Mashambanzou Care Unit (MCU)

MCU is a 30 bedded unit caring for all patients from marginalised communities who are living with HIV. The Care Unit provides a safe haven for patients who are not able to afford health care services at the public health institutions, as they receive the health care services courtesy of MCT funding partners. The Care Unit offers comprehensive and integrated healthcare to People Living with HIV which include but not limited to treatment of opportunistic infections, blood tests for TB and VIAC screening.

HIV TESTING AND COUNSELLING SERVICES

In the fight against HIV early diagnosis and access to treatment are vital. Mashambanzou Care Trust is playing a crucial role in providing HIV testing and counselling services, ensuring that individuals have the knowledge, care, treatment and support needed to protect their health and the well-being of their partners.

VIAC SERVICES

Mashambanzou Care Trust is committed to providing comprehensive and integrated healthcare services to women living with HIV. Since April 26, 2023, we have included VIAC (Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid and Cervicography) as part of our diagnostic and treatment offerings. This vital service is provided free of charge and is available both at our Mashambanzou Care Unit and through outreach programs in hard-to-reach communities.

In addition to serving HIV-positive women, the VIAC program is also open to all sexually active women, regardless of their HIV status. This initiative ensures early detection and timely treatment, supporting the overall well-being and health of women across Zimbabwe.

OUTREACH CLINICS FOR OPPORTUNISTIC INFECTIONS (OIs) TREATMENTS

Mashambanzou Care Trust operates outreach clinics as part of its FCS project to provide comprehensive care and support services to individuals and communities affected by HIV and AIDS in Mbare, Glen Norah, Highfield, Dzivarasekwa, Dzivara sekwa Extension, Hopley, Mabvuku, Tafara in Harare hard-to-reach areas of Wards 24, 25, 26 35 in Zvimba District and Caledonia, in Goromonzi District.

FAMILY CENTRED SUPPORT

The Family Centered Support (FCS) Project focuses on improving the lives of PLWHIV, supporting Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC) to reach their full potential and building the capacity of communities to effectively deal with Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR issues. MCT offers Psychosocial Support (PSS) to survivors of Sexual Gender Based Violence (SGBV) and other forms of abuse using the multi-sectoral approach in the management of these cases.

SRHR, PREGNANT TEEN MOTHERS AND ADOLESCENT SUPPORT

Teen pregnancies have been prevalent in Zimbabwe due to poverty, cultural and religious beliefs which hindered educational advancement of women and girls, leaving them vulnerable to economic hardships and abuse. As a result, MCT came up with a project, supported by LCM USA to reduce the vulnerability of young women and girls offering SRHR education during outreaches to help these young women and girls make informed choices about their sexuality.

OVC SUPPORT

MCT’s areas of implementation are characterised by extreme poverty where parents/ guardians cannot afford to pay school fees for their children. To address this challenge, MCT initiated various projects to offer support ranging from school fees payments, provision of school uniforms and amongst other learning materials, registration of birth certificates and national identity cards.

HOUSES OF SAFETY

Mashambanzou Care Trust (MCT) plays a crucial role in providing care and support for vulnerable children in Zimbabwe. One of its key initiatives is the establishment of Houses of Safety, which serve as temporary homes for orphaned and vulnerable children (OVC) who are survivors of abuse whilst the Department of Social Development maps a way forward for their safe keeping. In collaboration with the Department of Social Development family assessments are conducted before placement of these children in houses of safety.

INSTITUTIONAL INCOME GENERATING ACTIVITIES

In addition to MCT vital healthcare and social services, Mashambanzou Care Trust has successfully implemented a range of income-generating activities that empowered the communities we serve. These activities not only generated income but also foster skills development, entrepreneurship and self-reliance among beneficiaries. Some of the impactful income-generating initiatives supported by MCT include:
1. Agricultural Projects
2. Catering and Food Services
3. Skills Training and Entrepreneurship Development

ADVOCACY

Mashambanzou Care Trust has been at the forefront of advocacy for HIV and AIDS awareness and social justice. Guided by its mission to improve the lives of individuals and families affected by HIV and AIDS, Mashambanzou engages in impactful advocacy initiatives that aim to challenge stigma, promote human rights and drive positive change.

EDUCATION FOR LIFE

The government of Zimbabwe encourages access to basic quality education for every child through payment of fees for vulnerable children under the BEAM (Basic Education Assistance Module) programme. However, the funding under this programme is not adequate to assist every orphan and vulnerable child in Zimbabwe so, to complement government’s efforts, MCT initiated the Education for Life project. This is a Misean Cara funded project which is implemented in selected high-density suburbs of Harare and the peri-urban settlements of Zvimba Rural District namely Mbare, Hopley, Dzivarasekwa Extension, Nyabira, Mt Hampden, Stapleford. The project seeks to address the challenges faced by orphans and vulnerable children in accessing basic education.

PUTTING CHILDREN FIRST

Putting Children First was a Caritas Australia Fund CAFOD funded project that was implemented by MCT in the Southern District of Harare namely Mbare, Hopely and Glen Norah. The project was aimed at addressing the specific needs and rights of children in impoverished communities. It sought to improve the well-being and opportunities available to children, support children's development and ensure their rights were upheld by focusing on various aspects such as education, healthcare and child protection.

CARE TO SHARE

Mashambanzou Care Trust, in partnership with Young Africa International, is implementing the Care to Share – Youth Empowerment for All project, in Caledonia, Goromonzi District. It aims to empower 30 disadvantaged youth through a market-driven, TVET-based economic empowerment program. Beneficiaries will engage in a six-month vocational training program, which includes theoretical instruction delivered by qualified trainers from Ruwa Vocational Training Centre. They will also get hands-on training through internships with experienced Mastercraft persons within their own communities. Upon successful completion, beneficiaries will be awarded a Certificate of Competency, recognising their skills and enhancing their employability or capacity for self-employment.

CHILD PROTECTION

Mashambanzou Care Trust is actively promoting child protection and safeguarding of children's rights through a comprehensive, community-based approach. The initiative aims to create safer environments for children by strengthening awareness, advocacy and local accountability structures.

Key activities include:

Establishment and training of School-Based Child Protection Committees comprising of learners. Empowering the committee, educators and school staff to identify, prevent, and respond to child protection concerns. These include but not limited to:
- Community Dialogue Sessions
- Mobile Roadshows
- Radio Programs
- Policy Engagement

Through these coordinated efforts, Mashambanzou Care Trust is working to build a culture of child protection and ensure that every child has the opportunity to grow up in a safe, supportive and rights-respecting environment.

INTEGRATED HEALTHCARE SERVICES