The City of Masvingo Health Services Department has embarked on a polio vaccination campaign as a proactive step to protect children from the debilitating disease.

This campaign is aimed at interrupting virus transmission and prevention of further outbreaks rapidly.

The novel Oral Polio Vaccine type 2 (nOPV2) is being used.

The campaign is targeting all children under 10 years, with an estimate of 20 000 children to be reached during the exercise.

Campaign combined vaccination at health facilities, primary schools with a door-to-door approach, ensuring wide coverage.

There is also community engagement playing a crucial role in the success of the campaign. Strategic Social and Behavior Change (SBC) interventions helping overcome misinformation and engage communities. Faith-based support and addressing vaccine hesitancy are also essential components of the campaign.

The City of Masvingo today held a Local Economic Development Plan Stakeholders validation workshop with the objective of

presenting the draft LED plan to stakeholders,

get feedback and input into the LED Plan from Stakeholders and advise stakeholders on the next steps.

The workshop’s mandate was also to validate the Council’s LED Plan with stakeholders to ensure it aligns with their needs and expectations.

Stakeholders managed to validate the LED Plan that reflects their needs and expectations.

There was stakeholder buy-in and commitment to support the implementation of the LED Plan.

Present during the workshop were the local business owners, entrepreneurs, community representatives,

council officials and councilors, provincial government representatives and development agencies and NGOs.

The City of Masvingo has partnered with several stakeholders in anti-drug and substance abuse drive, ‘City of Masvingo Anti-Drug and Substance Abuse Committee’.

The purpose of the committee is to coordinate and implement effective strategies to prevent and address drug and substance abuse within the city.

Objectives:

1. Conduct needs assessment and identify high-risk areas.

2. Develop and implement prevention programs.

3. Provide support services for individuals and families affected.

4. Collaborate with stakeholders to enhance awareness and education.

5. Monitor and evaluate anti-drug and substance abuse programs’ effectiveness.

Membership:

1. City Health (Chairperson)

2. Legal Resources Foundation (Secretary)

3.Committee members –

. Councilor

. Health Department Representative

. Social Services Department Representative

. Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education Representative

. Law Enforcement Representative (ZRP)

. CID

. Community member

. Churches Representative – Pastor

. Ministry of Youth, Sports, Arts and Recreation Representative.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Conduct public awareness campaigns.

2. Organize community outreach programs.

3. Provide training for educators, healthcare workers, and law enforcement.

4. Support rehabilitation and treatment services.

5. Monitor and report on substance abuse trends.

The City of Masvingo in partnership with GIZ has taken steps to address solid waste management issues, recognizing the environmental and health risks associated with improper waste disposal.

The one-day workshop drew participants from the community, residents’ associations, EMA, recycling companies among others.

The city has however resolved to implement various measures, including:

. City of Masvingo Waste Management By-Laws to regulate waste disposal and promote environmentally friendly practices.

– Community-Based Initiatives like health clubs.

These initiatives demonstrate the City’s commitment to addressing solid waste management concerns and promoting a cleaner, healthier environment for residents and ratepayers.

The City of Masvingo Health Services Department today held a familiarization meeting with partners as a strategic move to build strong relationships, foster collaboration, and ultimately enhance public health outcomes.

Familiarization meetings serve as a platform for stakeholders to share knowledge, discuss challenges, and identify opportunities for mutual support.

The key objectives of familiarization meeting is to introduce partner organizations, share goals, objectives, and areas of expertise, discuss collaboration opportunities, identify potential areas of collaboration and how to leverage resources, establish communication channels, define communication protocols to ensure seamless information exchange and build trust and rapport, foster open communication and encourage active participation.

By holding familiarization meetings, the Council’s Health Services Department can create a robust network of partners, ultimately strengthening community health initiatives and improving the well-being of residents.

Partners which were present include New Start Centre, Zvandiri, Friendship bench, ZNNP, Pangaea Zimbabwe, FACT Zimbabwe, My Age, JF Kapnaek and Ceshhar

Today, the inception workshop for the minimum service level standards took place at Clevers Lakeview Resort with the aim of improved client satisfaction ratings and enhanced staff knowledge and skills.

This two-day program focuses on equipping Council staff with knowledge, skills and attitude necessary to provide exceptional customer service and maintain high service standards.

By conducting this workshop, Council demonstrates its commitment to delivering exceptional service and fostering a culture of excellence among its staff.

The City of Masvingo last week on Friday scooped (5) five Zimbabwe CEO’s Network awards for excellence in good corporate governance and 4 individual awards.

Individuals who won accolades include the Town Clerk, Eng Edward Mukaratirwa for overall outstanding local authority leader super platinum winner, Director Engineering Services, Eng. Kudzaishe Mbetu for outstanding Engineer Gold winner, Chief Environmental Health Services, Ms Suzanne Hazel Madamombe for outstanding female leader Gold winner and the Public Relations Officer, Ms Ashleigh Jinjika for outstanding leader in communication and public relations.

This recognition is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and passion that Council has poured into service delivery.

Such awards serves as a reminder that Council’s efforts are making a meaningful impact in Masvingo and always striving for excellence.