Angel of Hope takes medical outreach to Masvingo
Tendai Rupapa in MASVINGO
Angel of Hope Foundation patron First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa yesterday rolled out free prostrate cancer, breast cancer and cervical cancer checks among a host of other health services for thousands of people from Masvingo Province under her medical outreach programme as she leads the fight against non-communicable diseases which are afflicting and claiming millions of lives across the globe.
Non-communicable diseases are diseases that are not spread through infection or through other people, but are typically caused by unhealthy behaviours. They are the leading cause of death worldwide and present a huge threat to health and development, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
With the assistance of practitioners from the Ministry of Health and child Care, the First Lady availed her fully-equipped Angel of Hope Foundation’s mobile hospital and mobile clinic to ensure beneficiaries were screened for cancers, hypertension, diabetes, HIV and provided with family planning services.
Also catered for were minor ailments like flu, headaches and stomach aches.
There were other supporting tents serving people.
The mother of the nation also held an interactive session with members of the community tackling social issues like domestic violence, drug and substance abuse as well as the need for schoolchildren to focus on their studies.
She counselled married couples to observe peace at all times.
“I urge couples to live in peace and harmony and shun domestic violence. To those in the homes and are newly married, how are you faring,” she asked.
A young couple said all was well.
“Amai, we got married last year and we are getting along well without violence,” the young man said as he commended his wife for being a good partner.
“Amai, I am head over heels in love with your daughter-in-law and she loves me too. She is well-cultured, dignified and God-fearing. I am smart because I am being looked after. I do not bath with the phone near me because I have nothing to hide. We listen to your advice and warnings against domestic violence,” he said. Another young daughter-in-law said she got married in 2022.
Asked as to whether they were tested before staying together, she quipped: “Yes and even up to this day we regularly get tested and we are living in peace. It’s been three years, but your son-in-law has never laid his hand on me. We are still in our honeymoon phase and I don’t see it ending anytime soon.”
Coming barely a week after a similar arrangement in Gokwe, the Masvingo medical outreach was oversubscribed because as early as 8am, people from all the districts of Masvingo had started queuing to be served to by health personnel.
Dr Mnangagwa urged beneficiaries to visit all tents where health services were being offered so that they were tested and know where they stand.
“Makadii vana mai nana baba, vakomana nevasikana. I am happy nekuuya kwamaita kuti muongororwe hutano. I urge you to visit all stations besides cancer screening stations, which are dealing with headaches, diabetes hypertension, HIV and other ailments. Today and tomorrow we will be focusing on health. Do not get used to waking up with pain and saying today I am better without visiting health centres. Get checked and know were you stand health wise. Good health defines an individual. You have to be healthy so that you look after the family. Vanamai, everything about life is centred on women and your health is important,” she said.
As patron of the environment, Dr Mnangagwa started by leading in tree planting.
The elderly and those with disabilities were given food hampers while schoolchildren received stationery plus sanitary pads for girls.
Expecting mothers were handed baby preparation kits.
In addition, Amai Mnangagwa donated tonnes of rice and mealie-meal to the communities.
As Agric4She patron, the mother of the nation handed over inputs that include sunflower seeds, velvet bean seed, cow peas seeds, sunflower seeds, sweet potatoes, pesticides and knapsack sprayers to women.
One of the elderly beneficiaries of the food hampers shed tears saying the First Lady’s love was so deep, such that it drove her to tears.
In her remarks, Dr Mnangagwa underscored the benefits of regular health checks and importance of being on treatment.
“I have come here with happiness, I came here on Tuesday because was filled with the joy of being with you. Last week I was in Gokwe with the same medical outreach programme and today I have brought the same here so that you may be checked and know where you stand in terms of health. I am grateful that you came out in huge numbers.
“Here in Masvingo, the rains are pouring, I saw rivers flowing therefore lets beware of being swept away. Do not cross flooded rivers. We also have to monitor our livestock and our children. I always come here with many programmes and today I have brought a medical outreach programme. Let us follow the advice of health personnel so that we may heal. Cancer is wreaking havoc, but when detected early it can be cured. Let us consume nutritious food like traditional dishes so that when given medication, it is helped by healthy food and we heal fast,” she said.
The First Lady implored the community to take advantage of the programme so that they get checked free of charge.
“I thank my children from the health sector here present who have come to cure us and let us utilise these services. To men out there, it is my encouragement that we regularly have health checks. Here I encourage you to be checked for prostate cancer because cancer is a silent killer. Do not leave without being checked from children right up to adults. We want all those found to be affected to be commenced on treatment early. I have brought the mobile hospital and clinic so that you may be examined,” she said. Dr Mnangagwa had words of advice for schoolchildren.
