ZNFPC participates at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) exhibition
By Donald Dube (ZNFPC)
Zimbabwe National Family Planning Council (ZNFPC) participated at this year’s edition of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) exhibition held from 21 – 24 September 2021 in Bulawayo running under the theme, ‘Showcasing the New Normal For Business and Industry: Realities and Opportunities’ The organization provided services to include information dissemination, Family Planning (FP) and related Sexual Reproductive Health (SRH) clinical services and creating networks with target markets. ZNFPC exhibited under the theme, ‘Quality integrated FP services for sustainable socio-economic development.’ The exhibition was mainly funded by International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF), with subsidiary financial assistance drawn from ZNFPC budgets.
ZITF is Zimbabwe’s leading annual business expo that brings together local, regional and international exhibitors for opportunities in trade, market development and networking which in turn enhances economic growth. This year’s edition was graced and officially opened by His Excellency President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa on, 23rd September.
The COVID-19 pandemic has ushered in a new normal for business and as such the realities and opportunities were embraced at the trade fair. For the health sector and family planning in particular, it can be said that increased access to FP has many essential benefits for individuals, families, societies and the nation at large. By ensuring universal access to FP and SRH, these efforts assist to reduce levels of maternal mortality, infant mortality, teenage pregnancies and the resulting unsafe abortions. Planned births will result in savings in maternal and child health care, and manage population growth thereby reducing the burden on social services and resource needs.
Ultimately the country benefits in the form of demographic dividend, broad-based economic growth, a productive and educated workforce resulting in a growing middle class. In this regard, FP plays a critical role in reducing poverty and driving economic growth. These are the areas that necessitated participation at ZITF exhibition as a focus on reform and re-organization of the way FP services are delivered in Zimbabwe in the new normal necessitated by Covid-19.
ZNFPC partnered with New Avakash International with its subsidiary STM pharmaceuticals as co-exhibitors. The partnership proved fruitful and attracted many clients to the stand as the pharmaceutical organization displayed new reproductive health products for women’s health. Much appreciation to New Avakash International for supporting with promotional materials in the form of branded golf t-shirts and pens which were distributed to clients at the Fair.
Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials were distributed to clients. More than 2000 pamphlets on ASRH and FP/RH information were disseminated to specific target audience for consumption. Quiz competitions were held during the exhibition with winners walking away with giveaways.