By Michael Gwarisa
A group of 18 healthcare workers, including midwives, recently underwent specialized training aimed at improving healthcare service delivery for vulnerable and marginalized populations in and around the border town of Beitbridge.
The two-day workshop focused on inclusive sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), HIV, and tuberculosis (TB) services. It was spearheaded by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), in collaboration with Save the Children, Family Support Trust (FST), and Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Health and Child Care. The initiative also received support from the Embassy of the Kingdom of Netherlands in Maputo.
The training targeted frontline healthcare workers, equipping them with tools and skills to provide stigma-free, client-centered care to key populations such as sex workers, migrants, and young vulnerable people (YVP). These groups often face substantial barriers when seeking healthcare, including discrimination, limited access, and a lack of services tailored to their needs.
Through interactive sessions including case studies, role-plays, and group discussions, participants explored how personal attitudes and systemic challenges impact service delivery. The training emphasized empathy, confidentiality, and the importance of integrating services in line with both national health policies and international human rights standards.
This effort is part of a broader regional program implemented across Eswatini, Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. The program aims to enhance access to integrated SRHR and HIV services in migration-affected communities, while promoting a gender-sensitive and human rights-based approach to healthcare.
By the end of the workshop, participants had strengthened their understanding of how SRHR and HIV intersect, especially for mobile and at-risk populations. The initiative marks a vital step toward building a more inclusive healthcare system—one that ensures even the most marginalized individuals receive the care and dignity they deserve.
