The United Methodist Board of Global Ministries continues to transform lives in Zimbabwe, bringing critical improvements to Old Mutare and Nyadire mission hospitals.
With modern surgical theaters, upgraded kitchen equipment, an advanced incinerator system and enhanced water reticulation, the hospitals are now better equipped to provide high-quality health care.
Bishop Gift Machinga, who oversees The United Methodist Church in Zimbabwe, Malawi and Botswana, emphasized that the ongoing partnership with Global Ministries continues to be a vital catalyst for transformation in the country’s health sector.
The improvements Global Ministries provided at Nyadire Mission Hospital include a new operating theater, kitchen renovation and new, contemporary incinerator.
Although power outages continue to happen, Global Ministries’ renovation has provided upgrades to ensure that the hospital can provide meals for patients and staff and putting the hospital on a path toward greater sustainability.
“Its assistance has not only upgraded facilities but also strengthened health care delivery and patient experiences,” said Winnet Nyamuda, a cook at the hospital. “The support has sparked hope among health care workers, patients and the wider community, demonstrating that external partnerships can revitalize essential services.”
Bridging the Gap Between Urban and Rural Communities
“By upgrading these mission hospitals, the partnership bridges a crucial gap between urban and rural health care services, strengthening local capacity to respond to both routine and emergency medical needs, reducing the need for patients to travel long distances to urban centers for specialized care,” he said.
Bishop Machinga remarked that the partnership is more than a donor-recipient relationship; it is a shared commitment to health, dignity and life.
“It exemplifies how faith-based collaboration can serve as a cornerstone for national health development,” he said.
Dr. Walter Mutindori, the Zimbabwe East Conference health secretary, said that Global Ministries’ donations of a new surgical theater and renovating an old theater and labor ward will directly improve the hospitals’ capacity, quality, access and effectiveness by bringing specialized and critical services.
Quality Care for Patients
Caroline Checha, a patient from Zengeni Village in Penhalonga, expressed her joy upon returning for a surgical procedure.
“I was first operated in 2017 when I gave birth to twins,” she said. “Today, I am back, and the transformation is incredible. The renovated theater is beautiful and modern. I’m very happy.”
After undergoing a caesarean section, Aisha Saidi reflected on her decision to give birth at the mission hospital.
“I chose to deliver here because of the excellent facilities and the fact that it is a church-run institution. The treatment is exceptional,” she said.
Monica Nzirayabani, Old Mutare Hospital administrator, said that recent repairs to the hospital’s two 33,000-gallon water tanks have significantly improved availability of potable water and the facility’s environment, including being able to grow more vegetables on the grounds, thereby reducing hospital food costs.
“The horticulture gardens that support the hospital and mothers’ shelter are flourishing, contributing to a balanced nutritional diet and dietary diversity for patients and staff,” she said.
Your Support is Crucial
By supporting The World Service Fund apportionment fund through your local church you help provide basic financial support to program-related general agencies, such as The General Board of Global Ministries so they can continue to transform lives across the globe. Through World Service funding, agencies support annual conferences and local congregations in living out God’s mission for the worldwide Church.
excerpt from a story by Kudzai Chingwe, communicator for the Zimbabwe East Conference.
The World Service Fund provides basic financial support to program-related general agencies, which are especially important to the common vision, mission, and ministry of The United Methodist Church. Through World Service funding, agencies support annual conferences and local congregations in living out God’s mission for the worldwide Church. General agencies also provide essential services and ministries beyond the scope of individual local congregations and annual conferences through services and ministries that are highly focused, flexible, and capable of rapid response.
