Day: August 6, 2025

Gates Foundation Pledges US$2.5 Billion to Women’s Health Research by 2030

Michael Gwarisa

By Staff Reporter The Gates Foundation has announced a record US$2.5 billion commitment through 2030 to fund research and development (R&D) in women’s health, one of the largest single investments in the sector. The initiative aims to fast-track over 40 innovations in five critically underfunded areas, focusing especially on women in low- and middle-income countries. Join our WhatsApp Channel  For too long, women have suffered from health conditions that are misunderstood, misdiagnosed, or ignored,” said Dr. Anita Zaidi, president of the foundation’s Gender Equality Division. “We want this investment to spark…

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Zimbabwe Launches Unitaid-Funded Project to Tackle Drug-Resistant TB Through Community Power

Michael Gwarisa

By Michael Gwarisa  Zimbabwe has taken a bold step in the fight against drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) with the launch of the Unitaid-funded COMBAT DRTB project, an ambitious initiative set to place communities at the center of TB care and drive transformative change in how the disease is managed across the country. The project, officially titled Community-Driven Approaches for Transformative Change to Combat Drug-Resistant TB (COMBAT DRTB), was unveiled today at an inception meeting held in Harare, bringing together stakeholders from government, civil society, academia, and development partners. The launch marks…

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China Deploys Drones and Mosquito Nets Amid Chikungunya Outbreak

Michael Gwarisa

By Michael Gwarisa China has launched an aggressive response to a Chikungunya virus outbreak that has infected over 7,000 people, mainly in Foshan, Guangdong Province. The mosquito-borne virus, which causes fever and severe joint pain, has led to hospitalizations lasting up to a week. In a COVID-style response, authorities have deployed drones to locate mosquito breeding sites and workers are disinfecting streets and buildings. Citizens have been advised to use mosquito nets and insect repellents, particularly the elderly, young children, and those with pre-existing health conditions. While the situation remains…

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Zim Screens 22 271 Women for Cervical Cancer Under NDS1

Kuda Pembere

By Kuda Pembere With the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) nearing its end this year, 22,271 women were screened for cervical cancer under its health pillar. This was revealed by Information, Media and Broadcasting Services Minister Honourable Jenfan Muswere during a post-Cabinet media briefing on Tuesday. Cervical cancer remains a major public health challenge in Zimbabwe, ranking as the fourth most common cancer both globally and regionally. Each year, around 3,043 women in the country are diagnosed with the disease, and approximately 1,976 die from it. Zimbabwe is among the…

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WHO Warns Against Using Antibiotics to Treat COVID-19 or Flu

Michael Gwarisa

By Michael Gwarisa  The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued updated guidelines strongly advising against the use of antibiotics to treat COVID-19 or influenza, emphasizing that these medications are ineffective against viral infections and contribute to the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The guidelines, outlined in a recent WHO evidence brief, stress that antibiotics should only be prescribed for bacterial infections, not viral illnesses like COVID-19 or the flu. Misuse of antibiotics during the pandemic has exacerbated AMR, a global health crisis that could render common infections untreatable in…

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