In a groundbreaking initiative, First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa has officially launched Zimbabwe’s first-ever men’s wellness campaign, aimed at promoting health awareness, improving access to cancer screening, and encouraging men to adopt proactive healthcare habits. The launch, held at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals in Harare, marks a historic step toward addressing long-standing gaps in men’s health services in the country.
The campaign drew hundreds of men from across Harare, all eager to take advantage of free medical services including prostate cancer screening, blood pressure checks, and blood sugar testing. By providing these essential services, the initiative seeks to challenge prevailing stigma and misconceptions surrounding men’s health, while fostering a culture of preventive care and early detection.
In keeping with tradition and as a mark of respect, the First Lady humbly sought permission before addressing the attendees. Dr Mnangagwa, who also serves as a Health Ambassador and patron of the Cancer Taskforce, engaged directly with men receiving services, emphasizing the importance of early detection in saving lives.
“Today marks a significant milestone in our country’s journey towards a healthy Zimbabwean family, community, and nation. I stand before you not only as the First Lady but as a mother who deeply cares about the well-being of our men—our fathers, husbands, brothers, sons, and the pillars of our families,” she said.
Highlighting cultural barriers that often prevent men from seeking healthcare, Dr Mnangagwa urged Zimbabwean men to prioritise their health.
“In Zimbabwe, as in many African societies, cultural norms have taught men that showing pain or seeking help is a sign of weakness. Seeking healthcare is not a sign of weakness; it is a sign of wisdom, strength, and responsibility,” she noted.
The First Lady also focused on the urgency of addressing non-communicable diseases and prostate cancer, the most common cancer affecting men in Zimbabwe. She explained key risk factors including age, family history, African descent, obesity, and unhealthy lifestyle habits.
First Lady Launches Zimbabwe’s Historic Men’s Wellness Campaign to Promote Health, Early Detection, and Awareness
“For many years, our national health programmes have rightly focused on women and children, but this has unintentionally left a gap for men. Our men, who work tirelessly and are expected to always be strong, often neglect their own health. Many suffer in silence, dismiss symptoms, and only seek help when illness is advanced,” she said.
Dr Mnangagwa encouraged men to overcome stereotypes that discourage them from seeking care, stressing that taking charge of one’s health is a sign of responsibility.
“A real man takes charge of his health. You do not lose your manhood by visiting a doctor. On the contrary, you protect it,” she affirmed.
The First Lady also called on traditional and religious leaders to extend the campaign to rural communities, ensuring that all men, including those in remote areas, have access to vital health services.
Through her Angel of Hope Foundation, Dr Mnangagwa has consistently championed expanded access to healthcare, deploying mobile hospitals and clinics to deliver free cancer screening and treatment across Zimbabwe. Her initiatives have significantly increased access to medical services for vulnerable populations.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Child Care, Dr Aspect Maunganidze, commended the First Lady’s leadership, highlighting that the campaign complements the government’s male engagement strategy.
“Your Excellency, men were not accessing health services early enough. This male engagement strategy will only gain traction with leadership at the highest level, which you have now provided. This will ensure that men’s health services cover the full spectrum, including non-communicable diseases,” he said.
Beneficiaries of the campaign expressed gratitude for the initiative. Mr Shingirai Muradzikwa, one of the attendees, noted that men often miss out on health programmes, making this effort particularly welcome.
“We are happy to be the first to benefit from this programme. As men, we have always been left behind in such programmes, so the fact that the First Lady has come with this programme to empower men with knowledge makes us happy,” he said.
Other participants, like Mr Elikanah Midzi, highlighted the importance of health education in making informed decisions.
“Many men die because they rely solely on traditional medicine when treatment is available at hospitals. This initiative provides the knowledge and access we need to protect our health,” he said.
Mr Kingsley Tapfuma, who underwent prostate screening at the event, praised the campaign for raising awareness and encouraging regular check-ups.
“I got screened and my results were negative. Now I know I should test annually to monitor my health,” he said.
Traditional and faith leaders also pledged support. Chief Negomo emphasized the role of chiefs in encouraging acceptance of modern medical care in villages, while Reverend Rodgers Jefrey highlighted the church’s commitment to complement the campaign and reach grassroots communities.
Harare Metropolitan Province Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Senator Charles Tawengwa, lauded the campaign as visionary leadership, underscoring that health is a fundamental human right and praising the First Lady’s efforts in promoting inclusive healthcare.
The men’s wellness campaign is set to expand nationwide, reaching men in both urban and rural communities, with the goal of raising awareness, improving access to life-saving screenings, and instilling preventive healthcare habits across Zimbabwe.
This historic initiative reflects a holistic approach to men’s health, combining education, early detection, and community engagement, and is expected to have a lasting impact on national health outcomes.
Source- Herald
