Wellness Movement Puts Zimbabwe’s Health Risks in Spotlight

By Staff Reporter | Harare

At 4.30 am, while much of Harare is still asleep, Colonel Dr Miniyothabo “Minnie” Baloyi-Chiwenga is already exercising.

The military officer’s disciplined routine of bodyweight exercises, core drills and other physical conditioning has become part of a wider public conversation about fitness, nutrition and preventative health following the launch of her Wellness Plus Movement. Launched in September to coincide with her 50th birthday, the initiative includes a US$10,000 weight-loss challenge and seeks to encourage Zimbabweans to adopt healthier lifestyles.

The campaign comes as Zimbabwe, like many other countries, faces a growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and stroke. The World Health Organisation (WHO) identifies unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, tobacco use and harmful alcohol consumption among major behavioural risk factors for NCDs. Regular physical activity, meanwhile, can help prevent and manage conditions including hypertension, heart disease, stroke and diabetes.

A quiet health burden

Zimbabwe’s health challenges are reflected in its hypertension profile. WHO data shows physical inactivity among adults at about 27 percent, while adult obesity is estimated at 16 percent. The figures also show a significant gender difference, with obesity estimated at 25 percent among adult women compared with 5 percent among men. Hypertension is particularly concerning because it can remain undetected for years.

WHO says people with high blood pressure often experience no symptoms and that regular blood-pressure measurement is the most reliable way of detecting the condition. If untreated, hypertension can contribute to heart disease, stroke and kidney disease. For Zimbabweans whose livelihoods depend on daily work, chronic illness can have consequences beyond the consulting room. A market trader, commuter, informal-sector worker or small-business owner who becomes seriously ill may lose income while also facing the costs associated with consultations, medication and other treatment. This makes prevention an increasingly important part of the public-health conversation.

From military discipline to public wellness

Baloyi-Chiwenga’s military background has shaped the way she approaches fitness. Her Wellness Plus Movement combines exercise with nutrition, hydration, rest, weight management and greater awareness of personal health. Speaking at the launch, she said turning 50 prompted her to think about how she could use the milestone to contribute to society.

“I decided to introduce several initiatives to assist myself, the people, and the society around me. Therefore, I am launching the Wellness Plus Movement.”

The initiative is intended to move the wellness conversation beyond occasional exercise towards sustainable lifestyle changes. Participants in the inaugural challenge are encouraged to adopt regular exercise routines and publicly document their progress, creating an element of accountability around the programme. Baloyi-Chiwenga has also emphasised the importance of science-backed information and long-term habits rather than focusing exclusively on rapid weight loss.

Exercise is not a replacement for treatment

The growing popularity of fitness programmes, however, comes with an important health warning. WHO says lifestyle changes such as increased physical activity, healthier diets and weight reduction can help prevent and lower hypertension. But some people with hypertension still require medication and continued medical care. That distinction is important as wellness campaigns gain visibility.

A person who suspects they have high blood pressure should not rely on exercise or weight loss alone. Screening, professional assessment, and appropriate treatment remain essential.

WHO also recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity a week for adults, or 75 minutes of vigorous activity, together with muscle-strengthening activities on at least two days a week.

Beyond individual responsibility

The challenge for Zimbabwe is that healthier living is not simply a matter of personal discipline. Food prices, working hours, commuting patterns, access to recreational spaces and household income can all influence what people eat and how much physical activity they can realistically undertake. WHO’s Zimbabwe annual report has highlighted the need for additional resources to address NCD risk factors including obesity, unhealthy diets and physical inactivity, while strengthening access to standardised NCD services.

That means the wellness conversation must extend beyond gyms and individual challenges to include communities, workplaces, schools, healthcare facilities and policymakers. The Wellness Plus Movement cannot by itself resolve Zimbabwe’s NCD burden. But its emergence at a time when chronic diseases are placing increasing pressure on individuals and health systems illustrates a growing recognition that health cannot be treated only when illness appears.

For many Zimbabweans, the message may ultimately be less about losing weight and more about knowing their numbers, moving more, eating more carefully, and seeking medical attention before a preventable condition becomes a crisis.

Zimbabwe wellness movement