Protecting Health Workers, Saving Lives: GiK Support Strengthens Biriri Hospital

By Ronald Magweta (Communications Officer)

In the rolling hills of Chimanimani, Biriri Rural Hospital serves as a lifeline for 24 villages, providing healthcare to more than 8,600 people, including nearly 4,000 children. From maternity care to HIV support services, the hospital strives to meet the diverse needs of its community despite limited resources and tough conditions.

“The furthest village from the hospital is 21 kilometers away,” explains Tarisai Nyakusakura, the nurse in charge at Biriri Hospital. 

“We do our best to serve patients, but challenges like limited transport, lack of medication, and inadequate protective materials have always made our work difficult.”

Before World Vision’s support, staff often had to improvise in dangerous ways. 

“When we did not have protective material, we would use a cloth to cover our faces in place of masks,”  Tarisai recalls. 

Such conditions left both staff and patients vulnerable. 

Thanks to Gifts-in-Kind (GiK), the hospital has received vital supplies—protective clothing, gloves, gowns, goggles, under-pads, soap, birth kits, and cooler boxes for vaccines. These items have transformed the way staff deliver care.

“The protective clothing has made a big difference. When you are protected, you feel safe and confident to serve patients,”  Tarisai says. 

“The cooler boxes have ensured that vaccines and other medications are kept at the right temperatures, which is crucial for the children we serve.”

Still, challenges remain. Mutambara Mission the referral hospital is over 30 km away, and with only one ambulance—often without fuel—emergency referrals are delayed. Medicines are not always available, forcing patients to buy expensive drugs from private pharmacies.

Even with these hurdles, the impact of GiK is undeniable. Staff now work with greater confidence, patients receive safer care, and life-saving vaccines are reaching the community.

“We are very grateful for the support from World Vision and our donors,”  Tarisai adds.

“The assistance has brought hope to our staff and patients. If we can get more medication and transport support, it will go a long way in saving lives—not just here, but across other hospitals too.”