IN the heart of Zimbabwe, where the shadows of a health crisis loom large, communities are rising to the challenge.
With the recent freeze on external relief threatening essential health services, innovative local solutions are more crucial than ever.
Zimbos’ Abantu, a mobile community-based service, stands as a beacon of hope, showcasing the potential of grassroot initiatives to fill gaps in healthcare and extend vital health services directly to those in need.
This article delves into the narratives of those on the front lines, exploring how communities are harnessing their strengths to navigate the complexities of Zimbabwe’s healthcare landscape.
Through compelling stories and expert insights, it reveals how a collective commitment to domestic resource mobilisation and organised community systems are paving the way for a healthier future, even in the face of adversity.
Zimbabwe has long faced significant health challenges, exacerbated by a serious economic instability and a frail healthcare system.
The country battles high rates of HIV, tuberculosis (TB) and malaria, alongside a rise in non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, cervical cancer, prostate cancer and cardiovascular diseases.
According to the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency, nearly 1,3 million people live with HIV, making it a pressing public health concern.
In recent times, the situation has been further complicated by the suspension of external relief, which has historically provided critical funding for health initiatives.
The Global Fund, the United States Agency for International Development and other international organisations have been instrumental in supporting health programmes, but with foreign aid on hold, the implications for Zimbabwe’s healthcare landscape are dire.
Amid these challenges, community-based health services like Zimbos’ Abantu are proving essential.
This mobile service reaches underserved populations, providing HIV testing, TB screening and other vital health services directly in communities.
“We have seen first-hand the difference that accessible healthcare can make,” says Nyasha Shumbanhete, a health worker with Zimbos’ Abantu, at a recent health expo at Kamunhu shopping centre in Mabvuku, Harare.
“When people don’t have to travel far to get the care they need, they are more likely to seek help,” he said.
The effectiveness of Zimbos’ Abantu illustrates a broader trend: community involvement is critical in addressing health disparities.
By leveraging on local knowledge and resources, these initiatives can adapt quickly to the needs of their communities, providing culturally relevant care that resonates with residents.
Health and development experts emphasise the need to adapt to changing funding landscapes.
“The freeze on foreign aid is a wake-up call for us,” notes Nyasha Chikodzi, a public health advocate.
“We must find ways to mobilise our own resources and strengthen our community systems.”
The call for strategic investments to local governments and donors is louder than ever.
By prioritising domestic resource mobilisation, Zimbabwe can build a more resilient healthcare system.
“We need to start thinking about healthcare financing in a holistic way,” Shumbanhete adds.
“This means not only identifying local sources of funding but also ensuring that those resources are used effectively.”
One of the most promising aspects of community-based health initiatives is the empowerment of local leaders.
Community health workers, often drawn from neighbourhoods they serve, play a pivotal role in building trust and facilitating access to services.
Their intimate understanding of local challenges allows them to tailor interventions that are more likely to succeed.
In urban areas, for instance, where youth are disproportionately affected by HIV, targeted outreach programmes led by local youth leaders have proven to be effective.
These programmes not only address health issues but also engage young people in conversations about stigma, discrimination and prevention strategies.
“When youth are involved in their own health education, they are more likely to take ownership of their health,” says Tadiwa Kurimbanawo, a 29-year-old youth activist and director of a fledgling community-based organisation (CBO), Mental Health Sustainability, at the Mabvuku health expo.
In response to funding shortages, many CBOs are embracing innovative approaches to service delivery.
Population Solutions for Health (PSH), for example, has emerged as a valuable tool for connecting patients with healthcare providers, particularly in peri-urban areas where access to clinics is limited.
By using mobile phones and online platforms, health workers provide consultations, follow-ups and education without the need for physical visits.
Moreover, partnerships with local businesses and organisations is enhancing resource mobilisation.
By pooling resources and expertise, community health initiatives extend their reach and impact.
“Collaboration is key,” emphasises Silas Tarava, ZNNP+ eastern district chairperson, in his welcoming remarks at the Mabvuku health expo.
“We need to work together, government, NGOs and the private sector to create a unified response to health challenges,” he pointed out.
As Zimbabwe navigates its health crisis, the importance of building a sustainable and resilient healthcare system cannot be overstated.
This requires not only immediate responses to current challenges, but also long-term strategies for health financing and service delivery.
“Health expos serve as a vital platform to reinforce the goals set by the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/Aids (UNAids), particularly the ambitious 95-95-95 targets for HIV treatment and prevention.
“Investing in community systems strengthening is crucial,” observes Tarava, and “this includes training community health workers, developing robust data collection mechanisms and ensuring that local health initiatives receive the support they need to thrive”.
“When communities are empowered to manage their own health, they become more resilient in the face of crises,” Chikodzi asserts.
The stories emerging from community health initiatives in Zimbabwe offer a glimpse of hope amid adversity.
From young activists advocating for their peers to community health workers tirelessly providing care, these narratives highlight the resilience and determination of the Zimbabwean people.
As Shumbanhete reflects: “We are not waiting for external help. We are taking charge of our health and our own future. Together, we can create change.”
This sentiment resonates deeply in a country facing significant challenges but also with immense potential.
The freeze on foreign aid presents a formidable challenge for Zimbabwe’s health system, but it also serves as a catalyst and as an opportunity for change.
By enhancing domestic resource mobilisation, strengthening community systems and fostering local leadership, Zimbabwe can navigate its health crisis and build a healthier future for all.
Community-based health expos and initiatives like Zimbos’ Abantu and PSH are not just stopgaps; they represent a sustainable model for health delivery that can thrive even in challenging circumstances.
With collective effort and commitment, Zimbabwe can turn the tide on its health challenges and pave the way for a brighter future.
