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Herald Reporter

The Zimbabwe Red Cross Society (ZRCS) has partnered with the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) to provide free health and first aid services with the organisation providing Covid-19 vaccinations at this year’s edition of the annual business showcase.

In an interview, the ZRCS secretary General Mr Elias Hwenga said in support of the Government’s accelerated and decentralised vaccination drive, his organisation has deployed a team of medical doctors and nurses who are providing Covid- 19 vaccinations for free within the exhibition centre.

“We are bringing the much-needed services closer to the people who might have missed an opportunity to get vaccinated due to other commitments.

“We have also deployed first aid action teams who are responding to first aid casualties. Those in need of assistance would then get closer attention at the Red Cross clinic situated near the main arena,” said Mr Hwenga.

He said they were duty-bound as an auxiliary to Government’s humanitarian efforts and will continue providing such services whenever possible.

“As an auxiliary to Government and a humanitarian player whose sole mandate is to serve humanity, providing heath and first aid services at ZITF and other national events is in sync with our mandate and mission.” This need has been even more evident this year, said Mr Hwenga as the nation is grappling with the Covid-19 pandemic.

“In line with Government’s accelerated vaccination drive, we strongly feel bringing the vaccines closer to the people will go a long way in the attainment of the herd immunity we intend as a nation so that we might return to our normal activities,” added Mr Hwenga.

This initiative is expected to boost the national vaccination drive and will help in the attainment of herd immunity.

The ZRCS medical services model, through the Red Cross Clinic in Harare, thrives to offer affordable quality medical and pharmaceutical services at a low cost, bridging the gap between the private and public sector.

Plans are afoot to decentralise these medical services throughout the country so that the general public can access these quality services at an affordable cost and closer to their communities.

“We are playing our role in augmenting Government services hence we are providing these vaccines at the Clinic in Harare and currently here at the ZITF for free just like any other Government institution. The Red Cross is a service organisation and we felt compelled to provide the much-needed service to members of the public as is always the norm,” Mr Hwenga said.

The ZRCS provides free first aid coverages at key national events including Independence and Heroes Day celebrations, Harare Agricultural Show, provincial agricultural shows, ZITF as well as political rallies and elections.

The ZITF is one of the largest intra-regional trade fairs in sub-Saharan Africa.

The annual multi-national expo provides a convenient trade hub for the region, and welcomes both trade and public visitors and will be running from September 21-24 at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre in Bulawayo.