Mobile Clinics Bridge Healthcare Gap in Cowdray Park

By Andile Vundla | 3 June 2026

Residents of Cowdray Park’s Ward 6 in Bulawayo have hailed the impact of mobile healthcare clinics run by Zimbos Abantu, saying the initiative has improved access to essential medical services in a community that has long struggled with limited healthcare facilities.

Implemented in partnership with the National AIDS Council (NAC), the Healthcare on Wheels programme brings medical services directly into communities, offering primary healthcare, maternal and child health services, HIV testing, non-communicable disease (NCD) screening, medication and health education.

The initiative is also helping to close critical healthcare gaps by reducing the distances residents previously travelled to access treatment and preventive healthcare services.

Speaking during a national media tour organised by NAC, Ward 6 BURA Chairperson, Modern Sibanda, said the programme has become a lifeline for many households in the area.

“Before the mobile clinic was introduced, residents had to travel long distances to access healthcare services. Today, people can receive medical attention within their communities,” said Sibanda.

“The programme has also made it easier for residents to access services that were previously expensive or difficult to obtain, including screening for non-communicable diseases. The fact that these services are brought directly to the community has made a huge difference.”

Community members say the consistency of the programme has helped build trust and encouraged greater participation.

Masakhe Healthy Club Chairperson and Cowdray Park resident, Atalia Tshuma, said residents initially doubted the project would last but have since embraced it after seeing its continued presence in the community.

“At first, many people thought the service would only be available for a short period, so turnout was low,” she said.

“However, as residents realised that the programme was here to stay and genuinely serve the community, more people began attending in large numbers. I have personally undergone screening for diabetes and other conditions, and I encourage others to take advantage of these services.”

Another resident, Nomqhele Moyo, commended both the quality of care and the professionalism of healthcare workers.

“The staff are welcoming and respectful, which makes it easier for people to speak openly about their health concerns,” said Moyo.

“I was able to get tested for HIV and access other health screening services in a comfortable environment.”

Founded on the principle that healthcare is a basic right rather than a privilege, Zimbos Abantu Healthcare on Wheels was established to address barriers that prevent vulnerable populations, particularly women, young people and residents of peri-urban communities, from accessing timely medical care.

Through its partnership with NAC, Zimbos Abantu is leading community-based health interventions in Bulawayo and other parts of the country aimed at expanding access to healthcare services for more than 5,000 people.

In Bulawayo another Zimbos Abantu mobile Healthcare centre is located in Emganwini high density surbub.

Health officials say mobile healthcare initiatives are increasingly becoming an important tool in improving early disease detection, promoting health-seeking behaviour and ensuring that underserved communities are not left behind in the delivery of essential health services.