Dete nurse leads fight against cancer in rural community
Victor Sibanda
A dedicated nurse in Dete has taken a remarkable step in the fight against cancer, establishing a women’s support group focused on various health issues. Gladys Muchimba’s initiative, the Phakama Support Group, provides crucial support and education to women in the community, a rare feat for a civil servant in Zimbabwe.
Founded in June 2023, Phakama empowers women aged 30 and above. Driven by the plight of women succumbing to cancer due to late diagnosis, Muchimba uses her own resources and occasional help from a friend to run the group.
“The effects of cancer on women in this community deeply affected me,” Muchimba explains. “I decided to form a support group to offer healthcare lessons and encourage regular check-ups. We discuss breast cancer, cervical cancer, and other serious illnesses, along with HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted infections.”
Muchimba’s determination shines through. “It took months to gather the courage,” she admits, acknowledging the potential stigma surrounding such groups in the community. Her primary goal is to instill a sense of urgency in women to seek healthcare. “Women are often the most vulnerable, and cancer takes a heavy toll on them,” she emphasizes.
So far, Muchimba’s efforts have yielded significant results. “I’ve managed to send 21 women for cervical and breast cancer screening at Hwange Colliery Hospital,” she reveals. “Two require biopsies due to suspected cervical cancer, and one confirmed case has been referred to St. Luke’s Hospital for specialist care thanks to my friend, Sharon Hoole.”
The impact of Phakama is undeniable. A member, who wished to remain anonymous, praises the project. “This group has helped me stay strong and accept my condition,” she shares. “Besides health education, we are also trained in income-generating projects like baking, poultry farming, sewing, and detergent making, empowering us to become self-sufficient.”
Muchimba’s vision extends beyond immediate needs. “My goal is to see women empowered with health knowledge, allowing them to make informed decisions,” she declares. “The income-generating projects aim to prevent poor decision-making due to financial dependence.”
Her dedication has not gone unnoticed. Ndlelende Ncube, a resident of Dete Ward 18, applauds Muchimba’s selflessness. “I have attended some of her meetings. She’s a rare breed, a nurse driven by passion. Many women benefit from her counseling sessions, cancer screenings, and treatment referrals. We, as a community, are incredibly impressed by her work. If only all nurses were like her, society would be much healthier.”
Hoole, Muchimba’s friend and supporter, echoes this sentiment. “She’s organized free cervical and breast screenings at Hwange Colliery Hospital for all Dete women. Now, she’s working on empowering projects. It is truly inspiring and motivating.”
Muchimba’s initiative aligns perfectly with the National Cancer Prevention and Control Strategy for Zimbabwe (2014-2018), which strives for a “cancer-free Zimbabwe” by raising awareness and promoting early detection, diagnosis, treatment, and support services. With her unwavering commitment, Nurse Muchimba is making a significant contribution to achieving this national goal.
