Peter Matika peter.matika@chronicle.co.zw In a remarkable display of expertise and dedication, renowned local paediatric therapist, Mr Precious Madzimbe, has once again put Zimbabwe on the map with his outstanding representation at the prestigious Developing Networks – Networks for Development congress. The event took place from 24 to 28 June this year in Heidelberg, Germany, bringing together the best minds in the field for the joint fourth Triennial Meeting of the International Alliance of Academies of Childhood Disability (IAACD) and 37th annual meeting of the European Academy of Childhood-onset Disability (EACD) conference. Mr Madzimbe’s participation in this high-profile gathering is a testament to his tireless efforts to advance the field of paediatric therapy, both locally and internationally. His contributions at the congress not only showcased his exceptional knowledge but also highlighted the significant strides Zimbabwe is making in the healthcare sector. As a proud ambassador, representing Zimbabwe, Mr Madzimbe’s achievements serve as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring healthcare professionals and a reminder of the importance of collaboration and knowledge-sharing on a global scale. More than 1,500 delegates from across the globe converged in Germany to forge multidisciplinary alliances in childhood disability care. Mr Madzimbe presented findings from his latest book, Involvement of Fathers and Siblings in Home Rehabilitation for Children with Neurodevelopmental Delay: Insights from Rehabilitation Professionals in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. During his presentation, Mr Madzimbe said his qualitative study explored the indispensable, yet overlooked roles of fathers and siblings in family-based rehabilitation. He called out the over-reliance on maternal care, advocating for broader familial inclusion. “Fathers and siblings carry emotional, financial, and caregiving capacities that our health systems are not yet fully tapping into,” said Mr Madzimbe. He went on to present, alongside Canadian and Swiss researchers on the topic of ableism. Mr Madzimbe said the team, comprising Dr Julija Atanasova (Canada), Johanna Linimayr (Switzerland), and him delved into linguistic bias, exclusionary methodologies, and power imbalances across global research cultures. “In Zimbabwe, ableism takes unique forms, which are rooted in colonial legacies, spiritual misinterpretations and systemic underfunding,” said Mr Madzimbe. “The comprehensive title matched its ambition: analyzing the “structural and systemic dimensions” of ableism across varied research environments, precisely resonating with the congress theme by exposing network ruptures in global research collaboration and calling for inclusive, co-designed knowledge frameworks. With “Developing Networks – Networks for Development” as its driving theme, the congress championed cross-border, cross-discipline collaboration,” he said. Mr Madzimbe said his presentations sought to bridge African rehabilitation practices with global research equity, exemplifying how regional insights can redefine international strategies. “Colleagues from Europe, Asia, and Latin America praised Zimbabwe’s contributions as refreshingly bold and vitally necessary. Many expressed eagerness to foster south–north partnerships rooted in shared learning and mutual respect,” he said. As a veteran pediatric therapist, academic and advocate, Mr Madzimbe’s presence proved Zimbabwe’s emergence in international rehabilitation scholarship and policy dialogues on disability rights. “With the congress concluded, the message is clear: Zimbabwe is no longer peripheral in global disability discourse. It is central, vocal, and shaping the narrative, all thanks to the determination and expertise of professionals. Through bridging local realities with global frameworks, Zimbabwe affirms its commitment to inclusive research, family-centred care, and networked development,” said Mr Madzimbe.