By Lorraine Mbereko (ZNFPC Marketing and Communications Assistant)
The Zimbabwe Agricultural Show (ZAS) exhibition, which took place from 24 – 29 August 2026 in Harare presented an excellent opportunity for the Zimbabwe National Family Planning Council (ZNFPC) to engage with community members and provide essential health services. ZNFPC outlined a comprehensive strategy aimed at reaching a broad audience, particularly focusing on adolescents and youth health issues. By actively participating in this significant event, ZNFPC promoted awareness and accessibility of reproductive health services, ultimately contributing to the betterment of public health in Zimbabwe. The Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health (ASRH) Department provided dedicated services, connecting with young people of all ages, providing them with age-appropriate, youth-friendly information and education on various topics such an menstrual health, comprehensive sexuality education, parent to child communication, drug and substance abuse and social media use. Menstrual health is a crucial yet often overlooked topic, by addressing it, ZNFPC empowered young girls with the knowledge they need to manage their menstrual hygiene confidently. Furthermore, the distribution of sanitary wear to young girls not only alleviated the economic burden of purchasing these necessary products but also promoted dignity and participation in school and community activities. This initiative is pivotal in breaking down social taboos surrounding menstruation and ensuring that young girls have equal access to education and opportunities without the hindrance of inadequate menstrual resources.
Young girls highlight that Menstrual Health Management is a human right issue to be treated with dignity
The youth-friendly team played a crucial role in facilitating the overall objectives of ZNFPC during the agricultural show. By distributing informational pamphlets about adolescent sexual reproductive health services, they educated the public on available health services, demystifying myths surrounding reproductive health, making them more accessible and comprehensible to the general populace. Educating community members on reproductive health promoted informed decision-making and healthier lifestyles. The right information equipped individuals with the tools they need to make choices that align with their health goals, thereby fostering a more informed and health-conscious community. The main objectives of ZNFPC’s participation in the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show were multifaceted. Primarily, the organization aimed to enhance accessibility of reproductive health services while raising awareness about vital health issues. By directly engaging with community members, especially youth, ZNFPC de-stigmatized discussions about reproductive health and ensured that individuals are aware of health services available to them. In addition, offering a platform for immediate health services allowed for a unique opportunity to reach people who might not otherwise engage with healthcare services. This proactive exhibition improved health outcomes for young people.
The benefits of providing health services at the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show extended beyond immediate healthcare delivery. Through such initiatives, ZNFPC fostered a culture of health-seeking behaviors that can ripple through communities. The conversations sparked at the Show will lead to increased community engagement in health issues, fostering a supportive environment where individuals feel empowered to seek care and share information with peers. Furthermore, by integrating health services into a community event, ZNFPC reinforced the message that health is a community priority, encouraging collaborative efforts toward improved public health service delivery. Zimbabwe National Family Planning Council’s active participation at the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show presented a significant opportunity to engage the community in critical health discussions and services. By focusing on adolescent sexual and reproductive health, offering clinical services, and effectively marketing these efforts, ZNFPC not only addressed immediate health needs but also contributed to long-term community health education and empowerment of young people.
Adolescents enjoying their time at ZNFPC stand at the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show exhibition