Healthcare nightmare in Chikandakubi

Victor Sibanda

A 69-year-old man from Chikandakubi community, Leonard Nyoni, walks a grueling 44 Kilometers to and from the nearest clinic for treatment of his chronic illness. Nyoni is far from alone in his struggle, as the entire community lacks basic healthcare facilities, forcing residents to undertake these dangerous journeys in desperate search of medical attention.

The distance to the Lukunguni Mission Clinic is simply too far for many. Nyoni himself must embark on this trek twice a month, battling not only his illness but also the elements, with scorching summer heat and heavy rains making the journey even more perilous. Some residents opt for the slightly closer Indlovu Clinic, 15 kilometers away.

Affording transportation is another hurdle. Scotchcarts and bicycles are essential for navigating the rough terrain, but those without them are forced to hire them from neighbors, adding to the financial burden of seeking healthcare.
“I don’t even have a scotchcart, let alone a bicycle,” Nyoni lamented. “I wake up as early as 4am to start my journey to Lukunguni clinic for treatment and medication. It takes me 3 to 4 hours to get there, and I have to rest along the way because I’m not feeling well. Those with bicycles have it much easier. I just wish the authorities would build us a clinic here, or at least provide us with a mobile clinic.”

Shamiso Mike Moyo, a local resident and educationist, expressed his deep concern over the lack of healthcare access. “It’s disturbing to hear that people are dying on their way to the clinic,” he said. “These are needless deaths. If we had proper healthcare facilities here, these lives could be saved. Chikandakubi seems to be a forgotten community, even though we’re only 10 kilometers from the Victoria Falls-Bulawayo highway.”

Residents have long been promised a clinic, but those promises have yet to materialize. Christopher Siachuma recounted years of lobbying elected officials with no tangible results. “We’ve been suffering for too long,” he said. “Traveling 44 kilometers to the clinic only worsens patients’ conditions. We’ve lobbied councilors since 1980, but all we get are empty promises. Those who can afford it hire cars to travel to Victoria Falls or Hwange, which are over 100 kilometers away. We need real intervention.”

Chikandakubi Ward Councillor, Peggy Africa Ncube, acknowledged the desperate situation in his ward. “It’s obviously terrible,” he said. “People are giving birth on the roadside, and some are dying because they can’t afford to travel to distant clinics. Walking such long distances is difficult and can worsen illnesses. They’re also going through dangerous thickets where they could encounter wild animals. I’ve tried everything I can, but the resources just aren’t there. As a last resort, I’m going to petition the Minister of Health and copy the President.” Ncube vowed to fight tirelessly to bring a healthcare facility to Chikandakubi before his term ends in 2028.

The plight of Chikandakubi aligns perfectly with the National Health Strategy (2021-2025), a government initiative aimed at improving healthcare access for all Zimbabweans. The urgent need for a clinic in Chikandakubi cannot be ignored. The residents’ pleas for help must be addressed swiftly to prevent further deaths and complications arising from delayed medical care.