Saturday, November 01, 2014

Vital to Invest in Primary Healthcare, Says Zimbabwe Vice President Mujuru
Republic of Zimbabwe Vice President Joice Mujuru with ZANU-PF
spokesman Rugare Gumbo at hotel where the party Congress
will be held in December 2014.
November 1, 2014
Herald Reporters

VICE President Joice Mujuru has called for investment in primary health care services as part of measures to control the possible outbreak of Ebola which she said was expensive to manage.

Officiating at the graduation of 131 nurses, 95 midwives, 12 Operating Theatre Nurses and 12 Intensive Coronary Care Nurses at Harare Central Hospital yesterday, VP Mujuru said the possible outbreak of Ebola and communicable diseases could be minimised by maintaining high levels of hygiene.

“Communities should be educated on primary healthcare and equip them with knowledge that will assist in the event of disease outbreaks such as Ebola and cholera,” she said.

“It becomes expensive for Government to buy the required medication. Increase in access to health services and information not only prevents diseases, but reduces morbidity especially of women, newborn babies and vulnerable members of the society.”

About 5 000 people have died of Ebola in West Africa, while an estimated 4 000 people died during a cholera outbreak here six years ago.

VP Mujuru said the performance of the country’s economy was directly related to the health of the workers, saying the more sick workers, the less production.

“We should pay attention to our health indicators as much as we do on our economic indicators,” she said.

“A healthy populace plays a significant role in the development of the nation and the economy.

“Competent and motivated human resources in the health sector can achieve the noble goals of Zim-Asset, regional and international health and social services.”

VP Mujuru encouraged women to emulate her educational achievements.

“I began my tertiary education when l was already a Minister which motivated me to start adult literacy in 1982,” she said.

“I then managed to have my Doctorate when l had 11 grandchildren and l am challenging you women.”

VP Mujuru said it was important for health personal to be abreast with modern technologies to meet the demands of the expected services.

Speaking at the same event, Health and Child Care Minister Dr David Parirenyatwa said there was need to increase the number of nurse recruitments.

“We are glad that Government has unfrozen the recruitment of nurses,” he said.

“About 680 nurses would be able to be trained every year.”

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