Michael Gwarisa |

Government should engage the doctors to avert the looming strike action

September 4, 2019 Michael Gwarisa

THE Community Working Group on Health (CWGH) executive director, Mr Itai Rusike has called on government to consider reengaging doctors who have downed tools to avoid plunging the country’s already ailing health sector into a deeper crisis. Government doctors last week gave notice that they would go on strike following their rejection of a 60% salary increase offer. Mr Rusike said there doctors demands were not ridiculous and government should engage in good faith if the situation is to be averted. The doctors want their salaries to be adjusted to…

There Is No Going Back This Time- Doctors

September 3, 2019 Michael Gwarisa

GOVERNMENT doctors who downed tools today (September 3 2019) citing incapacitation as a result of the prevailing economic woes, have vowed to dig in until their demands are met. By Michael Gwarisa In an interview with HealthTimes, Zimbabwe Hospital Doctors Association (ZHDA) acting president Dr Peter Magombeyi said they will not be forced into submission by any tricks and negotiations need to be impartial and sincere. It’s incapacitation and not a strike and yes the doctors have heeded the call to withhold their services and not to report for work.…

WHO Updates Contraceptive Eligibility For Women At High Risk of HIV

September 3, 2019 Michael Gwarisa

WHO has changed its recommendations for progestogen-only injectables and intrauterine devices (IUDs) for women at high risk of HIV from a Category 2 to a Category 1. Additional clarifications are provided for the IUD recommendation. These recommendations stem from a meeting of the Guideline Development Group at which a wide range of stakeholders were represented including experts in family planning and HIV, representatives from affected populations, clinicians, epidemiologists, researchers, programme managers, policy-makers and guideline methodologists. The Group reviewed evidence on hormonal contraception and HIV acquisition published since the previous review…

The End Fund To Lead NTDs Conversation At WEF 2019

September 2, 2019 Michael Gwarisa

THE END Fund CEO and WEF Africa Co-Chair, Ellen Agler will host a multisectoral discussion themed “Ending Neglected Diseases to Enable Africa’s Prosperity” on how ending neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) can contribute to fulfilling Africa’s growth potential and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By Michael Gwarisa The END Fund is one of the leading global organizations dedicated to ending NTDs on the African continent. Ms. Agler will be joined by Dr. Mwele Malecela, Director of Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases at the WHO, Carl Manlan, Chief Operating Officer of…

Zim Food Peddlers Frying Chicken In Transformer Oil- ZESA

September 2, 2019 Michael Gwarisa

THE Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA) Group Public Relations Manager, Mr Fullard Gwasira has warned citizens against buying food in backyard kitchens amidst indications that the operators of such facilities were using transformer oil to fry food. By Michael Gwarisa Mr Gwasira said the transformer oil looks more or less like cooking oil and it was difficult to tell the difference hence the abuse by food peddlers. He however warned that the oils contain harmful toxins which may lead to cancers and other health complications. Why thieves steal transformer oil:…

An HIV Free Generation Is Still Possible For Zimbabwe- Gvt

September 2, 2019 Michael Gwarisa

ZIMBABWE is still committed to realising an HIV free generation through the scaling of HIV prevention services through all populations, a Ministry of Health and Child (MoHCC) official has said. By Michael Gwarisa Speaking recently, Director in the HIV and Tuberculosis (TB) Unit, Dr Owen Mgurungi said it was critical to have better options in the management and treatment of HIV in children so as to minimise the risk of developing We want to make sure that we build capacity in this country for management of pediatric HIV and specifically…

Nationwide Doctors Strike In Three Days

August 31, 2019August 31, 2019 Michael Gwarisa

GOVERNMENT hospital doctors say they will be withdrawing their services from most public hospitals in the next three days following a stalemate in negotiations between the Health Apex council and government over the salary and cost of living adjustment issue By Michael Gwarisa In a letter, Zimbabwe Hospital Doctors Association (ZHDA) acting president, Dr Peter Magombeyi said attempts to engage government had proved futile despite numerous attempts to engage diplomatically. This letter serves as a notice that starting the 3rd of September this year, doctors from Mpilo, Bulawayo United, Parirenyatwa…

Pediatric HIV Drug Resistance Testing, Zim’s Health Time-bomb

August 31, 2019August 31, 2019 Michael Gwarisa

APPROXIMATELY 1.8 million children under the age of 15 have HIV globally, and almost 90% are living in Sub Saharan Africa (SSA) with 77,000 of those in Zimbabwe. By Michael Gwarisa Efforts are underway in Zimbabwe to initiate as many children as possible who are born HIV positive on Antiretroviral Therapy (ART), and Zimbabwe seem to be winning on that front. However, even with access to ART, rates of treatment success for children and adolescents are lower than adults across Africa. According to Johnson and Johnson, Children are more prone…

Zim Receives 3rd Line ARVs For Children and Adolescents

August 29, 2019August 29, 2019 Michael Gwarisa

JANSSEN Pharmaceutical Companies a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson has donated a sizable quantity of Third-line Antiretroviral (ARV) drugs to Zimbabwe as part of its efforts to address the huge ARV drug resistance burden prevalent in children and young people. By Michael Gwarisa Through a program dubbed the New Horizons Collaborative, an integrated approach to improving pediatric HIV care, a total of 5000 children from the SADC region are set to benefit. Through the program, Janseen provides Darunavir and Etravirine, including child friendly formulations, free of charge to eligible countries…

The Union Commences Targeted TB Screening In Communities

August 28, 2019August 28, 2019 Michael Gwarisa

THE International Union Against Tuberculosis (TB) and Lung Diseases has commenced targeted screening in Seke and Chitungwiza, with the aim of identifying screening treatment and treatment initiatives on the spot. By Michael Gwarisa According to The Union, the program is targeting high HIV and TB risk groups which include People Living with HIV (PLHIV), former and present miners, congregate settings, smokers, people in contact with TB patients, the elderly, malnourished persons, under 5s, health workers, ex prisoners and lost to followup TB patients. The Union has already released screening schedules …