By Ruvarashe Charakupa (Social Work Student Intern – Bindura University of Science Education)
It was an incredible opportunity to be part of the recent Employee Wellness Fun Day at the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) Mbare studios, representing the Zimbabwe National Family Planning Council (ZNFPC) as a social work intern across the Marketing and Communications Unit and Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health (ASRH) Department. The event held on 19th September 2025, successfully brought together a wide array of committed stakeholders, including ZNFPC, ZBC Employees and various health experts, all focused on promoting health and wellness in the workplace.
The collaborative spirit was a key highlight, emphasizing the vital role of partnerships in advancing public health. Beyond ZNFPC and ZBC, the presence of partners such as the National Aids Council (NAC) and Eye Opticare significantly broadened the scope of wellness services and information offered. ZNFPC offered free health services such as contraceptive methods, cervical cancer screening and HIV Testing Services. The Fun Day was characterized by interactive sessions and dynamic dialogues centered on crucial public health topics in Zimbabwe, namely ASRH, mental health awareness and overall wellness. These discussions reinforced the necessity of making informed health choices and fostering supportive work environments, aligning with ZNFPC’s mandate to promote Family Planning, Reproductive Health and youth-friendly services.
As the coordinator of the national multi-sectoral response to HIV and AIDS, the NAC was a vital presence. They would typically offer essential services such as distributing information and conducting dialogues on HIV prevention, stigma reduction and adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy (ART). This ensured employees access to critical HIV/AIDS information and services, which is a major pillar of public health in Zimbabwe. Whereas the Eye Opticare’s presence underscored the importance of comprehensive wellness including specialized care. Eye Opticare offered free eye screening services, including vision checks and provided information on eye health and early detection of common eye conditions. This service was crucial for workplace health, as good vision is fundamental to productivity and overall quality of life.
The event’s success, amplified by the diverse contributions from different organizations, demonstrated the power of an inclusive model for workplace engagement. It fostered open dialogue on a range of health matters, from ASRH to specialized screenings, empowering employees with valuable, actionable health information. Participation in workplace health activities clearly reflected ZNFPC’s deep-seated commitment to building healthier communities through proactive engagement and the provision of vital services for free, cementing its role at the forefront of addressing key reproductive health challenges in Zimbabwe.