First lady comforts infertile couples
“Zvese izvi tinenge tichizviitira kuti stigma isarambe iripo uye kunetsana mudzimba kusarambe kuripo nekusabatana mudzi mhuri kupere.”
Amai Mnangagwa said unavailability of fertility clinics in public institutions was a cause forconcern.
She said processes such as In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) were beyond the reach of ordinary Zimbabweans since they are only accessible in private institutions.
She, however, said there is hope as the doctors who are going to be trained under Merck Foundation, will bring the expertise home adding that it was her wish to see many fertility clinics established in public institutions.
Family Health Director in the Ministry of Health and Child Care, Dr Bernard Madzima, applauded the First Lady for giving maximum attention to fertility issues and confirmed that the issue was not being given the attention it deserved in the country.
He said they have already received 50 applications from doctors across the country who want to be trained.
Doctor Madzima imparted knowledge to the couples on factors that may cause infertility and how to overcome some of them.
It was an emotional moment when the couples took turns to narrate their ordeals to the First Lady with some women shedding tears.
They told Amai the challenges they are facing in their homes and communities.
“Amai, there is nothing that we did not eat, drink or put into our privates. We went to various places seeking help hoping that one day we would receive fruits of the womb,” said Mrs Melody Mugijima.
“It is now 14 years in marriage but I am yet to conceive but I have come to accept that God’s time is the best.
“At one time due to pressure from in-laws side, I asked my husband to try having a child with another woman, but he refused and said he would stand by me through thick and thin. True to his word, we are still together, happily married.”
Mr Dennifer Buka (48) said he has been with his wife Benhilda (41) for the past 22 years and are yet to be blessed with a child.
He said though some of his family members advised him to divorce his wife, he decided not to listen to them but instead wait upon the Lord.
“I love my wife and no one will separate us. We have faith, one-day God will hear our prayers and give us not just a child but children,” he said.
Mrs Buka concurred with her husband’s testimony saying he has been supportive. She thanked the First Lady for leading the initiative of bringing awareness.
Others who have made peace with their biological realities are opting for foster parenting and adoption.
Gospel musician, Rumbidzai Muparutsa, who has been married for eight years said after discovering that she had fertility problems she spoke to her husband who agreed to adopt a child.
She, however, said the adoption process was not an easy road adding that the system was lengthy and emotionally draining.
Some of the women told the First Lady that they were at the fostering stage with the intention to adopt.
Amai Mnangagwa promised to engage the department of social welfare.
Another woman broke down explaining how she had to endure drinking three crates of raw eggs mixed with cooking oil at an apostolic shrine, she is one of the many who have gone through unmentionable ordeals in search of the fruit of the womb.
Sensia Maponga, founder of Hannah’s Tears, applauded the First Lady for standing with them and giving them a shoulder to lean on.
The First Lady has been a bearer of hope for many women with her initiatives aimed at enhancing their well-being, with this one on fertility being the latest.