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Showbiz Reporter

Sakhile Zibusiso Dube, Zimbabwe’s representative at the Miss Universe contest, is calling for votes to support her “Voice for Change” campaign, centered on addressing the shortage of essential healthcare services, a pressing global issue.

Below is her campaign:

Breaking barriers: Ensuring universal healthcare for all
At the age of twelve, I lost my parents in a tragic accident that shattered my world. Suddenly, I became an orphan, thrust into an uncertain future filled with fear and uncertainty. In this dark time, I found solace in my education. Books became my escape, and my brother who noticed my determination, became my mentor.

He inspired me to dream beyond the constraints of my circumstances. As I grew older, the loss of my parents fuelled a passion within me to help others facing similar challenges. In 2021, I founded the Zibusiso Foundation, named after my middle meaning “blessings” in my native language. The mission was clear: empower marginalised individuals through educational opportunities and vocational skills development.

I wanted to ensure that no child would have to navigate life alone, without support or resources. While building the foundation, I realised that education was just one piece of a much larger puzzle. During my journey, I witnessed countless individuals struggling not only for knowledge but also for basic healthcare.

Many lacked access to crucial medical services and resources, which profoundly affected their ability to thrive. This eye-opening experience led me to pivot the foundation’s focus toward advocating for accessible healthcare for all – an issue that resonated deeply with my own experiences of loss and vulnerability.

Access to medical services especially emergency is not just a luxury, it is a fundamental human right that plays a crucial role in survival and overall health outcomes. In many low-income communities across Zimbabwe, this essential right is often denied. The implications of delayed or denied emergency care are profound.

Without immediate medical attention, minor health issues can escalate into serious conditions, leading to increased morbidity and mortality. This not only affects individuals but also places a heavy burden on families and the wider community, perpetuating a cycle of poverty and poor health.

Vulnerable populations, including women, children, and the elderly, are particularly at risk, highlighting the urgent need for systemic change. Consequently, individuals experiencing life-threatening emergencies such as heart attacks, strokes, or severe injuries are left without timely care, leading to preventable deaths and worsening health outcomes.

Several deaths have been reported as a result of this critical issue, including high-profile artists who tragically became victims. As my first initial transformative initiative, I partnered with Discovery Ambulance Services to take first aid classes, which equipped me with knowledge about emergency response protocols. We also launched community awareness campaigns to educate residents on how to respond in emergencies.

Additionally, we established mobile health units that offer basic care in underserved areas. We are also partnering with government agencies to create public health initiatives tailored to our community’s needs, including preventive care programs, vaccination drives, and health screenings.

This effort supports Sustainable Development Goal 3: Good Health and Well-Being, which focuses on ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for everyone at all stages of life. To improve access to medical health services for low-income communities in Zimbabwe, community involvement is crucial.

The shortage of essential healthcare services is a global challenge, and our primary aim is to encourage collaboration with other non-governmental organisations to utilise data and research for enhancing global healthcare.

In honouring my parents’ memory, I found my purpose – not just to survive, but to uplift others. Every step I take is a tribute to their love, a testament to the strength that lies within every individual, and a reminder that from the ashes of loss, a powerful legacy can emerge. I am SAKHILE DUBE and I represent FROM LOSS TO LEGACY!!!!!!!

To vote for her, people need to click this link: Vote for Sakhile.

https://citalks.com/contests/missuniverse2024-vfc/entry/miss-universe-zimbabwe—voice-of-breaking-barrierse–universal-quality-health-care-for-all?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR2PBgKvyQC1uOfGYOPVMiEuD6RWfvO4UO4O56D7CaWh3FBbX7M9lBYer30_aem_X00ohp_zqqIq2FMogmYifg