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Tawanda Mangoma in CHIREDZI
Residents of Chiredzi yesterday hailed First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa for bringing a team of over 30 medical doctors from the United States of America through the Angel of Hope Foundation to screen and treat various ailments for free. In a speech read on her behalf by Masvingo Provincial Affairs Minister Cde Ezra Chadzamira, the First Lady said her foundation was pushing for the upliftment of standards of living for orphans and vulnerable people across the nation by organising free medical check-ups and treatment.

“A healthy nation is of paramount importance to any developing country and this keeps driving me to remember the orphans, the disabled (and) the elderly who at times fail to access medical care due to various reasons,” said Amai Mnangagwa.
The First Lady said she was moved after hearing that expecting mothers at Chiredzi General Hospital were sleeping on the floor due to shortages of space and bedding.

“The idea of opening a maternity ward at Chiredzi Polyclinic is of paramount importance as it helps decongest the general hospital.

“I would like to thank the local leadership here for advancing such a noble cause that will improve health service delivery in Chiredzi,” she said.

Chiredzi district medical officer Dr Brian Dhandhara appreciated the First Lady’s initiative.
“Considering the limited number of health institutions in the area especially in resettlement communities, Chiredzi district hospital remains overwhelmed as it is the only referral hospital and many walk several kilometres to access healthcare services,” said Dr Dhandhara.

Amai Mnangagwa also encouraged the Chiredzi community to stand resolute and formulate mechanisms that would address existing problems.

“Unity of purpose in Chiredzi is key; this is a clear demonstration of how important it is to work together for a common goal while ignoring political differences.

“Your polyclinic has been uplifted, the delivery of healthcare has improved and this will translate into the upliftment of standards of living.”

Addressing the same gathering, Dr Rachel Niel-Geranious, representing Angel of Hope Foundation, said they were pushing for health care delivery to marginalised communities.

“This is a team of medical professionals who came to assist Angel of Hope Foundation and the primary goal is to render medical assistance to people who are in areas that are difficult to access,” said Dr Niel-Geranious.

One of the beneficiaries, Mrs Ruramai Muhlava from Chikombedzi, said she had been struggling to raise funds to have her tooth removed.

“I am very delighted that I have managed to get a free health check courtesy of the First Lady. It was very difficult and expensive to get a private doctor and the distance to get to medical facilities was long.
“I wish such visits would be repeated time and again,” said Mrs Muhlava.

The event also saw the less privileged receiving basic foodstuffs from Amai Mnangagwa.