Michael Gwarisa |

Zimbabwe’s Health Communicators Forum Launched

June 12, 2021June 12, 2021 Michael Gwarisa

THE Health Communicators Forum (HCF), a network of health Journalists and health communicators has been launched in Zimbabwe in a move that is set to capacitate journalists through networking with medical and public health experts as well as other regional and international health journalists network. By Michael Gwarisa In an interview with HealthTimes, veteran broadcaster Anna Miti, who is also the Forum’s interim chair said the HCF was already a member of other health journalists networks in the region such as the Health Journalists Network Uganda (HEJNU) and the Media…

Rejecting Johnson & Johnson Vaccine Unscientific

June 11, 2021June 11, 2021 Michael Gwarisa

THE decision by the Zimbabwen government to reject the Johnson & Johnson vaccine on the grounds of safety and storage issues might not be the in the best interests of citizens and lacks the scientific evidence to back the reasons up, a leading local Immunologist has said. By Michael Gwarisa This comes after revelations that the technology that was used to develop the Sputnik V vaccine that was recently donated by Russia to Zimbabwe is the same as the one that was used to develop the Johnson & Johnson Vaccines…

President Mnangagwa Jointly Launches Disability And Labor Migration Policies

June 9, 2021June 9, 2021 Michael Gwarisa

ZIMBABWE’S President, Emmerson Mnangagwa has jointly launched the National Disability Policy as well as the National Labour Migration Policy, in a move that set to bring dignity as well as better livelihoods for persons with disabilities (PWDs) as well as immigrants seeking better life opportunities. By Michael Gwarisa Officially launching the policies, President Mngangagwa said the disability policy should mark an end to discrimination against people with disabilities as well as herald the beginning of a new chapter that is all inclusive and development oriented. These critical policies augment the…

Numbers Not Looking Good, As Third Wave Knocks On Zimbabwe’s Door

June 9, 2021 Michael Gwarisa

ZIMBABWE’S daily COVID-19 infections almost doubled in the past 24 hours from 49 new cases that were recorded on June, 7 2021 to 83 cases on June 8, 2021. By Michael Gwarisa The increase in cases also comes in the wake of a slow vaccination uptake which could pose an even greater threat should the third wave officially set foot in the country. Local Public Health Expert and Epidemiologist, Dr Grant Murewanhema said the upsurge in the daily cases could signal the official arrival of the third wave in the…

UN HIV Declaration Must Throw A Lifeline To People With Advanced HIV Disease

June 8, 2021 Michael Gwarisa

CAN we do what needs to be done to stop people dying from HIV/AIDS? Maybe – but only if we pay more attention to the people who are most at risk of dying. World leaders will discuss the next steps in the fight against the disease at the UN High Level Meeting on HIV/AIDS on the 8-10th of June 2021. By Dr Gilles Van Cutsem and Amanda Banda The political declaration they’re expected to adopt, must contain clear and tangible commitments to tackle HIV related mortality and a specific focus…

#JUSTIN: Age Of Consent Petition Scores Partial Victory

June 7, 2021June 7, 2021 Michael Gwarisa

THE Parliamentary portfolio committee on Health and the Thematic Committee on HIV and AIDS have recommended that the Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC) should amend Section 35 of the current Public Health Act of 2018 which limits the age to accessing Reproductive Health Care Services to 16 years. By Michael Gwarisa This development follows a petition that was delivered to Parliament in 2020 by the Advocacy Core Team (ACT) in September, 2020 where they sought to have age restrictions on consent to accessing reproductive health care services by…

How To Make A Police Report For A Rape Or Sexual Gender Based Violence Offense?

June 5, 2021 Michael Gwarisa

MANY a time, survivors of Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV) or rape find themselves between a rock and hard surface after a rape crime would have been perpetrated against them. Due to information gaps, some rape survivors fail to take the necessary post rape procedures and keep the rape a secret leading to some health complications. By Michael Gwarisa It is imperative to note that in as much as rape or SGBV is a crime, it is first and foremost a health emergency. Thus, survivors are advised to seek…

Vehicle Shortages Hamper Victim Friendly Unit’s Response To GBV In Zim

June 4, 2021 Michael Gwarisa

THE Zimbabwe Republic Police’s (ZRP) Victim Friendly Unit (VFU) is currently experiencing resource constraints chief among them being the lack of vehicles to attend to incidences of rape and Gender Based Violence (GBV) as there are nor specific vehicles dedicated for VFU duties. By Michael Gwarisa The VFU was established in Zimbabwe in the year 1996 to proactively and reactively police crimes of sexual nature committed against women and children in a manner sensitive to the victim. Speaking during a Media Sensitization Workshop on reporting of Sexual and Gender Based…

Media A key Stakeholder In Disseminating Spotlight Initiative Interventions

June 3, 2021June 3, 2021 Michael Gwarisa

THE United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) says it is committed to working with all stakeholders including the media industry in disseminating and communicating interventions under the Spotlight Initiative. By Michael Gwarisa The Spotlight Initiative is a global partnership to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls. It was launched in September 2017 by the United Nations (UN) Secretary-General and the European Union (EU) High Representative and Vice President (HRVP). Speaking on behalf of the UNFPA Country Representative Dr. Esther Muia during a media training on Spotlight Media Guidelines…

Shorten Referral Pathways For SGBV Survivors Says Musasa

June 3, 2021June 3, 2021 Michael Gwarisa

REPORTING Rape or Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV) from a spectator’s eye appears like a walk in the park. However, for survivors, it can be one lengthy and winding process. By Michael Gwarisa For survivors of SGBV failure to report within 72 hours has its own negative health implications such as Early Unintended Pregnancies, Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) or HIV infection. However, many factors could contribute to delays in accessing emergency services for survivors. Religion, culture and society all have a bearing on the outcome of an SGBV case.…