Zanu PF Subjects Conference Delegates to Mandatory Health Screenings Including Cancer Tests
HARARE – Zanu PF is requiring delegates attending its annual conference to undergo mandatory health screenings covering blood pressure, blood glucose, prostate cancer and breast cancer tests before they can receive accreditation, according to reports from the party’s headquarters.
The screenings are being carried out by NetOne’s One Health in partnership with ZimSmart Villages.
Delegates must present a “Your Health Passport – Proof of Screening” card that records their name, district of origin, date of birth and phone number. Without the card, attendance is not permitted.
Those who fail any part of the screening are not barred from the conference but are advised to arrange a clinical assessment.
Health workers note positive results where potential concerns are detected and negative results where none are found.
Two delegates who completed the process voiced discomfort over the collection of personal health data.
A delegate from Bulawayo described the requirement as “highly unusual,” saying it left them with “a sense of unease” and questioning for whom the information was being gathered and how it would be used.
“These are highly personal tests. It should have been voluntary,” the delegate said.
A delegate from Mashonaland West said the process was quick and used modern equipment but asked: “Is someone collecting health information about their political rivals? What’s the purpose of this? Is it even legal?”
The accreditation and screening exercise is taking place at Zanu PF headquarters in Harare. The conference programme begins with a politburo meeting on Tuesday, followed by a central committee meeting on Wednesday, before shifting to Chinhoyi where proceedings are scheduled to conclude on Saturday.
(Picture: Zanu PF Patriots)