Zimbabwe opens one-stop shops to help poor patients

Zimbabwe has opened 10 one-stop clinics that are saving lives for its patients.

Clinics that are pilot projects across the country will provide free diagnosis and treatment to people with TB and diabetes.

Blessing Chongwaru, 29, has a chance to live because he was cared for in one of the few centers offering free services.

If you are on TB treatment and diabetes is well controlled, the chances of recovery are very high.

"At least you reduce transportation costs if you are treated at a place against TB and diabetes. It's very different to get these services in two different places, "Chongwaru said.

"If you are on TB treatment and you have diabetes and the diabetes is well controlled, the chances of recovery are very high," said a nurse at Rutsanana Polyclinic in the poor suburb of Glen Norah in Harare.

In a country in economic crisis, where doctors had already started a strike, many complain of not being able to afford health care.

Dr. Silence Gavi is responsible for Zimbabwe Platinum Mine Health Services.

"You find that this combination of a low prevalence of tuberculosis and a low-silica rock and the fact that there is no overcrowding means that our TB figures are almost negligible compared to the national average. You see that we have one, two or three cases at most over a period of 12 months, "he added.

The project is expected to reach 46 health facilities across the country with additional funding from the World Diabetes Foundation, the Global Fund for AIDS and the Government of Zimbabwe.

AIDS The prevalence of tuberculosis has declined significantly in Zimbabwe, but remains among the highest in the world.

AFP