Online Reporter
Tendai Gukutikwa
Post Reporter
THE Zimbabwe National Family Planning Council (ZNFPC) has intensified efforts to improve access to sexual and reproductive health services by taking family planning programmes directly to workplaces across Manicaland.
The initiative, known as the Workplace Programme, targets employees who often struggle to access health services due to demanding work schedules, including uniformed forces, government employees and workers in the private sector.
Speaking in an interview, ZNFPC Manicaland Provincial Marketing and Communications Officer Mr Daniel Maromo said the programme is designed to ensure that no worker is left behind in accessing vital family planning information and services.
“We realised that many people spend most of their time at work and may not have the opportunity to visit health facilities during normal operating hours. That is why we are bringing these services directly to their workplaces,” said Mr Maromo.
He said the programme reaches workers stationed at border areas, including members of the Zimbabwe Republic Police, the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service, soldiers and other Government employees.
Beyond border communities, ZNFPC teams are also visiting workplaces in Mutare and other parts of Manicaland province.
“We have workers who are stationed in different areas, including border posts, and they need services within their working environment. Besides the border areas, we are also reaching out to other workplaces around Mutare and across the province,” he said.
Under the Workplace Programme, ZNFPC provides health education and information on family planning and sexual and reproductive health, enabling workers to make informed decisions about their wellbeing.
Mr Maromo said the organisation offers a comprehensive package of services, including counselling, short-term and long-term family planning methods, condom education and condom distribution.
“People need accurate information to make informed choices about their reproductive health. In addition to providing information, we offer family planning services and educate workers on the importance of protecting themselves from unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections,” he said.
He said the programme also creates opportunities for workers to ask questions and receive expert guidance in a confidential and convenient setting.
According to Mr Maromo, the initiative has been well received by many organisations, with management teams increasingly recognising the importance of workplace-based health interventions.
“Most organisations appreciate the concept of the Workplace Programme because they understand that healthy workers are productive workers. We have found many employers willing to work with us and facilitate access to these services,” he said.
However, Mr Maromo noted that operational demands in some workplaces can make it difficult to allocate time for health sessions.
“One of the challenges we face is that some organisations are focused on production schedules, making it difficult to set aside time for workers to access services. However, we continue engaging management to ensure employees are given opportunities to benefit from the programme,” he said.
He added that while most employers have embraced the initiative, a few organisations are yet to fully accommodate the programme.
“There are still a few companies that have not yet availed their workers for these services, but we remain committed to engaging them because access to sexual and reproductive health services is important for everyone,” said Mr Maromo.
The Workplace Programme forms part of ZNFPC’s broader strategy to expand access to family planning services beyond traditional health facilities and reach populations that may otherwise face barriers to care.
He said by bringing services directly to workplaces, ZNFPC hopes to increase uptake of family planning methods, improve awareness of sexual and reproductive health issues and reduce the incidence of unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections among workers across Manicaland.
