IN rural Guruve, a deadly mix of tradition and misinformation is costing lives with no signs of solutions yet it’s eating away the potential future from teenagers that anchor growth.
Located about 150km north of Harare, some villagers under Chiefs Chipuriro and Chingwerengwe in Mashonaland Central province are shunning modern medicine for spiritual and herbal remedies, leading to untreated illnesses and preventable deaths.
Their scenario is not in isolation but part of Zimbabwe’s sad reality.
Lack of scientific notation is a tall order for authorities and policymakers alike.
Guruve ward 6 councillor Farai Mazhambe recalled a recent death that shocked the villagers in the area.
“Our communities hardly believe in modern science when it comes to health matters,” said Mazhambe, with worry scribbled on his face.
“Last month, we buried a villager who stopped taking diabetes medication. She was convinced it was witchcraft. She was in her fifties,” he added.
Mazhambe has also witnessed the results of early sexual encounters mostly among girls as well as sliding of humanity around the communities.
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Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are rampant among teenage girls, who prefer traditional treatments over medical help.
“They are walking like zombies due to untreated illnesses,” he said.
“To mostly girls and women STIs last long before being noticed and they are carriers of the worst health hazards in communities.”
In Mashonaland Central, Bindura has the highest HIV prevalence rate pegged at 8,4%.
According to the district Aids co-ordinator Agripa Karuru, Bindura has overtaken other high-burden areas like Mazowe.
The key drivers include increased socio-economic activity, with new infections coming from identified high-risk zones.
“Mazowe-Bindura belt has artisanal and formal mining. Mining towns often see higher transmission due to migrant labour, disposable income, and sex work while tertiary institutions Bindura University of Science Education brings large youth populations,” Karuru noted.
“Transport corridor Bindura links Harare to northern districts, so there is high movement of people and truckers.”
Community Working Group on Health executive director Itai Rusike slammed the trend affecting most communities in Zimbabwe rural and urban set-ups.
“Patients prioritise herbal and spiritual treatment, shunning evidence-based scientific medicine,” he said.
“Many assertions by herbalists and faith healers aren’t scientifically researched. This challenge needs discussion.”
Rusike continued that the challenge was mounting.
“Some alternative practitioners advertise on mainstream media and sounds authoritative.
“It is misleading as many treat media especially radio as gospel truth.”
Rusike noted that up to 70% of hospital clients consult them before, during, and after visits.
“We need to evaluate and advise the population correctly,” he urged.
On healthcare funding, Rusike, a health advocate, suggested more action that will not reverse the gains gained of late.
“Despite progressive budget increases, fiscal disbursements are inadequate.
“The system is struggling, health workers are frustrated, rendering inadequate service.”
People-centred approach
Self Help Development Foundation executive director Muchanyara Cynthia Mukamuri confirmed the need for a people-centred approach.
“We prioritise resilient families and communities, strengthening access to basic health services, nutrition, and psychosocial support.
“We empower women as frontline leaders of household wellbeing,” she explained.
Mukamuri, who doubles as Women Crisis Coalition chairperson, said they advocate for equitable public services and social protection.
“By fostering solidarity, local solutions, and inclusive leadership, we aim to build healthier families and a nation that can withstand economic shocks.”
On scientific research, Mukamuri noted that studies like CHIEDZA bring HIV services closer to young people and reduce stigma.
“Research guides responses to diseases, informs government planning, and highlights system gaps.”
CHIEDZA was a large, collaborative public health trial led by both Zimbabwean and international researchers and implemented in communities (Harare, Bulawayo and Mashonaland East) with strong local involvement.
The study was a partnership between the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, the National Aids Council, the Zimbabwean health professionals and community based teams.
It was also supported by funders like the Wellcome Trust and UK research bodies.
Govt must be proactive
Proportional Representation MP Mutsa Murombedzi said the government must be answerable on its shortcomings.
“Citizens turn to undocumented traditional and spiritual interventions over scientific medicine is a choice that reflects government neglect: clinics that are distant, medicines unaffordable and doctors scarce,” she said.
Murombedzi, however, noted that cultural and spiritual practices provide comfort, but they should not substitute for accessible healthcare.
“Respecting tradition is vital yes, but the State must guarantee evidence‑based treatment for all.
“Health is a right, not a privilege and our people deserve dignity in heritage and confidence in science.”
She, however, highlighted that traditional medicine should complement, not replace, evidence-based treatment.
Murombedzi further explained that there are policies to safeguard the citizens.
“We actually have policies that recognise cultural heritage and aim to regulate traditional medicine, preventing harmful practices.
“The Traditional Medical Practitioners Act (1981), National Traditional Medicine Policy (2007) and most recently the Global WHO Strategy (2025–2034) which Zimbabwe, alongside other African states, supports the WHO’s Draft Global Traditional Medicine Strategy.
“This WHO framework emphasizes monitoring, evaluation and universal health coverage while promoting safe use of traditional medicine.”
According to Murombedzi, implementation has often lagged behind legislation.
“Clinics remain underfunded, and scientific healthcare is still inaccessible for many rural citizens.
“Government must ensure that integration does not become an excuse for neglecting investment in modern healthcare.”
On April 7, Zimbabwe joined the rest of the world to mark the World Health day, celebrating the power of scientific collaboration to protect the health of people, animals, plants and the planet under the theme Together for health. Stand with science.
As the World Health Day commemorations focus on a better future based on research-based results, it’s not the same for Mazhambe’s community in Guruve.
It’s a matter of life and death.
Sadly this is not in isolation, but part of Zimbabwe’s man-made crisis.
