprises Zimbabweans locally and abroad, and was formed in April this year.
The trust says it works vigorously to create awareness on the dangers of drug and substance abuse among youths in Bulawayo.
The Trust’s first outreach was held at Sidojiwe Flats in Sizinda where hundreds of people received free medication and information on non-communicable diseases.
Non-communicable diseases include cancer, hypertension and diabetes, among others.
Speaking during the outreach programme, the Trust`s program director, Dr Bornface Mandishona, urged people to constantly have medical check-ups for non-communicable diseases and change their lifestyles by eating traditional foods and exercising.
Dr Mandishona said living healthy lifestyles and early check-ups reduce the costs of management and treatment of non-communicable diseases if they are detected at an early stage.
“These diseases are silent killers. Once they reach an extent that they cannot be managed, you are gone for good. Therefore, I urge all of you here to be wary of these and I implore you to have constant medical check-ups to manage them and treat them early,” he said.
Speaking at the same event, the Trust’s wellness medical officer, Dr Brian Matoro, warned residents about the upsurge in mental illness due to drug and substance abuse.
Mr Thulani Siziba (45) said the Trust had come to the rescue of the poor community, as many people are failing to access quality health.
“The Trust gave us an early Christmas treat we were not expecting. People, especially men and the youths, are taking drugs as a way of escaping from the realities of life such as Covid -19 induced stress by taking substances such as mutoriro (crystal meth), (bronco) bronclear, marijuana, sanitary pads, diapers, among other substances,” said Mr Siziba.
One youth, Ms Sihle Moyo said drug abuse is mainly due to idleness which has intensified due to Covid-19 lockdowns which restricted the movement of people, suspended sporting activities and many other leisure events.
She said idleness and drug abuse are leading girls to indulge in casual sex, which was causing unwanted pregnancies and spreading sexually transmitted diseases, abortion and school dropouts.
Bulawayo City Council health promotion officer, Mr Kelton Ncube, hailed the Trust for its intervention at a time non-communicable diseases, drug and substance abuse are on the rise, as few players were offering such a comprehensive service.
“The trust delved into a critical area which we as council implore the corporate world and donors to come forward and assist in order to ensure there is no one falling prey to these killers,” said Mr Ncube.
The Trust has lined up a similar programme to cover Burombo Flats in Thorngrove, among other medical outreach programmes to be conducted next month.
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