Miss Albinism vaccination drive gathers steam

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Mudzimu, who was recently appointed African Disability Alliance goodwill ambassador, has since launched the campaign, targeted at the disabled community, to push for equal access to health care despite one's background.

BY STYLE REPORTER Miss Albinism Zimbabwe pageant founder, Brenda Mudzimu, is happy with the impact her Covid-19 vaccination awareness project has made in the society.

Mudzimu, who was recently appointed African Disability Alliance goodwill ambassador, has since launched the campaign, targeted at the disabled community, to push for equal access to health care despite one’s background.

“The response is amazing. However, more needs to be done; it is not a stroll in the park remember it’s not always easy to convince someone,” Mudzimu said.

Mudzimu has done door to door campaign to remote areas where the disabled people face challenges in accessing health centres.

“I have received all the shots, including the booster thanks to Sister Brenda’s advice and push.

“However, authorities should consider disabled community first as we are facing challenges in the process; as for me the nearest vaccination centre is located some kilometres away from where I stay and it’s a challenge getting there with a wheelchair,” Panashe Tahwa, one of the beneficiaries of the project, has said.

Another beneficiary, Sarah Munzwa said they were engulfed by fear of unknown when the government first rolled out Covid-19 vaccination project.

“We were misled at first, some people were saying the vaccine causes some diseases hence our fear,” she said.

“However, sister Brenda came to us, educating us about its advantages and now I am at peace after taking the jab.

“Even if I get cold, I no longer fear for the worst.”

Mudzimu, a nurse by profession, has always passionate about the disabled community.

In 2017, she founded the Mr and Miss Albinism Zimbabwe to raise awareness on the plight of people with albinism.

The pageant became so popular that it attracted the attention of both local and international media houses.

As a result, the annual event is now one of the best platforms, not just in the country, to advocate for the rights of people with albinism.

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