Story by Kenias Chivuzhe
THE Chisambiro Clinic in Mutoko was officially opened on Wednesday, providing essential healthcare services to more than 10 000 residents in a malaria-prone area who previously faced long and challenging journeys to distant health facilities.
For years, local communities struggled with limited access to medical care. Villagers recount life-threatening experiences prior to the clinic’s construction. Easter Kagura, from Mutumhike village, survived a near-fatal home birth before a nearby facility was available.
“In 2014, before the clinic was built, I gave birth before reaching a health facility. I was rushed to Makaha Clinic in the evening and only arrived the next morning. My life was in danger. I am grateful that this clinic is now here,” Kagura said.
Other villagers echoed concerns over malaria and maternal health risks. “Many people were dying of malaria, and the nearest clinic was Kapondoro, about 30 kilometres away. Makaha, Shinje, and Nyarutepo clinics were also far. Now we can access healthcare locally,” residents said.
Health officials note the urgent need for local services. “Chisambiro is a malaria-prone area on the border with Mozambique. This year alone, we have already recorded 40 malaria cases,” said Sister-in-Charge, Dadirai Kativhu-Chisambiro.
The clinic’s completion reflects the government’s devolution programme, which aims to bring services closer to communities.
In 2009, the local community started the initiative to construct this facility. This triggered the attention of the government, which supported the project through the constituency development fund. Council then unveiled devolution funds to complete this programme. I want to thank President Mnangagwa for promoting the implementation of the devolution programme. 10 000 households are going to benefit from this facility,” Mashonaland East Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution advocate Itayi Ndudzo noted.
“I thank you for starting and supporting this initiative to be a success. The support came from the government through the devolution programme. We have a number of clinics that are being constructed. We are bringing health facilities closer to the people. We are constructing over 6 facilities at the moment within the constituency,” Mutoko East legislator, Honourable Richard Musiiwa said.
“This clinic was constructed as a result of government support after the locals started the initiative. You were able to vote for representatives who are pro-development. This clinic was completed using Devolution funds,” Mutoko Council Chairperson, Trust Kachidza noted.
The commissioning of the clinic marks a significant milestone for the Chisambira community, signalling renewed hope for improved healthcare delivery in one of Mutoko’s previously underserved areas.
