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First Lady Auxilia Mnangagwa

Paidamoyo Chipunza, Harare Bureau
First Lady Amai Auxillia Mnangagwa has vowed to fight maternal death by ensuring efficient utilisation of available resources.

Officially accepting the ambassadorial role accorded to her by the Ministry of Health and Child Care yesterday, the First Lady said she wanted to see an improvement in the fight against diseases like cancer and HIV.

“I thought I was making too much noise during my cancer awareness campaigns not knowing that you were actually appreciating the advocacy work that I was doing,” she said.

“I thank you for according me this honour and I know you might be busy working on other things in your offices, but when it comes to advocacy work, I am ready to take it up.”

Amai Mnangagwa said through her charity organisation Angel of Hope, she took it upon herself to champion health seeking behaviours in communities and assisting the less privileged in society. “We have travelled the length and breadth of this country mobilising women for screening,” she said. “We have done work in HIV and TB programmes. We have also worked with orphans and vulnerable children.

“It has really given me great satisfaction and I will continue to work on these noble causes.”

Amai Mnangagwa said she was ready and enthusiastic to take up the ambassadorial role as she shared the same values and goals with the Ministry of Health and Child Care.

“The person (an ambassador) is to have the right attitude and enthusiasm to represent and promote interests that are vital for the success of the programme,” she said. “I am willing to take this role.”

Health and Child Care Minister Dr David Parirenyatwa said Government accorded the First Lady the ambassadorial role as a sign of honour and appreciation of the work she was doing in the health sector.

He said the honour was also meant to encourage Amai Mnangagwa to continue assisting the Ministry with advocacy on women and children related issues.

Some of the First Lady’s advocacy work include national cancer awareness campaigns in communities and churches.

“We sat down as a Ministry and decided to not only honour the First Lady, but also ask her to expand her area of advocacy from cervical cancer screening services to all issues to do with women and children’s health,” said Dr Parirenyatwa.

“I am glad to say that she readily agreed.”

On children, Dr Parirenyatwa said more advocacy was needed in the area of nutrition, particularly on stunting.