Day: October 28, 2025

DNA reveals the real killers that brought down Napoleon’s army

Healthtimes

By Linda Gedde Napoleon’s march on Moscow remains one of history’s most catastrophic military retreats. As his army withdrew, tens of thousands perished. But what killed them? There was hunger and cold, but also a mysterious illness that was long thought to be typhus. Now, more than two centuries later, DNA from the soldiers’ teeth is rewriting that history, suggesting the answer instead could be bacteria that cause enteric and relapsing fevers. “It’s very exciting to use a technology we have today, to detect and diagnose something that was buried for…

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Zambia launches malaria vaccine to protect over half a million children

Michael Gwarisa

Lusaka – The Government of the Republic of Zambia, through the Ministry of Health, today officially launched the malaria vaccine (R21/Matrix-M) as part of its Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI), marking a historic milestone in the country’s fight against malaria. Over 500 000 children aged 6‒8 months will be vaccinated in the months following the launch. Malaria remains one of Zambia’s leading causes of illness and death, particularly among children under five years of age. In 2023 alone, malaria incidence among this age group rose to 523 cases per 1000 population, according to the…

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Old Mutual Refurbishes Doctors’ Call Rooms at Sally Mugabe Pediatric Hospital

Kuda Pembere

By Kuda Pembere Zimbabwe’s leading financial services provider, Old Mutual, has handed over refurbished call rooms for medical doctors at Sally Mugabe Pediatric Hospital. The call rooms provide a resting area for resident doctors on call, helping to reduce burnout and fatigue while promoting mental well-being. “Too often, when we think about hospitals, our focus is rightly on the patients, their care, comfort, and recovery. But sometimes, in that noble focus, we overlook the needs of those who make that healing possible, our doctors and healthcare teams who work tirelessly,…

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Two Children Die, 14 Others Critically Ill After Suspected Food Poisoning in Mashava

Michael Gwarisa

By Michael Gwarisa Two children have died while 14 others, including seven adults and four children, are battling for their lives following a suspected case of food poisoning in Mashava, Masvingo Province. According to a statement released by the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), the victims reportedly fell ill after eating food and drinking mahewu during a traditional beer ceremony held on October 27, 2025. The deceased minors were aged three and seven. The Zimbabwe Republic Police is investigating a sad incident where two children died while 14 others, who include…

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The Slap That Sparked Malaria Awareness Among Makonde Artisanal Miners

Kuda Pembere

By Kuda Pembere in Makonde By the banks of the Angwa River in Makonde District, James, an artisanal miner, vividly recalls the night his friend slapped him across the face. That slap, meant to kill a mosquito, set off a chain of events that ended up saving his life. In May 2025, James and his friend Jeremiah were digging for gold at night. Unaware of how malaria spreads, James thought the sting was nothing serious. The slap was hard. I just thought so were his palms. He showed me the…

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MCAZ Inches Closer to WHO Maturity Level 4 Recognition

Kuda Pembere

By Kuda Pembere The Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) is on the cusp of attaining Maturity Level 4 under the World Health Organization’s Global Benchmarking Tool (GBT), with only a few final steps remaining. This was revealed by MCAZ Director General Mr. Richard Rukwata during the Authority’s 7th Annual General Meeting held in Harare on Friday. Among the accolades MCAZ has earned, Rukwata highlighted the GBT as a significant milestone. He described it as the first intercontinental benchmark that allows every agency to be measured by the same standard.…

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