Story by Tichaona Kurewa
COMMUNITIES in the Hwange Rural District Council have commended government’s commitment to universal health access with a newly constructed clinic set to make sure villagers do not travel long distances for medical services.
Zimbabwe seeks to achieve universal health coverage by 2030.
The clinic, which will open its doors to the public early next year, was constructed by a quadripartite group which included the government, Buy a Brick Foundation, Hwange Rural District Council, and the local community.
Villagers expressed gratitude highlighting the clinic will cure a perennial problem of defaulting medication for non-communicable diseases like hypertension and diabetes.
“We are used to travelling over 10 kilometres to reach the nearest health centres like Jambezi, Lukunguni, and Leona. We appreciate this development,” a villager who spoke to ZBC news said.
“It has been challenging to collect medication for chronic illnesses such as hypertension. This clinic brings hope and reduces the risk of defaulting,” another villager noted.
“Travelling 20 km to the nearest clinic, without direct or public transport, is expensive and risky, especially in an area with wild animals like elephants. Having health services at our doorstep will improve life expectancy. For pregnant mothers, this is lifesaving. Some even give birth on the way to distant clinics.”
Implementing partners and the local leadership are confident that the project will complement ongoing government efforts to leave no one and no place behind.
“We are complementing government efforts to reduce maternal and child mortality. Everyone deserves access to healthcare, and initiatives like this make that a reality. The structure is over 70% complete, and we expect to open early next year. We have invested about US$35 000 into this project,” Buy a Brick Foundation’s Coordinator, Mr Khumbulani Tshambo said.
“We are grateful. This area is affected by wildlife. In 2010, a headman was killed by an elephant while returning from a clinic. With this new facility nearby, such risks are now minimised,” Jabula Village Head, Mr Amos Tolani weighed in.
“This project aligns with the government’s mantra of leaving no one and no place behind. Health services are now at the community’s doorstep. We thank our partners for their support,” Hwange RDC Ward 4’s Councillor Paul Kapanda said.
With a catchment area of over 400 households, the clinic has modern facilities including male and female wards, a pharmacy and an antenatal ward as well as waiting, consultation and treatment rooms.
