The First Lady of Zimbabwe, Auxilia Mnangagwa, has promised to fight maternal death by ensuring efficient utilisation of available resources. She has officially accepted the ambassadorial role accorded to her by the Ministry of Health and Child Care and said she hopes to see an improvement in the fight against diseases. She was enthusiastic to take up the ambassadorial role as she shares the same values and goals with the Ministry of Health and Child Care.
“I thought I was making too much noise during my cancer awareness campaigns not knowing that you were actually appreciating the advocacy work that I was doing… thank you for according me this honour and I know you might be busy working on other things in your offices, but when it comes to advocacy work, I am ready to take it up.”
Through her charity organisation, Angel of Hope, she championed health seeking behaviours in communities and assisted the less privileged in society.
“We have travelled the length and breadth of this country mobilising women for screening. We have done work in HIV and TB programmes. We have also worked with orphans and vulnerable children… It has really given me great satisfaction and I will continue to work on these noble causes,” she said.
Dr David Parirenyatwa, Health and Child Care Minister of Zimbabwe, said the government accorded the First Lady the ambassadorial role as a sign of honour and appreciation of the work she was doing in the health sector. Speaking on behalf of the United Nations family, World Health Organisation country representative Dr Julie Nabyonga recognized the First Lady’s commendable work.
“We commend you for the advocacy work you are doing and we urge you to continue doing more,” said Dr Nabyonga
