Health
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Legislator Daniel Molokele calls for National Budget that prioritises health sector
The government should increase its allocation to the health sector in the National Budget, Hon Daniel Molokele, the legislator for Hwange Central, who is also the Chairman of Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Health has said. Hon Molokele is also the Chairperson of the African Parliamentary Taskforce on Domestic Resource Mobilisation. He made the remarks today…
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Initiatives to enhance food systems in Africa gain momentum
LUSAKA, ZAMBIA – The vision towards enhancing food systems in Africa is gaining momentum as the continent is positioning itself and giving food and nutrition the necessary attention. This came to the fore at the 14th commemoration of the Africa Day for Food and Nutrition Security (ADFNS) and the 19th CAADP Partnership Platform (CAADP PP)…
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Accelerated implementation of CAADP to improve African food and nutrition security
There is an urgent need to accelerate the implementation of the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP), a continental framework for agricultural transformation and agriculture-led growth strategy to achieve ambitious targets on food and nutrition security as outlined in the Malabo Declaration. These were sentiments by the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD)’s Director of Agriculture,…
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CAADP PP, ADFNS to promote intra-Africa agri-food trade and improved nutrition
LUSAKA, ZAMBIA – The 14th Africa Day for Food and Nutrition Security (ADFNS) Commemoration and the 19th Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme Partnership Platform (CAADP PP) running from the 30th of October to the 2nd of November 2023 in Lusaka, Zambia will ensure cross-fertilization and provide a platform for sharing experiences and lessons and discussing…
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NetOne bankrolls regional pageant for people with albinism
Writes Lovemore Chazingwa The inaugural Mr and Miss Albinism Southern Africa pageant held last Saturday at Rainbow Towers in Harare was a resounding success, placating recognition in a seamless society for all sections of the community. Brenda Mudzimu, an advocate for persons with albinism and Executive director of Miss Albinism Zimbabwe Trust, said the regional…
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Call for eye health to be recognised as vital part of healthcare and development
This World Sight Day (12 October), international development organisation Sightsavers is calling on global leaders to end the geographical inequity of eye health services. Everyone, including remote and rural communities, women and girls, and people with disabilities, should have access to the services they need. Yet the availability of eye health services and products like…
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African Union launches continental strategy on education, health and wellbeing for young people
The African Union (AU), through the Department of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation (ESTI), in collaboration with UNESCO, IPPF, UNFPA, and WHO, launched the Continental Strategy on Education for Health and Well-being of Young People. The African Union broadcasted the launch of the Continental Strategy on the 11th of October 2023 during the Global Forum…
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Only 7 African countries commercially grow genetically engineered crops
Here’s a blueprint to unlock the continent’s enormous farm and food potential The African continent has been home to genetically modified (GM) crops for more than 26 years, beginning in 1996 when insect-resistant GM maize was commercialized in South Africa. Since then, several GM crops have been developed on the continent, including cotton, cowpea, soybean,…
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Commendable strides registered towards meeting needs of various populations
During the 20th International Inter-Ministerial Conference on South-South and Triangular Cooperation on Population and Development underway in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe has demonstrated that it is on track towards meeting the needs of its various populations. In his keynote address, while officially opening the event that will lead up to the commemoration of the 30th Anniversary…
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ZPHCA’s youth with disabilities peer learning programme positively transforms lives
Zimbabwe Parents of Handicapped Children’s Association (ZPHCA) recently hosted the Youth with Disability Peer Learning Exchange Feedback Meeting in Harare. More than 30 youth with disabilities from various neighbourhoods of the greater Harare Province attended. The event was facilitated by Emilia July, Thomas Chanduru, and Fungai Muchoko. The 3 facilitators are all part of the…
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Fall Wellness in a Nutshell: 7 Smart Snacking Choices This Season
OWN CORRESPONDENT During fall, Mother Nature offers nutty treasures, each brimming with goodness. In this quick guide, dietitians from Health Reporter explore the nutritional benefits of 7 nuts, unraveling why they’re the snack stars of the season. When leaves crunch underfoot, why not add a crunch to your diet? #1 Cashews Cold air, meet the…
