By Kuda Pembere
Zimbos Abantu, a social enterprise dedicated to delivering medical services to underserved areas in Harare, has launched a fleet of mobile clinics to be deployed across the city.
Staffed by nurses, nursing assistants, and doctors, the mobile clinics will provide essential health screenings, including checks for blood pressure, diabetes, and HIV, among other services.
This initiative comes at a critical time, as central hospitals are increasingly overwhelmed by patients presenting with advanced stages of disease due to delayed care.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Health and Child Care, Dr. Douglas Mombeshora, the Ministry’s Chief Director of Curative Services, Dr. Maxwell Hove, praised the initiative.
It is an honor to join you today for the official launch of Zimbos Abantu’s Health Care on Wheels mobile clinic initiative, and to witness firsthand the positive impact this program is having on the lives of Zimbabweans in need. As the Ministry of Health and Child Care, we are encouraged and inspired when communities, civil society, and development partners unite to bring health services closer to the people.
“The partnership between Zimbos Abantu Health Care on Wheels, the National AIDS Council, and the Swiss Re Foundation stands as a commendable example of integrated, people-centered health care delivery. The President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, His Excellency Comrade Dr. E.D. Mnangagwa, has consistently emphasized the importance of leaving no one and no place behind.
“The National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) provides a comprehensive roadmap towards the realization of Vision 2030. It prioritizes strengthening health care systems, improving maternal and child health outcomes, expanding access to essential services, and enhancing our capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to public health threats,” said Dr. Mombeshora.
Dr Mombeshora added that the mobile clinics are aligned with the vision of providing health services to marginalized areas.
“The deployment of mobile clinics, as we are witnessing today, closely aligns with the Ministry of Health and Child Care’s National Health Strategy 2021–2025. This strategy emphasizes the provision of equitable, affordable, and quality health services to all Zimbabweans, particularly those in underserved areas.
“It outlines strategic interventions to establish new health infrastructure and expand access to medical services, ensuring that even the most remote communities receive essential care.
“The Ministry has prioritized the decentralization of health care, especially in our efforts to combat non-communicable diseases and HIV and AIDS. We recognize that marginalized communities often bear the brunt of inadequate access.
“Through innovative models like this one, we are reaching the unreached and restoring faith in public health. I am particularly pleased that this mobile clinic model integrates HIV care, non-communicable disease screening, and essential primary health care services, while fostering community ownership through health savings clubs. This approach not only promotes sustainability but also empowers communities to take charge of their well-being,” he said.
Zimbos Abantu CEO Tawanda Mushawedu shared that the organization intends to expand the deployment of these mobile clinics beyond Harare.
“Today, we’re launching some of our brand-new mobile clinics to serve underserved communities around Harare, with plans to eventually expand nationally,” he said.
He emphasized the organization’s focus on making health care affordable for impoverished communities.
“What sets us apart from your typical primary care provider is that we focus on affordability. We realize that unless we actively create affordable options, health care remains a luxury for the elite. Our approach is rooted in the belief that those at the bottom of the pyramid deserve health equality and equity,” he said.
The organization also runs empowerment programs that teach young people and women income-generating skills to help them cover health expenses.
“We are supporting different power groups in communities through empowerment programs. For example, we’re working with a group of mothers in Epworth, equipping them with solar-powered sewing machines to make and sell products, including reusable sanitary wear.
“We’re also helping single mothers with equipment for hatchery projects, as well as supporting other women involved in baking, brick-making, and honey production. By empowering these communities economically, we aim to help them afford their health care needs,” Mushawedu said.
Zimbos Abantu currently operates in about seven districts in and around Harare, including Harare South, South West, West, North, East, Chitungwiza, and parts of Mabvuku and Caledonia.
“This is how we’ve been working—improving the quality of care by bringing in duly qualified health experts to deliver primary care solutions. Achieving this in informal settlements is especially challenging, as these communities often lack secure land rights, discouraging permanent health infrastructure investment.
