Health-Related Needs Assessment of Artisanal Small-Scale Goldminers in Kadoma/Zimbabwe: Paving the Way for Health Improving Interventions

Background: Small-scale miners are responsible for over 50 % of the Zimbabwean gold production. However, the sector is characterised by high labour-intensity, low productivity and capital and outdated technologies. Sustainable health interventions are necessary.Objective: The objective of the project was the empirical identification of miners’ health needs and corresponding effective, sustainable, and successful future health interventions.Methods: In a two-week field study in Kadoma, Zimbabwe, in late 2017 a health needs assessment was done to determine the miners’ needs by applying a mixed methods approach. This included qualitative and quantitative interviews with individuals, group interviews, focus group discussions and observations.Results: A total of 89 miners and 4 health care workers participated in the project. Six main themes with potential for improving miners’ health were identified: living conditions, nutrition/hygiene; safe work environment/mining processes; financial support; health care services; education. Especially the need for formalisation and funding as well as low importance of certain interventions to miners are obstacles to sustainable health interventions. Formalisation can only be successful, if the miners’ perceptions of governmental involvement are considered and if the reluctance of failed formalisation attempts can be overcome. As the underlying basis for all these approaches, an increase in knowledge and awareness of miners is needed, especially by considering the growing numbers of miners.Conclusion: By taking into account the possible health impacts, the feasibility of interventions, the importance for miners, and their willingness to adapt, interventions aiming at increasing the knowledge and awareness of miners have been identified as most promising for sustainable occupational health.Funding by the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Building and Nuclear Safety is gratefully acknowledged.