First Lady commits to OAFLAD vision
The First Lady, Auxillia Mnangagwa has lined up a number of programmes meant to attract goodwill and support vulnerable groups in Zimbabwe.
Addressing the 22nd ordinary General Assembly of the Organization of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on Monday, the First Lady committed to continue supporting vulnerable groups including among others, women, youth and the girl child, orphans and vulnerable children and elderly persons in institutions and people with disabilities (PWDs).
“The First Lady and the Girl Child Program will be launched in February 2019 as a follow up to the Stakeholder’s Conference on the Girl Child that I convened on the 8th of January 2019. I will host community events and mass media campaigns to advance the Free to Shine Campaign including championing the country’s efforts towards Validation of Elimination of Mother to Child Transmission of HIV and syphilis,” said umama u Auxilia Mnangagwa.
She also revealed plans to host a Male Conference in Zimbabwe to address low male involvement in health care and poor health seeking behaviour in men, as well as address the issue of child marriages and gender based violence.
Other programmes on the cards include a high level advocacy with political leaders, traditional as well as religious leaders, advocating for Sexual and Reproductive Health needs of women, including Championing Cervical cancer screening and tackling issues of maternal and child mortality.
“I will continue to support marginalized communities bringing outreach services to them through my foundation; the Angel of Hope, I will also continue supporting the elderly people in institutions and people with disabilities (PWDs) in Zimbabwe,” the First Lady added. The first lady’s commitment comes on the back of several initiatives she has embarked on to empower women and the girl-child in Zimbabwe.
In August last year, she launched the Free to Shine Campaign and committed to championing the attainment of OAFLAD goals which include eliminating mother to child transmission of HIV and syphilis, as well as advocating for cancer screening and treatment.