By Bigboy Madzivanzira
In Zimbabwe today we are facing two realities at the same time.
On one hand, thousands of children, elderly persons, and people with disabilities are struggling to access rehabilitation. Clinics are far. Therapists are few. Wheelchairs break down with no one to fix them. Families are doing their best, but they are tired.
On the other hand, in those very same communities live hundreds of skilled men and women who spent 20, 30 years working in hospitals and rehabilitation centers. Orthopaedic Technologists. Medical Rehabilitation Technicians. Wheelchair Technicians. Nurses. They are now retired. And they are sitting at home.
What if the answer to one problem is the other?
Why “Retired” Does Not Mean “Finished”
As a country we have invested heavily in training these professionals. Yet when they retire, we lose their skill.
But here is what makes them different from any new project or NGO: They live in the community. They speak the language. They know the culture.
A grandmother will open her door faster to “Gogo who used to work at Sally Mugabe” than to a stranger.
A father will understand exercises better when explained in Shona with a proverb he grew up with.
A child will do their “bridge game” exercises because Sekuru who lives down the road came to check.
That is trust. That is access. That is sustainability.
The Community Rehab Champions Proposal
I am proposing, as part of National CBR, a “Community Rehab Champions” Program under the Ministry of Health and Child Care.
The model is simple:
1. Identify retired rehab professionals in every ward
2. Refresher training – 5 days on safeguarding, updated guidelines, documentation
3. Equip them with basic toolkits and a transport stipend
4. Deploy them under District Rehabilitation Coordinators to do:
– Home-based therapy and caregiver training
– Orthotic and wheelchair repairs and adjustments
– Community screening and referrals
– Health education
Orthopaedic Technologists can run monthly device clinics. Wheelchair Technicians can do repair days. MRTs and Nurses can support stroke survivors and children with disabilities in their homes.
Why This Will Work in Zimbabwe
1. Speed – We can start in 6 months. No 4-year waiting period for new graduates
2. Cost – Uses existing human resources. Just transport + recognition needed
3. Coverage – 2-3 Champions per ward means rehabilitation reaches the homestead
4. Dignity – Gives our elders purpose, income, and respect
This is not about replacing young professionals. It is about filling the gap now, while we continue to train more.
A Call to Action
To the Ministry of Health and Child Care, Allied Health Professions Council, DPOs, and Partners: Let us register, recognize, and resource our retired rehabilitation professionals.
Let us stop waiting for solutions to come from far. The solution is already living in our wards.
Rehabilitation should not wait. It can start next month, with the next gogo or sekuru who already has the skill and the heart.
Because when help speaks your language and walks the same dusty road as you, healing becomes possible.
About the Author
Bigboy Madzivanzira is a multi-faceted Medical Rehabilitation Practitioner registered with the Medical Rehabilitation Practitioners Council of Zimbabwe, a Health Promotion Practitioner registered with the Allied Health Professions Council of Zimbabwe, a Family Therapist, and a Special Needs Educator. He is the CAN (CBR) Africa Network Zimbabwe Representative and the Founder and Director of Health Promotion Clinic Trust._
_Contact: 0773 367 913 | healthpromotionclinic@gmail.com