HARARE, Jul. 21 (NewsDay Live) – Harare’s informal transport sector received a major health boost after omnibus drivers, bus drivers and rank marshals underwent free health screenings under a wellness initiative aimed at improving their health and reducing road accidents linked to human error.
The programme, organised by Replete Care in partnership with the Zimbabwe National Family Planning Council (ZNFPC), the Zimbabwe Business Council on Wellness (ZBCW), ZUDCO, Optinova Eye Care and other partners, offered HIV testing, blood pressure and blood sugar checks, sexually transmitted infection (STI) screening, dental and eye examinations, mental health assessments, counselling and family planning services.
Replete Care chief executive officer Muchaneta Mandara said the initiative sought to extend workplace wellness programmes, traditionally available in the corporate sector, to workers in the informal economy.
“We have come to bring wellness to the rank. Wellness is often associated with the corporate sector, but we believe people in the informal sector deserve the same attention, so we have brought these services to them,” she told NewsDay.
Mandara said the programme was also designed to address health conditions that could contribute to road crashes.
“Statistics show that about 92% of road accidents are attributed to human error, which can sometimes be linked to underlying health issues. We are promoting wellness across all sectors because healthier transport operators ultimately contribute to safer roads,” she said.
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She added that the initiative was inspired by the need to close the gap in healthcare access between formal and informal workers.
“Corporate employees have benefited from workplace wellness programmes for years, but the informal sector has largely been left out. We want to extend these services because the well-being of transport operators affects everyone who uses our roads,” Mandara said.
She called on government ministries, corporate organisations and development partners to support similar initiatives.
“We hope bigger companies and government institutions will recognise the importance of bringing wellness services to the informal sector. These services are free, and we encourage more partners to join us in expanding the programme,” she said.
One of the beneficiaries welcomed the initiative, saying it enabled transport operators to access healthcare without interrupting their work.
“Programmes like these are very beneficial because they allow us to get tested at our workplaces instead of taking time off to visit clinics or hospitals. It saves time and helps us continue working while looking after our health,” he said.
The beneficiary added that the programme also made transport workers feel recognised for the role they play in serving the public.