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MCAZ revokes licenses of drug peddlers
Writes Lloyd Rabaya The Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) has revoked six permits for wholesale dealers and cancelled four persons licenses who were peddling drugs in the ghettos and others for exporting to neighboring countries. MCAZ has a mandate of releasing the country from the vice of drugs and substance abuse and thereby…
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CABS, TM Pick n Pay Pink Campaign partnership supports fight against breast cancer
CABS has joined forces with TM Pick n Pay for the Pick Pink Campaign which runs throughout the month of October. This is an initiative to raise awareness of the importance of early cancer detection as well as to support cancer patients in Zimbabwe. The partnership is for the greater purpose of raising funds for…
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Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe takes stance against drug abuse
The Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) is committed to protecting public and animal health through its regulatory functions. As part of this mandate, MCAZ recognizes the urgent need to combat drug and substance abuse in Zimbabwe. Drug abuse is a complex issue that affects individuals, families, and communities across Zimbabwe. It poses serious threats…
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MSF welcomes J&J’s decision to not enforce unnecessary patents on key TB drug
After years of advocacy to increase access to the lifesaving tuberculosis (TB) drug bedaquiline, Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) welcomes Johnson & Johnson’s (J&J) announcement to drop its secondary patents on the medicine. This decision means additional drugmakers will be allowed to make more affordable generic versions of the drug for people in low-…
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Prof. Eyal Leshem encourages harm reduction from respiratory, food-borne diseases
Prof. Eyal Leshem, the Director of the Institute for Travel Medicine and Tropical Diseases at the Sheba Medical Center in Israel has encouraged harm reduction from respiratory and food-borne infectious diseases. He made the remarks at the just-ended Health Harm Reduction Conference that was held in Marrakech, Morocco from 27 to 29 September 2023. “Foodborne…
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National Seed Fair breathes life into long-lost millet varieties
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By Lloyd Rabaya As the Green Stars traditional dance group was dishing out their transcendent performance of the Mbakumba dance, the unmitigated crowd’s cheerful plaudits with the golden dust going straight to the skies marked the permanent return of a lost hope. Since time immemorial in Zimbabwe, different occasions called for different dances, which vary…
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MSF: Lawmakers must reauthorise PEPFAR for the next five years
OWN CORRESPONDENT NEW YORK, SEPTEMBER 29, 2023—Allowing the United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) to expire tomorrow instead of reauthorizing it for the next five years would have catastrophic global health consequences, said the international medical humanitarian organization Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF). Since its inception 20 years ago, PEPFAR has…
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Africa, global south should act now on disaster risks reduction
Dr. Tendai Mhizha, the Secretary-General of the Health Harm Reduction Conference has urged the Global South, with a particular focus on the African continent, to take appropriate action to address challenges hindering sustainable development. She made the remarks during the second edition of the African and first edition of the South-South Health Harm Reduction Conference…
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Government urged to open industries to curb drug abuse
Writes Clayton Masekesa The government of Zimbabwe has been urged to open industries and create employment opportunities for youths to curb the incessant drug abuse and other vices. This came out during a Mutare Peoples’ Assembly held in Mutare on Friday, initiated by Fight Inequality Alliance Zimbabwe (FIAZ), which is an initiative that is aimed…
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Men can also be infertile
Writes Munyaradzi Doma When infertility is mentioned in any context, the first thing that usually comes to mind is that the woman is at fault. And in some cases and sadly so, it is the women too who are quick to point fingers at their peers. While society is quick to point to women as…
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Health harm reduction necessary for sustainable development: Africa CDC
Dr Ahmed E. Ogwell Ouma, the Deputy Director-General of the Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has said health harm reduction is the most viable option for attaining sustainable development on the continent. He made the remarks yesterday at the second edition of the African and first edition of the South-South Health…
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Disaster preparedness key in addressing health emergencies