“I am pained seeing learners rushing into marriage, leaving their education midway. Every girl must look after herself properly and the same applies to boys. Do not impregnate the girls before the time is ripe because sexual relations expose you to various health challenges.
“Stay away from drugs, be friends with your studies so that you succeed and have a brighter future. To parents’ let’s keep an eye on our children analysing how they move and ensure they leave bad manners. They need parental guidance. These children are the future,” she said.
According to health experts, the First Lady said, some cancers are linked to HIV hence the need for people to know where they stand.
“That is why I brought in the National Aids Council for HIV/Aids testing and counselling. Girls it is also necessary to be vaccinated for Human papillomavirus (HPV) which affects young people. When getting married, I encourage you to be tested for HIV before sleeping together.
“Those who dread visiting hospitals trade witchcraft accusations with others saying they are being bewitched yet the disease will be curable. Lets utilise our health centres around our communities,” she said.
Amai urged women to dress in a dignified way, adding that some grown up women were dressing improperly. She urged them to be role models to the younger generation.
“I have brought zvishoma zvandauya nazvo for you. I have brought tonnes of rice and maize-meal for everyone. I also brought inputs, I also came with food hampers for the elderly and those with disabilities. Pregnant women I have brought you baby preparation kits.
“To learners, I want you to stay in school. I have brought you stationery and sanitary pads. I do not want you to absent yourselves from school,” she said.
Senator Ottillia Maluleke gave her testimony as a cancer survivor.
“I was treated in 2017. Thank you Amai for coming to encourage your children to be screened for cancer and get treatment. You have brought us hospitals to our doorsteps so that we survive. I thank you for teaching us as your children,” he said.
So pleased with the medical outreach were the people of Masvingo that they expressed gratitude to the First Lady for valuing people’s health.
Mr Shingirai Mukwerena describe the programme as well-thought-out.
“The First Lady really takes her time in planning programmes that benefit the majority of the people. Her medical outreach will help improve the health of the people since most of them thought health checks were for the affluent.
“Everyone needs proper health checks and management and this is what the First Lady is doing and I thank her greatly for that,” he said.
The sentiments dovetailed with those of Mrs Shylet Shonhiwa (72).
“Since birth 72 years ago, I had never undergone any health check due to lack of knowledge. Today I feel greatly empowered by our loving and caring mother who has told us the benefits of being screened for cancer and tested for other ailments.
“This helps us fight ill-health and plan for our families without hindrance. I really thank the mother of the nation for her great contribution towards the improvement in health management for vulnerable people like us,” she said with a broad smile.
Gracious Nakaniso, who is expecting her second child, thanked the First Lady for giving her baby preparation set.
“My coming here for this great programme has been worth the while because I have been given a food hamper and a baby preparation set which showed our mother’s love and gave me a deeper sense of belonging. Our mother is doing great things for the people of Zimbabwe and may God grant her a long life filled with blessings,” she said.
Sekuru Charles Manjeya said he was grateful for being tested and commenced on hypertension tablets.
“All along I was suffering from headache oblivious to the fact that I had hypertension. Today I was lucky to be checked and was commenced on treatment which therefore gives me relief and ensures I can work for myself and my family. I am thankful to the First Lady for this medical outreach,” he said.
An elderly lady wept uncontrollably after being given a food hamper and farming inputs.
“God has remembered me today. I was going hungry together with my orphaned grandchildren and now I have been saved. The love we are getting from the First Lady is too deep and driving us to tears,” she said.
Masvingo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Hon Ezra Chadzamira the First Lady’s philanthropic work .
“Your being here today is not only an inspiration, but also proof of the importance you attach to improving the well-being and quality of life of the people of Zimbabwe. Your unwavering dedication to universal health, courage and wellness continues to shine as a bright light in our communities. On behalf of the province and indeed on my own behalf and that of the communities before you, Amai we are truly honoured to have you as our mother, providing guidance and support to us.
“Indeed, you are an all-encompassing icon leaving a lasting legacy of caring and ensuring the welfare of the vulnerable. We thank you VaMamoyo. We thank you so much. We gather with joy, not just as individuals, but as a united family community rallying behind you towards raising awareness and taking protective steps in the fight against cancer and other health-related challenges.
“These are affecting many lives, families and communities. In addition, today’s programme compliments the national health strategy 2021-2025 on health and well-being and United Nations Sustainable Development Goal Number 3 on good health and wellbeing.
“These are the critical programmes being passionately pursued by the Second Republic under the able, astute and visionary leadership of President Mnangagwa,” he said.
Celebrated comedian Sabhuku Vharazipi and his crew raised awareness on the importance of getting regular health checks through a play. – Herald