Story by Abigirl Tembo, Health Editor
Public health specialists have formed an 11-member coalition of Public Health Practitioners driven by citizens’ patriotic duty to contribute towards building a viable, resilient, accessible, and efficient public health system.
The all-inclusive association, comprising public health specialists, medical doctors, physicians, scientists, environmentalists, and legal practitioners, will work with the Ministry of Health and Child Care As well as other players in the health sector to enhance the efficiency and resilience of the public health system in the country.
Secretary General of the newly formed association, Ms Tafadzwa Zhawari said the organisation is committed to improving the public health sector.
“The main thrust of the Public Health Practitioners Association of Zimbabwe is to create a platform that will bring together all stakeholders in the healthcare industry to work towards improving the health of our communities. We recognise that public health is an essential component of any society and it requires collective efforts from all stakeholders. Health is a basic right after all. One of the primary objectives of this association is to promote disease prevention through education and awareness campaigns. The association will advocate for policies that promote access to quality,” she said.
A product of the public health symposium held in December last year, the association strives to encourage research safety and effectiveness of traditional medicine to confront the country’s disease burden.
Chaired by public health specialist Dr Amos Marume as the president, the executive comprises Dr Evidence Gaka, Dr Prudence Manyuchi, Counsel Dudley Chiwandire, Kathy Manase and Bruce Nyoni, among other members.
