by Sonia De Jesús García, mc – Zambia
In the rural villages of Kaande, located in Zambia’s western province, a group of 30 dedicated women has emerged as influential health promoters. These African women have showcased an exceptional commitment to evangelization by educating communities about prevention, particularly in the realm of healthcare. As missionaries, our role is to guide and support them, recognizing their invaluable contributions as the driving force behind positive change in their villages’ health conditions.
What sets this group of health promoters apart is their diverse backgrounds. While 70% of them belong to different denominations, the remaining members are Catholic. However, their focus extends beyond religious boundaries, as they faithfully serve all members of the community, irrespective of their beliefs. Following the example of Jesus, these women have made it their mission to uplift the lives of the poorest and most marginalized individuals.
To begin each meeting, the health promoters gather to read the Gospel, grounding themselves in their faith and purpose. They regularly attend workshops at the Kaande Mother Earth center, equipping themselves with knowledge and skills to make a difference in the lives of those they serve. Their outreach extends to various segments of the community, including youth, teenagers, children, young mothers, and adults.
Undoubtedly, the health promoter women have proven themselves to be exceptional leaders, commanding the trust and respect of their fellow community members. Their influence is evident as people willingly follow their guidance. One impactful story revolves around a young girl named Chinga Likisi, who was discovered during the promoters’ house-to-house visits. Likisi, only 11 years old at the time, was confined to her grandmother’s house, unable to attend school or engage in any activities due to her frailty. The promoters immediately took action, sharing her plight during their meeting and mobilizing support.
Likisi’s road to recovery began with a 15-day hospital stay, where she received treatment for anemia and malnutrition. Once she returned home, the health promoters continued to provide nutritional support and monitoring, resulting in a remarkable transformation. Likisi, now thriving academically, actively participates in church activities. What is particularly moving is that, despite her family’s different religious affiliation, she remains the sole member attending the Catholic Church. Her heartfelt words, “Sister loves me very much; she takes care of me,” exemplify the deep impact the health promoters have on the lives of individuals they serve. Likisi, at the age of 14, is currently undergoing preparations for baptism and attends Mass faithfully every Sunday.
This inspiring story is just one among many that highlight the profound impact of the health promoters’ work. Disease prevention lies at the core of their mission, with a specific focus on HIV, tuberculosis, high blood pressure, malaria, malnutrition, and anemia. They actively promote the use of medicinal herbs such as moringa, eucalyptus, lemongrass, and aloe vera as natural remedies. Additionally, they have introduced natural products like colorless and chemical-free soaps, as well as black stones crafted from cow bones, further aligning their practices with holistic healthcare principles.
While this beautiful story is still unfolding, the transformative power of this ministry is evident. We draw strength from these stories and firmly believe in the importance of continuing this vital work. As the health promoters empower African women to become agents of change in their communities, they bring hope, improved health, and a brighter future to all they serve.
May God’s blessings be upon every individual involved in the mission in Zambia