By Tatenda Mujeyi
The First lady, Auxillia Mnangagwa has been appointed the country’s health Ambassador owing to her continued efforts to support the health sector.
The appointment which coincided with the launch of the Nursing Now Zimbabwe project was attended by the health ministry, World Health Organisation and mostly health related associations.
The appointment was necessitated by the vast contribution the First lady has made to see to the improvement of the Zimbabwean society.
“The first lady has been central in championing the needs of the vulnerable and the preservation of culture, as the case with the Doma People,” Minister of Health and Child Welfare, Dr Obadiah Moyo said at the event.
The first lady, through her charity organisation, Angel of Hope, has been central in the quest to better the health system of Zimbabwe through sourcing of funding, awareness campaigns on cancer and vaccination among other things..
“Through Angel of Hope, the First Lady has sought improvement of the health system through sourcing sanitary wear, including reusable sanitary wear, Cancer awareness, vaccination of the Human Papilloma Virus and her mobile clinic has been going around offering free medication,” the minister further said.
Speaking at the same event, Dr Alex Gasasira, a World Health Oganisation representative who introduced WHO Director General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreysus’ video presentation echoed the same sentiments.
“I have been in Zimbabwe for less than eight months but the dedication of the first lady can be narrated by the number of meetings I have had with her, more than ministerial meetings I have had in Zimbabwe and other countries I have worked in.” he said
The first lady thanked all those who were involved for considering her for the role and said she will work towards getting a better health system for Zimbabwe.
“I am pleased, honoured and humbled by this gesture. It is not an easy task but I solemnly pledge to work towards affordable, accessible, quality health services in Zimbabwe” the First Lady said at the event.
The appointment comes at the right time when many challenges are bedevilling the health system including corruption, staff and drug shortages as well as an increase in poor working conditions for health practitioners.