Author: Michael Gwarisa

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

WHO on alert over new COVID variant

Michael Gwarisa

The World Health Organization recommends that countries remain vigilant and monitor the evolution of variants, particularly to avoid overwhelming healthcare systems, and advises maintaining active vaccination. This new variant has already led to a rise in cases in Europe and the United States. According to Julio Lopez, a virology expert, “the data available so far suggests that NB.1.8.1 may spread more easily and partially evade the immunity resulting from previous infections or vaccination.” The main symptoms are fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, congestion or runny nose,…

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Zimbabwe Makes Gains in Reducing Maternal Mortality, but Challenges Persist

Michael Gwarisa

By Michael Gwarisa  Zimbabwe has recorded a significant drop in maternal deaths, according to new data from the 2023–24 Zimbabwe Demographic and Health Survey (ZDHS), offering a rare moment of optimism for a country grappling with chronic healthcare challenges. The survey, released on June 2 at Rainbow Towers Hotel in Harare, shows that the maternal mortality ratio has declined from 462 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2015 to 363 in 2024—a reduction of nearly 21 percent. Government officials, development partners, and public health experts welcomed the findings as evidence…

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Pain Matters: Haleon Kenya launches Pain Management Institute

Michael Gwarisa

By Staff Reporter  Haleon, a global leader in consumer health, is proud to announce the launch of its transformative Pain Management Institute (HPMI) in Kenya. The Institute delves deeper into the management of pain and includes key experts bringing a multidisciplinary approach to understanding and addressing the determinants of, and solutions to, pain. What our research is showing is that pain is rarely just physiological. Those living with pain often feel isolated, misunderstood, and worse, unheard. With a third of the world’s population in pain every day, we must devise…

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Africa Faces 95% Mpox Vaccine Gap Amid Delayed Global Support

Michael Gwarisa

By Michael Gwarisa Africa is facing a critical shortfall in Mpox vaccine supply, with only 219,000 doses available out of the 6.4 million needed by August 2025 — a gap of more than 95%, according to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC). Despite the World Health Organization (WHO) declaring Mpox a Public Health Emergency of International Concern in 2022, vaccine access across the continent remains alarmingly low, raising concerns of a repeat of the COVID-19 vaccine inequity crisis. Dr. Ngashi Ngongo, Chief Advisor to the Africa…

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16 percent Childhood Asthma Prevalence in Harare: ACACIA Study

Michael Gwarisa

By Kudakwashe Pembere With childhood asthma becoming increasingly prevalent in Africa’s major cities, a new study has found that Harare has a childhood asthma prevalence rate of 16%, the Achieving Control of Asthma in Children in Africa (ACACIA) study findings stated. The study was an observational study aimed at gathering evidence on paediatric asthma in urban areas of Ghana, Malawi, Nigeria, South Africa, Uganda, and Zimbabwe. These findings help close a significant research gap on childhood asthma in Africa. The study commenced in 2019 and concluded in 2021. Speaking during the…

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Nestlé Injects US$7 Million into Zimbabwe Cereal Production

Michael Gwarisa

By Staff Reporter  Nestlé has today announced a US$7 million investment to boost its cereal manufacturing capacity in Harare, reinforcing Zimbabwe’s position as a key regional hub for breakfast cereal production across Eastern and Southern Africa. The strategic upgrade, which includes the installation of a fourth roller dryer for Nestlé CEREVITA, is set to increase the factory’s output by over 35%, facilitating greater supply to both domestic and export markets, including Zambia, Malawi, and Mozambique. According to Nicole Roos, Managing Director and Chairperson of Nestlé East and Southern Africa Region,…

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Zimbabwe to Host Groundbreaking AI and Health Workshop Next Week at University of Zimbabwe

Michael Gwarisa

By Staff Reporter  Zimbabwe is set to host a high-profile three-day workshop next week focused on the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and health, with the aim of building local capacity and sparking innovation to address pressing healthcare challenges. Running from Tuesday, 3 June to Thursday, 5 June 2025, the “Artificial Intelligence for Health in Zimbabwe: Building Capacity, Inspiring Innovation” event will take place at the University of Zimbabwe’s Centre for Postgraduate Studies at the Innovation Hub. The workshop will bring together leading experts in health, AI, and data science…

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Health Assistance Project Improves Maternal Health Outcomes in Cyclone-Idai-Affected Areas

Michael Gwarisa

By Kuda Pembere Amidst the devastating impact of Cyclone Idai in Manicaland Province, which damaged clinics, hospitals, and road infrastructure, the Health Assistance Project, funded by the Chinese Government and implemented by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Zimbabwe, contributed to over 63,300 safe deliveries. The project began in 2020 and concluded last year. Of the 63,327 deliveries, 8,357 were successful Caesarean sections. Speaking at the signing ceremony for the completion certificate of the Health Assistance Project for women and girls affected by Cyclone Idai, Health and Child Care Deputy…

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Obstetric Fistula: The Silent Struggle of Zimbabwean Women

Michael Gwarisa
https://staging11.atomistic.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Sandra-Mugowo.jpg

By Alfa Bothwell Gwatidzo In my community, when a baby is born, we say “makorokoto, mapona”—“congratulations, you survived.” These words, while celebratory, echo a painful reality for many women in Zimbabwe. Childbirth remains perilous, especially in underserved communities where access to timely medical care is often a luxury. Among the most devastating consequences is obstetric fistula—a preventable and treatable condition that continues to trap women in cycles of pain, isolation, and stigma. Obstetric fistula occurs when prolonged, obstructed labour creates a hole between the birth canal and the bladder or…

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New Form of Diabetes Recognised as Type 5 by Global Health Experts

Michael Gwarisa

The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) has officially designated malnutrition-related diabetes as “type 5 diabetes”, marking a significant step in addressing a long-overlooked health condition. The decision was made on 8 April 2025 during the IDF’s World Diabetes Congress in Bangkok, Thailand. This recognition aims to raise awareness of a disease that disproportionately affects young people in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). First described in Jamaica in 1955, malnutrition-related diabetes is distinct from both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. It primarily affects young men with a body mass index (BMI) below…

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