Michael Gwarisa |

Cash Transfers Bring Hope to Drought Stricken Binga

May 28, 2019May 28, 2019 Michael Gwarisa

VILLAGERS in Binga, Matebelend north province have been thrown a lifeline following the introduction of a cash transfer initiative which seeks to address the prevailing food insecurity situation dogging the district. By Michael Gwarisa in Binga The cash transfer initiative is being funded by Save the Children through funds from different member organisations of the Save the children and support from the Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC). Briefing Journalists during a nutrition field visit in Binga district, Save the Children nutrition manager, Mthulisi Dube said Binga needed urgent…

Cultural Beliefs Hamper Uptake of Alternative Menstrual Health Products

May 28, 2019May 28, 2019 Michael Gwarisa

LACK of information, coupled with strong cultural beliefs around virginity and womanhood have slowed down uptake of alternative menstrual health products in marginalised communities. By Michael Gwarisa Most young girls and women in rural and other marginalised communities in Zimbabwe lack access to affordable and safe sanitary care products. Over the years, various companies in Zimbabwe have come up with innovative means of managing menstrual health in the form of menstrual cups, menstrual pants and reusable sanitary pads. In an interview with HealthTimes, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA )…

Name and Shame Sexual Predators In Tertiary Institutions Says UN

May 24, 2019May 24, 2019 Michael Gwarisa

UNITED Nations (UN) resident coordinator in Zimbabwe, Mr Bishow Parajuli has called on tertiary institutions authorities, victims and survivors of sexual violence in institutions of higher learning to come forward and expose the perpetrators of sexual abuse. By Michael Gwarisa Mr Parajuli told an open discussion on sexual violence in tertiary institutions dubbed “Stepping up partnerships to end sexual exploitation in varsities” that the only way universities and colleges could rid themselves of the growing menace of sexual violence is by not protecting them even at law. “I am alarmed…

All Set For 20th Annual Board of Healthcare Funders conference

May 23, 2019 Michael Gwarisa

PREPARATIONS to the 20th annual Board of Healthcare Funders (BHF) of southern Africa conference to be held in Capetown, South Africa form July 21 to 24, 2019 are in place amidst indications that the gathering will attract participation from most African countries. By Michael Gwarisa The conference is set to explore a future-focused approach to healthcare. The theme of the conference, Convergence 2030 – Healthcare reimagined, will reflect on the past 20 years and define the desirable future for healthcare systems for the year 2030 and the role of convergence…

First Lady Applauds UNFPA Investment Towards Obstetric Fistula

May 23, 2019 Michael Gwarisa

FIRST Lady of Zimbabwe, Amai Auxilia Mnangagwa has commended the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) for extending financial and technical support towards managing obstetric fistula around the country. By Michael Gwarisa In her statement in recognition of the day to end obstetric fistula, Amai Mnangagwa said the condition has a devastating effect on the dignity and life of most women. Obstetric fistula (OF) is a devastating injury which occurs to women at child birth. It is an abnormal connection between the vagina, rectum and/or bladder which may develop after prolonged…

Dam Water Levels Seriously Decline

May 23, 2019 Michael Gwarisa

THE Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA) has warned of continued depleting dam water levels around the country, a situation which could trigger a water and sanitation crisis. By Michael Gwarisa Through their microblogging site, ZINWA said most rivers have since stopped flowing, resulting in water levels drastically falling over the past few months. Our dams continue on a downward trajectory as most rivers have stopped flowing while the intensification of winter cropping has increased outflows. The national dam level average is now 66,8%. “During the same week last year, the…

Zim on Track To Attaining UHC…Minister Tells Geneva Conference

May 22, 2019May 22, 2019 Michael Gwarisa

HEALTH and Child Care minister, Dr Obadiah Moyo says in as much as the health sector is going through a rough patch, access to healthcare services for the majority of citizens has improved over the past few years. By Michael Gwarisa Briefing the 72nd Session Of The World Health Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland, minister Moyo said inequities and inequalities in access to health services continue to grow within and between countries because of lack of political will and less because of resources. We are also pleased to announce that Zimbabwe…

OVC Program: Hope for HIV positive mothers

May 21, 2019 Michael Gwarisa

IT is a beautiful Tuesday morning and Sarudzai (36) wakes up very early at the break of dawn to do her household chores and prepare her eldest 12-year-old child for school. Limping, she does her chores methodically and thoroughly. Health Correspondent Sarudzai is living with a disability, her left leg is deformed since birth but she has mastered the art of doing everything on her own and fend for her family. The married mother of three from Mutimuri Village in Chegutu District is living with HIV but she has since…

Government to avail 1600 health posts

May 21, 2019 Michael Gwarisa

THE Ministry of Health and Child Care plans to open 1600 health posts across the country. These vacancies have arisen as a result of the Primary Health Care initiative which is the foundation of Universal Health Coverage. “This is a new concept in line with Primary Health Care where services are brought closer to the people,” said Mr Stephen Banda, Director Policy and Planning. The concept was approved by cabinet last year and the ministry is working on establishing community health facilities across the country. “Cabinet approved this concept last…

PSMAS Subsidizes Medication Costs For Members

May 16, 2019 Michael Gwarisa

PSMAS members with chronic ailments will with immediate effect pay not more than 10% of the total cost of prescribed medication following a temporary arrangement made by the society to cushion them against high shortfalls. By Michael Gwarisa Chronic diseases include arthritis, asthma, cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes and some viral diseases such as hepatitis C and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Speaking to HealthTimes, PSMAS public relations manager Mr Arthur Choga said the new arrangement would go a long way in guarding members from the astronomical costs of drugs and…