Key Points:
- Participants received free screenings for breast cancer, HIV, dental issues, blood pressure and diabetes.
- Organizers said the event was more popular than previous ones that simply featured presenters on assorted topics.
- Sunningdale Circuit health coordinator Barbara Tsiko said the main objective was to promote healthy behavior among congregation members and the community.
United Methodists in Zimbabwe are nourishing bodies and souls through free health screenings offered to church members and the community.
United Methodist Sunningdale Circuit organized the health expo in partnership with the government and Sunningdale Medical Center in October. Estimated to take two hours, the event ran much longer as people of all ages waited patiently to be seen.
Two general practitioners, a dentist, a laboratory technician and more than 10 nurses were on hand to serve the patients. They screened and tested participants for breast cancer, HIV, dental issues, blood pressure and diabetes. Organizers said the event was more popular than previous ones that simply featured presenters on assorted topics.
Dr. John Chingonzo, a United Methodist Zimbabwe East Conference health board member, praised the event for encouraging people to maintain good health. “A healthy body houses a healthy soul,” he said.
An improvised outpatient department at the expo overflowed with people. Those with diabetes and high blood pressure were referred to the doctors.
Chingonzo said the board advocates for awareness of both communicable and noncommunicable diseases. “People need to be empowered to maintain good health,” he said.
Sunningdale Circuit health coordinator Barbara Tsiko said the main objective was to promote healthy behavior.
“As we all know, health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. Therefore, the different health practitioners helped us to provide a diversified approach to health issues,” she said.
“This health expo was unique in the sense that people received practical help as compared to having one presenter per day just talking about health issues,” Tsiko said. “This expo provided tangible benefits.”
Many of those with whom she spoke during the event said they were concerned about their own health, but resources limited regular checkups and screenings.
She said the clinic hopes to increase specialists at the next event to include eye care, cervical-cancer screening and counseling services for drugs and substance abuse. “We also aim to increase the number of doctors so that they will not be overwhelmed by the flow of patients.”
The health expo was very much in keeping with The United Methodist Church’s commitment to health care going back to Methodism founder John Wesley, who started a free clinic in London to provide medical care to the poor.
Stabile Kaviza, Sunningdale Medical Center administrator, said two mobile clinics were set up for different screenings, including blood-pressure checks, glucose tests, dental consultations, HIV tests, prostate-specific antigen tests and general practitioner consultations.
“I encourage all to utilize the facilities we have at the center because sickness is never planned. What you can plan is the treatment.”
Basil Chonzi, Sunningdale Medical Center laboratory scientist, said he was pleased by the response to HIV testing.
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“The young and the elderly joined the long queue,” he said. “The results were instant, and patients were happy with the process. Early testing and screening protect yourself and loved ones, both financially and emotionally.”
Beatrice Chiwunze from Sunningdale Medical Center screened people for breast cancer. She thanked the Sunningdale Circuit for partnering with the center.
“It was an honor to be among your church members who welcomed us all with kindness and so much support as we shared information with them about breast cancer,” she said. “As a registered general nurse and midwife, I felt so valued and appreciated by the community.”
The center also provided resources about breast cancer. “This awareness helps to counter stigma and encourages women to do breast self-examinations and be able to detect signs and symptoms so that they seek services early,” Chiwunze said.
Dr. Tirivafi Chiwunze, a general practitioner for Sunningdale Medical Center, said the center’s motto is to bring comprehensive health to the people.
“I am thankful to The UMC for inviting and recognizing us as part of the community. Through the support of the Sunningdale community, we have developed from one department to seven departments, hence the need to pay back,” he said.
United Methodist Charity Kawadza works for Kidzcan, an organization that serves cancer patients up to age 18. “In Zimbabwe, of 10 children (diagnosed with cancer), only two survive,” she said.
Kawadza said the government of Zimbabwe has established a ward at Sally Mugabe Central Hospital with 30 beds for children with cancer. “The beds are always filled. Although cancer in children is rare, they can still have it. Therefore, parents must be vigilant,” she said.
Gift Dzivire, a dentist at Sunningdale Medical Center, emphasized the need for proper dental care. “I managed to give health talks on dental health to many people, young and old,” he said. “Early detection saves money.”
Ashworth Hwata, a member of Sunningdale Circuit, expressed gratitude to Sunningdale Medical Center and the United Methodist health practitioners.
“This shows that a church is not only about pulpit issues but also can give comprehensive support to a person. Indeed, the church is alive.”
Chingwe is a UM News communicator in the Zimbabwe East Conference.
News contact: Julie Dwyer, news editor, [email protected] or 615-742-5469. To read more United Methodist News, subscribe to the free UM News Digest.