Healthcare systems should prepare proactively in cases of natural disasters, Dr. Katlego Mothudi, the Managing Director at the Board of Healthcare Funders of Southern Africa (BHF) has said. He made the remarks today during the second edition of the African Conference on Risk Reduction that is taking place from September 27 to 29, 2023, in…
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Morocco health harm reduction conference tackles risks related to natural disasters
The second edition of the African Conference on Risk Reduction is taking place from September 27 to 29, 2023, in Marrakech, under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI. This internationally significant event is jointly organized by the Ministry of Health and Social Protection and the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Rural Development, and…
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Ban smoking and vaping in school to protect young people
Own Correspondent Geneva — Yesterday, the World Health Organization released two new publications, “Freedom from tobacco and nicotine: guide for schools,” and “Nicotine- and tobacco-free school toolkit” to help protect children’s health just in time for back-to-school season in many countries. The tobacco industry relentlessly targets young people with tobacco and nicotine products resulting in…
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Gas leak at school investigated by authorities
Writes Elvis Dumba Kadoma – Officials from the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Mines, Defense, Environmental Management Agency, and security authorities as well as civil protection unit which includes police and army have instituted an investigation over a suspected unknown gas leakage or explosion that resulted in a gas poisoning incident at Jameson High School…
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Action needed for UN commitments on TB testing, treatment: MSF
OWN CORRESPONDENT NEW YORK/GENEVA, SEPTEMBER 22, 2023—The international medical humanitarian organization Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) welcomes leaders’ signing of a political declaration today on tuberculosis (TB) during the United Nations High-Level Meeting (HLM) on TB. In this declaration, world leaders committed to ramp up TB testing, treatment, and prevention efforts—for both adults and…
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WHO appoints Chido Mpemba to its Social Connection Commission
Writes Reginald Tapfumanei Chido Mpemba, who currently serves as the youngest diplomat in the African Union Chairperson’s Cabinet, has been appointed as a Commissioner and co-chair of the Social Connection Commission by the World Health Organization (WHO) The Commission will have its Secretariat housed at the WHO headquarters in Geneva Switzerland, running under a three-year…
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Open letter to President Emmerson Mnangagwa
Writes Itai Rusike (Executive Director of Community Working Group on Health) Now that the elections are over, the people of Zimbabwe expect the fulfilment of the election manifesto, in which you promised massive improvement in health infrastructure; more health personnel; accessible and affordable medicines; free medical care for cancer patients; at least one hospital per…
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Shawn Michael Homera urges PWDs to value education
Writes Marlvin Ngiza 25-year-old Shawn Michael Homera, who recently graduated with a Bachelor of Science Honour’s degree in Mathematics at the University of Zimbabwe (UZ) has advised young people with disabilities to set education as their priority saying that life with some academic qualifications offers better opportunities. The graduate revealed that education is a vibrant…
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World Suicide Prevention Day: Creating Hope Through Action
Writes Isabella Dzova, founding director of MH263 Mental Health 263 (MH263) is working to change the conversation from suicide to suicide prevention, promoting actions that can aid healing by offering help, resulting in hope. “Our actions, no matter how big or small, can provide hope to those who are struggling. We can all prevent suicide by…
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Power sharing resolves Zimbabwe’s political logjam
Writes Linda Tsungirirai Masarira (LEAD President) As a political party that was involved in the Zimbabwean 2023 elections, LEAD proposes that since the elections stand disputed the only way forward is an all-inclusive power-sharing arrangement. The LEAD proposed Power-sharing arrangement aims to reduce the risk of continued political polarisation and the possibility of civil conflict…
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EU Election Observation Mission pours cold water on Zimbabwe’s elections
“The legal framework could provide an adequate basis to conduct elections in line with international standards espoused by Zimbabwe, if implemented properly. However, the EU Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) concludes that curtailed rights and lack of level playing field led to an environment that was not always conducive to voters making a free and…
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MSF refuses to sign ViiV’s NDA for access to lifesaving HIV prevention drug
