Author: Michael Gwarisa

Editor for HealthTimes, Zimbabwe's leading online health news publication

UN Worried Over Increased New HIV Infections In Girls

Michael Gwarisa

OUTGOING United Nations (UN) resident coordinator, Mr Bishow Parajuli has expressed concern over increased cases of new HIV infections in girls and youths in Zimbabwe at a time when the country was witnessing a reduction in infections amongst other groups. By Michael Gwarisa According to the UNAIDS: HIV and Women report released early this year, Zimbabwe has 780 000 young girls infected with HIV. Briefing a Media Breakfast Meeting on Wednesday, Mr Parajuli said there was need for mobilisation of resources towards improving treatment and access to HIV prevention for…

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Old Mutual Launches Emergency Rescue Package

Michael Gwarisa

OLD Mutual Zimbabwe has partnered Ace Air & Ambulance in launching an Emergency Rescue package which will offer emergency air & road medical rescue package to Old Mutual existing and new customers with effect from 1 Sept 2019. By Michael Gwarisa The Old Mutual Emergency Rescue Package comes with affordable rates & offers provision of a 24 hr emergency medical rescue; road & air ambulance, supported by helicopter services; provision of a medical doctor on board who attends to patients during transportation. James Halstead the Managing Director for Ace Air…

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PEPFAR To Invest $2 Billion For Women and Girls Empowerment

Michael Gwarisa

THE United States Government (USG) announced that it will invest nearly $2 billion this year to advance gender equality by supporting millions of women and girls through the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). “Through PEPFAR, the U.S. government is deeply committed to gender equality,” said Ambassador Deborah L. Birx, M.D., U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator and Special Representative for Global Health Diplomacy. “We are putting resources and actions behind our words by investing nearly $2 billion this year to save and improve the lives of millions of women…

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When Votes Matter More Than Preventing SGBV

Michael Gwarisa

ZIMBABWE is grappling with a huge burden of early marriages, rape, Sexual and Gender Based Violence (GBV) against women and young girls. By Michael Gwarisa Government  through support from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and other donor and civil society groups have been running various programs at community level in a bid to end early marriages. According to the UNICEF 2017 statistics, 32% of girls in Zimbabwe are married before the age of 18 and 4% are married before their 15th birthday. The lowest median ages of marriage are…

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We Can’t Continue Subsidising Gvt Says Doctors

Michael Gwarisa

DOCTORS from across all government hospitals in the country have declared incapacitation in the wake of a 60% cost of living adjustment which was tabled by government last week which they say is insufficient. By Michael Gwarisa In a letter directed to the Health Services Board (HSB), Zimbabwe Hospital Doctors Association (ZHDA) acting president Dr Peter Magombeyi said the situation has reached another level and it can’t be business as usual. Reference is made to your response dated 19 August 2019, addressed to our Secretary General. The ZHDA National Executive…

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Health Workers Reject Salary Increase

Michael Gwarisa

THE Zimbabwe Health Apex Council has rejected the 60% cost of living adjustment which has been tabled by the Health Services Bipartite Negotiating panel. By Michael Gwarisa In a circular, the Health Apex council said  in as much as they appreciate government’s decision to adjust their salaries by 60% from the previous 10%, it still falls short from addressing the myriad of challenges bedeviling health professionals on a daily basis. Health Services negotiating panel Government has put on the table a  cost of living adjustment of 60% from the previous…

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CSOs Raise Awareness On HIV & Disabilities At Agric Show

Michael Gwarisa

A consortium of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) representing people living with disabilities is riding on the 109th edition of the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show (ZAS) to raise awareness on sexual reproductive health (SRH) issues affecting people with disabilities (PWDs) in Zimbabwe. By Michael Gwarisa The consortium which consists of Deaf Zimbabwe Trust (DZT), Mashambanzou Care Trust (MCT), Disability, HIV & AIDS Trust (DHAT) with support from the Zimbabwe Aids Network (ZAN) has this week been conducting stand to stand visits on various exhibitions stands educating exhibitors on SRH concerns faced by…

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#BREAKING: PSMAS Increases Tariffs By 80%

Michael Gwarisa

GOVERNMENT has approved Premier Medical Aid Society’s (PSMAS) request to review its tariffs upwards. By Michael Gwarisa Health Services Board (HSB) Executive Director, Ms Ruth Kaseke said they have given PSMAS the green light to review tariffs  in line with the prevailing economic challenges which is characterised by hyperinflation and massive foreign currency shortages. Please be advised that treasury has approved the review of monthly subscriptions in line with the prevailing economic environment. “Accordingly, subscriptions for members have been reviewed by 80% with effect from August 1, 2019 in line…

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Switzerland Boost Funding For AIDS, TB and Malaria

Michael Gwarisa

THE Swiss government is stepping up support for the fight against infectious diseases by contributing nearly CHF100 million ($102 million) to UN health agencies. By Michael Gwarisa The Federal Council on 21 August 2019 approved a contribution of CHF64 million for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (Global Fund) for the 2020–22 period and a further CHF30 million for the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) for the 2019–21 period. Speaking to HealthTimes, The Swiss Embassy in Zimbabwe said the Global Fund was one of Switzerland’s…

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Plan International Releases Guide On Embracing Positive Masculinity In Boys

Michael Gwarisa

LEADING girls’ rights agency Plan International Australia has today launched a guide for parents to help boys embrace healthy, positive masculinity. The guide contains nine evidence-based tips, informed by global experts at Plan International, together with Promundo, a global leader in engaging men and boys in promoting gender equality and preventing violence, and Jesuit Social Services, a social change organisation. The guide offers parents simple, practical tips to talk to their sons about healthy masculinity, and encourage positive beliefs and behaviours from an early age, including: how parents can use…

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