World

One-stop clinics, a rare lifesaver for Zimbabwe's sick

July 20, 2019
Microscopist Mazvita Chataurwa prepares slides to conduct tests on patient's sputum samples in an on-site laboratory, at Rutsanana Polyclinic in Glen Norah township, Harare on June 24. -AFP photo
Microscopist Mazvita Chataurwa prepares slides to conduct tests on patient's sputum samples in an on-site laboratory, at Rutsanana Polyclinic in Glen Norah township, Harare on June 24. -AFP photo

HARARE - Blessing Chingwaru could barely walk without support when he arrived at the specialist Rutsanana clinic in Harare complaining of chest pains and fatigue.

Weighing a skeletal 37 kilograms, the HIV-positive motor mechanic knew something was wrong.

He was immediately given a number of tests and told the bad news: He was also suffering from advanced-stage tuberculosis. Dual infection by HIV and TB is a notorious killer.

"My health was deteriorating and I kept wondering why," Chingwaru, 29, recalled at the clinic.

Within hours of the diagnosis, Chingwaru was given free treatment and nursing care.

In a country where more than a dozen people die each day from TB-related sicknesses, it was a rare example of efficient public healthcare.

The Rutsanana Polyclinic in Harare's poor suburb of Glen Norah, which Chingwaru visited, is one of 10 pilot clinics in the country offering free diagnosis and treatment for TB, diabetes and HIV.

The clinic, which opened in 2016, is staffed by 24 nurses and currently treats 120 TB patients.

Among the million-plus people living with HIV in Zimbabwe, TB is the most common cause of death, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

HIV-positive people, and others with weakened immune systems, are particularly vulnerable to contracting the infection.

After Chingwaru's initial visit in February, doctors had feared for his life.

But following five months of careful treatment Chingwaru has gained 15 kilos.

"Everything I need, I get here," said Chingwaru, forming fists with both hands to show off his regained strength.

In a country where public health services have practically collapsed, containing the spread of TB has been a persistent struggle.

Zimbabwe has been stuck in a catastrophic economic and financial crisis for decades and its doctors are underpaid and under-equipped.

Although TB treatment is free, the annual number of TB infections in Zimbabwe remains among the highest in the world.

The contagious infection is usually found in the lungs and is caught by breathing in the bacteria from tiny droplets sneezed or coughed out. -AFP


July 20, 2019
80 views
HIGHLIGHTS
World
hour ago

India opposition leader Kejriwal to remain in jail in corruption case

World
4 hours ago

Baltimore bridge collapse: Divers find two bodies in submerged truck

World
4 hours ago

US urges fair legal process for India opposition leader Arvind Kejriwal