The Chidodo community situated at Zimbabwe’s north-eastern border with Mozambique in Mbire is a place where remoteness and distance from cities come with extra problems for its people.
Here is where nature’s problems, chiefly droughts, unbearable heat, malaria and child marriages, confront the community every day.
Villagers of this community never thought their invitation for First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa to visit them would be honoured.
The villagers got a pleasant surprise yesterday when the First Lady owned up, becoming the first spouse of a sitting Head of State to visit the area since Independence in 1980.
Chief Makombe Kaseza of Msengezi in Mozambique, his headman, councillors and people from his jurisdiction, also crossed the border and were among the people who gave the First Lady a memorable welcome in Chidodo. The people sang, danced, ululated and whistled in appreciation of the mother of the nation.
As Health Ambassador, Amai Mnangagwa brought a team of health experts and accorded the community free cancer screening services and health checks as part of her mission to ensure no one is left behind in accessing essential services.
Other services provided included dental services, Covid-19 testing, HIV testing and counselling and hypertension checks, among other checks for non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
Regular health checks allow for the early detection of ailments and timeous placement of people on treatment to save lives.
The First Lady held an interactive session with the community as part of her ongoing efforts to stem child marriages, drug and alcohol abuse, poor dressing and general lack of morals among youths. She also encouraged parents to have time with their children as a sign of love needed to curb mischief.
A responsible mother always carries goodies for her children, and yesterday, the First Lady had something to give everyone including textbooks, novels, stationery and sports kits for schoolchildren, and toys for babies.
Expecting mothers also received new-born baby sets while surrounding clinics received rehabilitation equipment that included walking aides and medical supplies as she ensured everyone got something from her goody bag.
Everyone who came went home with something including those who visited from Mozambique, as Amai Mnangagwa also distributed maize-meal, sugar, rice, cooking oil and toiletries that included bath and laundry soap and toothpaste sourced through her Angel of Hope Foundation. She also gave out adult and baby clothes.
In her address, the First Lady said; “Today we want to discuss many issues, starting with health issues in view of the Covid-19 pandemic. We must protect ourselves through heeding the instructions we get from health professionals regarding the pandemic.
The First Lady offered to assist the community with self-help projects.
