Poor coordination affects health initiatives in Mash Central

LACK of participation and coordination among Government health departments here has resulted in poor implementation of State initiatives.

This was said by Zimbabwe National Family Planning Council (ZNFPC) Mashonaland Central provincial manager Mr Nemisio Shoniwa yesterday at a meeting in Bindura to chart a roadmap for adolescence sexual reproductive health (ASRH).

Mr Shoniwa said they will engage the Ministry of Health and Child Care in the province, who were not present at the meeting to take up their role in the programme

“It is difficult to coordinate with Government departments in the province. If people come together things move forward,” said Mr Shoniwa.

“The issue is different at national level where there is commitment, that is not the same at provincial level. The issue of ASRH affects our children.

“Teenage pregnancies, child marriages and sexually transmitted diseases are our priority area.

“Youths in concentrated areas like resettlements and mines need to get information to help them in decision making.”

ZNFPC provincial marketing and communications officer Mr Percival Kushure said the council is committed to engaging 15 Parliamentarians in the province to help mobilise resources.

“The provincial youth council will engage junior Parliamentarians for advocacy among their peers on child marriages,” said Mr Kushure.

“We have also resolved to continue engaging religious and traditional leaders for them to express a positive attitude towards ASRH. All our stakeholders have committed to a work plan towards ASRH.

“We will have training on clinical family planning services and stakeholders undertook to train their staff to communicate with people with disabilities.

“Bindura University of Science Education (BUSE) is in the process of establishing a disability resources unit so that they can recruit students with disabilities.”

Mr Kushure said all ZNFPC centres will be monitored to assure that they are providing quality services.

The meeting resolved to establish thematic groups to strengthen linkages and coordination between organisations.

“These groups will facilitate evidence-based ASRH through research and documentation,” said Mrs Elisah Chiriga, ZNFPC marketing and communication officer.

“The Ministry of Health and Child Care shall be the chair of the programme, while ZNFPC will be the secretariat.”