By Admire Chitsungo
The Zimbabwe Artisanal and Small-Scale Miners Association (ZASMA) has urged miners across the country to take part in a free tuberculosis (TB) and silicosis screening programme amid growing concerns over lung-related illnesses affecting mining communities.
ZASMA president Evans Ruzvidzo said the initiative, which is running from April to September 2026, is aimed at improving the health and wellbeing of artisanal and small-scale miners who often work in hazardous conditions.
Ruzvidzo encouraged mining associations and individual miners to take advantage of the free chest X-ray screening programme targeting TB and silicosis.
“We are encouraging all mining associations to ensure that miners undergo screening. TB and silicosis, among other lung diseases, continue to pose serious health risks to artisanal and small-scale miners,” said Ruzvidzo.
He said miners diagnosed with TB through the programme would also receive free treatment.
“As from 5 April, 2026 to 30 September 2026, there will be free chest X-ray screening targeting TB and silicosis. Miners can book appointments or walk into designated hospitals where medical personnel have been assigned to assist them,” he said.
The programme is being conducted at selected hospitals in Gweru, Gwanda, Concession, Mazowe and Kadoma.
Artisanal and small-scale miners are considered vulnerable to dust-related illnesses because of prolonged exposure to silica dust, particularly in poorly ventilated mining shafts.
A miner from Chakari, Samson Phiri, welcomed the initiative, saying it could help improve health awareness among miners.
“This programme is important because many miners ignore symptoms until conditions become serious. Access to free screening and treatment will help protect miners, their families and communities,” said Phiri.
Health experts say early detection and treatment of TB and silicosis can help reduce complications, improve quality of life and limit the spread of infectious diseases within mining communities.
