The CFHD in collaboration with Training Research Support Centre (TARSC) implemented a project on health issues in Cassa Banana.   The CFHD mainly worked with the Health Committee and the work is part of a wider programme facilitated by Training and Research Support Centre (TARSC) which seeks to advance delivery and accountability on the right to health in relation to the Public Health Act and Constitution of Zimbabwe. This component of the programme focused on the use of Participatory Action Research (PAR) to improve public health services in Cassa Banana through evidence based dialogue between community, stakeholders and duty bearers. It draws on work that has been implemented by TARSC and Zimbabwe Association of Doctors for Human Rights (ZADHR) in 2014-15 (see www.tarsc.org for earlier reports on work undertaken in Cassa Banana).   

Cassa Banana is a poverty stricken peri-urban community that is facing distressing primary health conditions. Despite people’s right to health, as regulated in the Public Health Act and National Constitution. The main sources of livelihoods for the people include fishing from Lake Chivero and casual labour in the nearby location of Kuwadzana and Norton. Brief scrutiny of the community indicates that social immoral activities such as prostitution, drug abuse and crimes are inevitable as people strive to earn a living. The situation is exacerbated by the absence of a responsible duty bearer that is willing to plan together with the community and deliver services to improve their health and wellbeing.  

The Cassa Banana Health Committee with support from CFHD engaged in a number of initiatives in trying to get the HCC to meet their obligations. The most prioritised actions during the project were to strengthen relationships between the CHC and key stakeholders especially Cassa Banana residents, the local leadership and local committees - so they could collectively build dependable relationships with the relevant duty bearer. Going through the PAR cycles of reflection and action has made communities realise that they can actually have a say on how local authorities function and they have the power to hold duty bearers accountable.  This became evident when community members demanded to be part of the planning meeting between the Councillor, ZRDC and HCC. Communities were dissatisfied with the representation of community leaders since all these years the health system has not improved and there is no feedback from the local authority, leaving residents in the dark as to progress on the provision of health services. 

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