Day: December 12, 2025

Zimbabwe Moves to Institutionalise Public Health Intelligence with PHIZ Steering Committee

Kuda Pembere

By Kuda Pembere Government has set up a steering committee for the Public Health Institute of Zimbabwe (PHIZ), with Dr. Raiva Simbi appointed as the coordinator. Other members include Dr. Wenselous Nyamayaro, Dr. Pious Makaya, Dr. Agnes Mahomva, Brigadier General Dr. Godfrey Mutetse, Dr. Prosper Chonzi, Justice Ministry Permanent Secretary Mrs. Nyemba (represented by Salome Chihuri), Clotilda Chimbwanda, Dr. Christopher Pasi, Dr. Richard Makurumidze and Dr. Nyasha Masuka. Non-voting members include Dr. Rooney, Mrs. R. Matewe and Dr. Safi. Officiating at the launch of the steering committee, Health and Child…

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Pan African Woman of Impact Award bestowed on Prof Smelly Dube

Healthtimes

By Staff Reporter  Trailblazing Gweru businesswoman, philanthropist and Rivervalley Group of Companies Chief Executive Officer,Amb Proffessor Smelly Dube has scooped the prestigious Pan African Woman of Impact Champion of Change Legacy Award. The honour was bestowed on her by the West African Leadership and Empowerment Centre at a glamorous awards ceremony held recently in Abuja, Nigeria. Dr. Olawale Owoyomi, the Executive Director of the prestigious West African organisation said the award is in recognition of Prof Smelly Dube’s sterling efforts in shaping the development trajectory in Africa. Prof Dube became…

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Breaking: Harare Records 161 Percent Spike in Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease Cases

Kuda Pembere

By Kuda Pembere The City of Harare has reported a sharp rise in Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) cases in children, with infections now reaching a cumulative 1 500 cases since the first case was recorded. As of November 20, the city had reported 575 cases, meaning current infections represent a 161 percent increase. “Yes, we are experiencing an outbreak of hand, foot and mouth disease in the city of Harare. We have now received in excess of 1,500 cases of hand, foot and mouth from all over the…

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Manatsa Gaka Appointed CIMAS Chief Marketing Officer

Michael Gwarisa

By Staff Reporter  Cimas Health Group has appointed Manatsa Gaka as its substantive Chief Marketing Officer in a move aimed at taking the brand to new heights. Manatsa, a Chartered Marketer (CIM UK, MCIM), brings over 15 years of leadership experience spanning financial services, FMCG, and the development sector. Through its official media platforms, Cimas highlighted that Manatsa is a growth strategist at the intersection of brand, customer experience, and digital innovation, with a career built on transforming marketing into a value-creating, purpose-driven discipline. His professional journey includes impactful roles…

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Zimbabwe’s Rusike Appointed Global UHC Champion

Michael Gwarisa

By Michael Gwarisa Zimbabwean public health expert and Executive Director of the Community Working Group on Health (CWGH), Itai Rusike, has been selected as one of only ten Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Champions globally. Rusike brings to this distinguished cohort decades of experience in public health advocacy, policy development, and the design of people-centred health systems. His work spans grassroots community engagement, national health strategy formulation, and regional collaboration, reflecting a deep commitment to strengthening health systems across Africa. Reacting to his induction, Rusike said: “For more than twenty years,…

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Crucial Week: Committee to Rule on Whether Mpox Remains a Public Health Emergency

Michael Gwarisa

By Michael Gwarisa Sixteen months after the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) declared Mpox a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security (PHECS), the Emergency Consultative Group (ECG) is set to meet this week to decide whether the outbreak should be lifted as a PHECS or maintained. This follows months of surveillance and monitoring, with data suggesting the outbreak is steadily declining as countries intensify case detection, treatment services and community outreach in affected hotspots. According to Africa CDC, confirmed cases fell from a peak six-week average…

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