Women’s Health: Accelerating Action for a Healthier Tomorrow
March is more than just the gateway to autumn; it’s also a month dedicated to celebrating women’s resilience, achievements, and health. As the world commemorates international women’s day, which ran under the theme Accelerate Action on 8 March, we’re reminded of the urgent need to prioritize women’s health and dismantle barriers to care. At Premier Service Medical Aid Society (PSMAS), we’re proud to stand with all our female members by providing access to tailored healthcare services and support programs designed to empower them to take charge of their well-being.
Prevention Saves Lives: The Power of Early Detection
The adage ‘prevention is better than cure’ rings especially true for women’s health. Cervical and breast cancers remain leading threats, yet both are highly treatable when detected early. According to the Globocan 2022 report, cervical cancer is the most common cancer among women in Zimbabwe, accounting for 31.4% of a cancers. Breast cancer is the second prevalent accounting for 12% of all cancers.
Our medical aid covers:
Cancer screenings and treatments
Cervical cancer screenings (Pap smears and HPV testing/ VIAC) to identify precancerous changes. These can be done during wellness screening outreaches or simply walk into any PSMAS branch for assistance. Any general practitioner on PSMAS network of providers can also prescribe this test and it can be done as per member benefit according to scheme. Women diagnosed with cancer are enrolled into the PSMAS disease management program and treatment is facilitated. Breast cancer screenings, include breast scans and women are also guided on how to perform breast self-examination. Women with identified problems are referred for mammograms. Once diagnosed members are enrolled for disease management and treatment is facilitated within the PSMAS network
Body Mass Index (BMI)
This is a simple yet powerful tool used globally to assess whether a person’s weight is within a healthy range relative to their height. While it is not a perfect measure of individual health, it services as a critical starting point for identifying potential risks and guiding proactive care. For women, maintaining a healthy BMI can reduce the likelihood of obesity and reproductive health complications. Obesity can lead to increased chances of type 2 diabetes, heart diseases and hypertension among other complications. Early detection isn’t just a medical strategy, it’s a lifeline. Globally, nearly 99% of cervical cancer cases are preventable with timely interventions. By leveraging these services, women can act decisively to safeguard their health.
Community and Care: Support Programs That Lift Women Up
Health journeys are rarely walked alone. For women navigating pregnancy, obesity, or chronic conditions (like hypertension or diabetes), our care programmes create safe spaces for growth and resilience.
Members are grouped into peer networks where they:
- Share experiences and strategies for managing conditions
- Access nutritionists, mental health counselors, and fitness experts
- Share tips on weight management
- Chronic disease control
These programs recognize that health is holistic—physical, emotional, and social. By fostering community, we help women accelerate progress toward their goals.
Accelerate Action: Aligning with Global Women’s Health Goals
The 2024 International Women’s Day theme urged us to move beyond awareness and into ‘action’.
At Premier Medical Aid Society, this means:
- Breaking stigma: Encouraging open conversations about reproductive health, mental wellness, and body positivity.
- Closing gaps: Ensuring rural and marginalized women access screenings and care hence our outreach programmes across the country.
- Educating proactively: Sharing knowledge about nutrition, exercise, and stress management. Make use of our care programmes for relevant up to date health education information
Call to Action
This March, we challenge every woman to take one proactive step: book that overdue screening, join a support group, or educate yourself on your medical aid benefits. When women prioritize their health, they unlock the energy to lead, create, and thrive.
Together, let’s take bold steps towards a healthier future-because when women thrive, families and communities flourish.
For any feedback or clarifications regarding information shared on this platform, email: communications@psmas.co.zw.
NB: Visit PSMAS website or download PSMAS 24/7 Mobile App on Google or Play Store to find a provider near you or simply WhatsApp 0783 183 530
