Dementia awareness must move beyond talk to action — DAZ
Matebeleland Pulse Reporter
The Dementia Association of Zimbabwe (DAZ) has called for greater public understanding of dementia, early diagnosis and stronger support for families and caregivers as Zimbabwe grapples with the social impact of the condition.
The call was made during a dementia awareness walk in Bulawayo on Saturday, where DAZ founder Emelia Gubba urged communities to confront stigma and misinformation that can leave families affected by dementia isolated and without adequate support. Gubba drew from her own experience after her mother was diagnosed with dementia.
“My mother developed dementia some years ago and we had no idea how to deal with it. But with time we started learning more about the condition.”
That experience led her to question what happens to Zimbabwean families facing dementia without adequate support, eventually resulting in the establishment of DAZ following engagements with the Ministry of Health.
Gubba said dementia affects more than the person diagnosed, placing emotional and practical demands on families and caregivers.
“Dementia affects more than memory. It affects individuals, families, caregivers and entire communities,” she said.
She called for greater openness about the condition and urged communities to challenge misconceptions while recognising the dignity of people living with dementia.
Gubba also highlighted the often-overlooked burden carried by caregivers.
“We see you. We recognise the love, sacrifice, exhaustion and strength that caregiving requires,” she said.
She said awareness should ultimately result in practical action involving government, healthcare workers, families and communities.
“Let us not only walk, talk and raise awareness. Let us turn awareness into action,” Gubba said.
Speaking on behalf of Bulawayo Mayor Senator David Coltart, Councillor Mercy Furanayi said the city viewed dementia as a societal issue requiring a collective response.
In his prepared remarks, Coltart commended the organisers of the walk for raising awareness on dementia and emphasised the importance of treating people living with dementia with dignity and fairness.
“Dementia is not simply a medical issue, but a societal challenge. It affects individuals, families, and communities,” he said.
He also highlighted early diagnosis, noting that the global campaign message was that “the earlier you know, the more you can do.”
According to Coltart, early diagnosis can help families understand the condition, consider care and treatment options, plan for the future and access appropriate support.
He warned that stigma can prevent families from seeking professional assistance.
“It is unfortunate that misunderstanding and stigma can cause families to delay seeking professional assistance or, in some cases, hide the condition. We must collectively change this,” he said.
The mayor said creating an inclusive city required the principles raised during the walk to extend beyond the event itself.
“The work of building an inclusive city does not end at City Hall car park. It begins in our homes, our neighbourhoods, our institutions, and in the way we treat one another,” he said.
The awareness walk started at Pick n Pay Hyper and ended at the City Hall car park, bringing together people living with dementia, caregivers, healthcare professionals, organisations and members of the community.
DAZ acknowledged the support of the organisations, businesses and community partners that supported the awareness walk, including Proton, Wilsgrove, Skies Meals, Safmark, the City of Bulawayo, ORAP, Slice Pizzeria, Tshova Mubaiwa, CITE, Khulumani FM, Skies Metro, Thomas Meikles Foundation, Tshabalala Warriors, Qinisani Fit Grannies and the Bulawayo community.