CORRESPONDENT NEW YORK/GENEVA, AUGUST 17, 2023—Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is asking today for the removal of last-minute terms that ViiV Healthcare has added to an agreement to procure the injectable HIV prevention drug long-acting cabotegravir (CAB-LA) for use in MSF projects. These unacceptable conditions include a confidentiality clause akin to a Non-Disclosure Agreement…
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Depression a silent killer
Writes Rumbidzai Mubirira A feeling of sadness and loss of interest in normal activities results in depression. Unnoticed, many people slipped into depression. Due to ignorance and lack of information, depression has been part of us for a long time, with people taking the symptoms as normal, resulting in a number of lives being lost.…
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Anti-drugs drive in Hurungwe
Writes Nhau Mangirazi There is a need for rural communities to help curb drugs and substances abuses among the youth. The call was made last weekend following a two-day anti-drugs campaign that kicked off in Karoi and ended in Nyamakate village, about 55 kilometres outside the town. It was a sports gala organised by the…
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How men suffer in silence in the wake of infertility
Writes Muchaneta Chimuka Infertility is not a choice and it is a hard journey to endure in life but most often, communities take a blind eye to such issues hence blame game becomes the order of the day, especially for women who are expected to be physically pregnant yet at times the ‘problems’ might be…
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International Youth Day: Young people urged to take charge of their health and future
As the world marked International Youth Day on 12 August 2023, the Queen of Peace Institute for Community Mental Health Innovations and Rehabilitation called on young people to take charge of their health and future. The call comes at a time when the world is faced with challenges in addressing the illicit flow of drugs…
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Seminar spotlights post-COVID-19 recovery efforts for Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe Parliament staff
The 21st Zimbabwe-Zambia-Botswana (ZIM-ZAM-BOTS) Senior Parliamentary Staff Seminar put a spotlight on the sterling work undertaken by the various Parliaments during the COVID-19 lockdown period across the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region and worldwide. In his keynote address to the participants, Advocate Jacob Francis N. Mudenda, the Speaker of Parliament of Zimbabwe during that…
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IAS welcomes Jeanne Marrazzo as new Director of NIAID
IAS – the International AIDS Society – welcomes the appointment of Jeanne Marrazzo as Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) at the US National Institutes of Health (NIH). Dr Marrazzo, currently Professor of Medicine and Director of the Division of Infectious Diseases at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, is recognized worldwide for her…
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UNICEF, WHO call for supportive workplaces for breastfeeding female workers
Writes Marlvin Ngiza The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and World Health Organisation (WHO) have challenged governments, civil society organisations, and the private sector across the globe to up the game in ensuring the establishment of a supportive breastfeeding environment for all working mothers in the quest to reach the global target of 70 percent…
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Queen of Peace receives CADAV philanthropic award
The Queen of Peace Institute for Community Mental Health Innovations and Rehabilitation was conferred with the glamorous CADAV National Philanthropic Award for its outstanding achievements in mental health and drug and substance abuse work in the Midlands Province. The awards were held at Jameson Hotel in Harare on the 29th of July 2023. The inaugural…
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Health needs heighten as Sudan conflict displaces millions of people
The conflict in Sudan that has forced 3.4 million people to flee for safety within the country and across its borders is rapidly intensifying health threats, with cases of infectious diseases and other afflictions reported among the displaced population who have sought refuge in hard-to-reach locations, with limited health services. Among those uprooted from their…
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China, Zimbabwe collaborate on schistosomiasis elimination
After more than 70 years of fighting against schistosomiasis, China has eliminated the prevalence of schistosomiasis to the lowest level and has accumulated rich experience in the prevention and control of the disease and will use its experience to contribute to the prevention and control of schistosomiasis in Zimbabwe. This came up yesterday at the…
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WHO calls for swift response against Hepatitis
Writes Marlvin Ngiza World Health Organisation (WHO) has bemoaned poor liver health awareness campaigns, and poor levels of treatment and care for people with hepatitis in the world while calling for urgent action by countries to suppress the silent infection that has been claiming more than a million lives each year globally. This comes as…