BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA
Endometriosis is a silent struggle for many women in Zimbabwe, thereby there’s need to raise more awareness about the disease so as to save lives, ZimSmart Villages Chief Operations Officer, Tawanda Njerere has said.
Njerere added that because of such struggles, there is need to support more initiatives that focus on women’s health.
He was speaking after a successful outreach on Friday where they partnered ZiFM Stereo to provide free screenings for breast cancer and endometriosis.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines endometriosis as a disease in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. It can cause severe pain in the pelvis and make it harder to get pregnant.
It is further added by WHO that the disease affects roughly 10 percent (190 million) of reproductive age women and girls globally.
“At ZimSmart Villages we believe it is crucial that we raise awareness about endometriosis and advocate for better healthcare solutions for women in Zimbabwe.
“We need to foster open conversations, educate our communities, and support initiatives that focus on women’s health,” said Njerere.
He added that at ZimSmart Villages they deliver wellness services in Zimbabwe, be it by outreach or kiosk or via BatsiHeaIth web or mobile app, and their teams have come face to face with the disease (endometriosis).
“Endometriosis is a chronic condition that affects millions of women worldwide, and Zimbabwe is no exception.
“Unfortunately, many women in our country face significant challenges due to this condition, which often goes undiagnosed or misdiagnosed,” said Njerere.
Similar sentiments were echoed by Alsandrah Kuvaoga, ZimSmart Villages Business Development Manager, who said as a way of closing Women’s Month, they came together with ZiFM Stereo, building on their Health Matters segment that airs every Thursday, to offer free screenings for breast cancer and endometriosis.
Kuvaoga said the response was positive, indicating a growing interest and willingness among women to take charge of their health.
“Today’s event took place at ZiFM, but this is only the beginning. We are taking this screening program to rural communities as part of our commitment to further democratize access to healthcare for women, especially those in marginalized areas.
“Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting women globally and locally.
”Early detection is key, as it significantly improves the chances of successful treatment and survival.
“Screening early helps detect these conditions before they progress, allowing women to access treatment sooner, improve their quality of life, and in many cases, save lives.
“Unfortunately, most women in Zimbabwe, particularly in rural areas, only seek help when symptoms have advanced, which is why programs like these are vital,” said Kuvaoga.
She added: “in addition to breast cancer and endometriosis screenings, we were also offering blood sugar level tests and blood pressure checks.
“We also made use of our application AfyaSelfie.Ai which uses artificial intelligence to process light reflected from an individual’s blood vessels and provides insights into one’s metabolic health.
“Through this initiative, we aim to achieve greater awareness, early detection, and improved health outcomes for women. We want to normalize routine health check-ups, especially for conditions that are often neglected until it’s too late.”
Njerere further revealed that endometriosis greatly impacts women including their health and well-being as the ones (women) suffering from endometriosis often endure debilitating pain, affecting their daily lives, work performance and overall quality of life.
Many of the women are forced to take time off work, leading to lost income and increased stress.
“Stigma and silence: there is a lack of awareness and understanding about endometriosis in Zimbabwe. This often leads to stigma, with many women feeling ashamed or reluctant to discuss their symptoms and seek help. The silence surrounding this condition can exacerbate feelings of isolation and despair.
“Access to care: access to proper healthcare, including specialists who understand endometriosis, is limited.
“Many women struggle to find the necessary support and treatment options, leading to prolonged suffering and complications.
“Impact on Relationships: The physical and emotional toll of endometriosis can strain relationships with partners, family, and friends. The lack of understanding from loved ones can create additional emotional burdens,” added Njerere.
