Day: December 17, 2025

Nyamapanda’s Hidden Corridor: Smuggled Medicines, Bribes and National Losses

Kuda Pembere

By Kuda Pembere In the border town of Nyamapanda, about 240 kilometres north-east of Harare, a narrow footpath winds quietly into Cuchamano, on the Mozambican side of the  border. The track begins just after Nyamapanda Clinic and winds toward an unofficial crossing used by those avoiding the main border post. Motorcycles and bicycles are a common sight as we approach the point, roughly 1.5 kilometres from the clinic. It is along this thin strip of land, reachable only by motorcycle, bicycle or on foot, that an unsanctioned network of runners,…

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Africa Cannot Afford Another Year of Delay: The Case for Embracing Safer Nicotine Alternatives

Healthtimes

By Joseph Magero, Campaign for Safer Alternatives (CASA) As another year ends, it’s important to reflect on Africa’s position in the global fight against smoking-related diseases. Unfortunately, the familiar pattern continues: while the rest of the world adopts modern harm reduction strategies, Africa remains significantly behind, stuck in outdated methods that don’t address current public health needs. Across Europe, North America, and parts of Asia, safer nicotine alternatives such as nicotine pouches, e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products, and snus have been widely available for years. Their effectiveness in helping smokers reduce…

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Nairobi County Introduces Menstrual Health Days for Women Employees

Michael Gwarisa

By Staff Reporter  Nairobi City County has approved a new workplace policy granting women employees two menstrual health days per month, a move aimed at improving employee wellbeing, productivity and gender equality within the public service. The policy, endorsed by the County Executive Committee, formally recognises the impact of menstrual health challenges, particularly dysmenorrhea, on women’s ability to work effectively. Evidence cited by the county indicates that between 65 and 80 percent of women experience menstrual pain, with many reporting symptoms severe enough to disrupt daily activities and affect job…

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National AIDS Council, City Fathers Hold Indaba to Tackle Emerging Vices Driving HIV Risk

Michael Gwarisa

By Michael Gwarisa in Mazowe The National AIDS Council convened a one day sensitisation indaba with councillors from the City of Harare in Mazowe, Mashonaland Central, as part of efforts to strengthen the HIV and AIDS response amid emerging social and health challenges. The meeting brought together city fathers, government officials and health stakeholders to deliberate on issues increasingly complicating the HIV response, including non communicable diseases, drug and substance abuse, and rising new infections among young people and key populations. Officiating at the indaba, the Minister of State for…

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