EMERGENCY AND DISASTER PREPAREDNESS AT RURAL HEALTH CENTRES IN MASVINGO PROVINCE, ZIMBABWE
Abstract
The word disaster evokes vivid and painful memories for most Zimbabwean citizens. While for many the word brings to mind images of cyclone IDAI that recently affected various communities in Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Malawi, for others it might trigger memories of other major disasters that have occurred in the country. Regardless of the type of disaster and the differing memories each may evoke, citizens of Zimbabwe inevitably revert back to one central question: “Why were we not better prepared?” In response, scholars have increasingly begun to explore the area of disaster management including, in the context of one of largest and most cherished institution, the health centre (hospital or clinic). When disasters occur, health centres are among the most important institutions as they are viewed as sanctuaries where victims seek solace. This study explores the emergency and disaster preparedness at rural health centres in Zimbabwe specifically in Masvingo province. Data for the study were collected through questionnaires and other secondary sources. It emerged from this study that generally the state of disaster preparedness in the rural areas of Masvingo province is poor.
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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.46827/ejsss.v5i3.837
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