Author: Michael Gwarisa

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

China Discovers New Coronavirus Similar To One That Caused COVID-19 Pandemic

Michael Gwarisa

A new bat coronavirus that has the capacity to spread to humans, similar to the one that caused the COVID-19 pandemic, has been discovered. HKU5-CoV-2 was found by a Chinese research team led by virologist Shi Zhengli, known as “Batwoman” for her work on coronaviruses, especially at the Wuhan Institute, which has been at the center of the theory suggesting COVID-19 came from a lab leak—something Shi has denied. Why It Matters Hundreds of coronaviruses exist but only a few can infect humans, including SARS, SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes…

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The Avenues Clinic Honours Medical Doctors

Michael Gwarisa

By Michael Gwarisa The Avenues Clinic, a subsidiary of Medical Investments Limited, hosted a cocktail dinner last night to appreciate a total of 57 medical doctors from various specialties whose work has distinguished the health facility as a world-class clinic. The event marked the fourth edition of the annual appreciation ceremony, which has grown significantly in size and prestige over the years. This year’s theme was “Getting It Right the First Time.” In her opening remarks, The Avenues Clinic General Manager, Mrs. Sibusisiwe Ndhlovu, highlighted the doctors’ impressive contributions to…

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Zimbabwe Unveils AMR National Action Plan 2.0 as Calls for Domestic Funding Grow

Michael Gwarisa

By Michael Gwarisa Zimbabwe requires approximately US$45 million to effectively implement Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) interventions over the next four years, HealthTimes has learned. This was revealed during the official launch of the National Action Plan for Antimicrobial Resistance in Zimbabwe (NAP 2.0), where the Fleming Fund also announced an additional US$3.5 million in funding to address gaps in surveillance and improve the use of data for policymaking. Officiating at the launch of the Zimbabwe One Health AMR National Action Plan 2.0 (2024-2028) and the Fleming Fund II Grant, Dr. Douglas…

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Zimbabwe To Host Leadership in Health Technology Symposium

Michael Gwarisa

By Staff Reporter  In a significant step towards modernizing the country’s healthcare landscape, Zimbabwe is set to host the Leadership in Health Technology Symposium on March 29 in Harare. The event, supported by the U.S. Embassy in Zimbabwe and local partners, will bring together leading healthcare professionals, researchers, policymakers, and innovators to explore the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Virtual Reality (VR), and Augmented Reality (AR) into Zimbabwe’s healthcare system. The symposium aims to foster knowledge exchange, collaboration, and skill development among medical practitioners and technology experts.…

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New Study Finds High Prevalence of Neonatal Jaundice in Zimbabwe

Michael Gwarisa

By Michael Gwarisa A new study has revealed a high prevalence of neonatal jaundice in Zimbabwe, with nearly 46 percent of newborns at Westend Hospital in Harare diagnosed with the condition in 2021. The study, published in Social Medicine, highlights low birth weight, prematurity, blood group incompatibility, and maternal diabetes as the leading risk factors. Neonatal jaundice, characterized by yellowing of the skin and eyes due to high bilirubin levels, is a major cause of newborn hospital admissions globally. If left untreated, it can lead to severe complications, including brain…

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South Africa, Zimbabwe and Congo among countries already witnessing disruptions in HIV care, says MSF

Michael Gwarisa

By Staff Reporter  The decision by the US government to temporarily freeze funding to the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) alongside all other foreign aid for at least 90 days has had immediate effects on people living with HIV (PLHIV), said Doctors Without Borders (MSF) grams can continue at least until April, we are concerned that critical elements of the PEPFAR program remain frozen. More than three weeks since the US government froze PEPFAR funding, there is still widespread confusion and uncertainty as to whether this critical lifeline…

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Zimbabwe to Begin Drug Testing for Public Transport and Mshikashika Drivers

Michael Gwarisa

By Michael Gwarisa Zimbabwe has received drug testing equipment worth US$60,000 from the Abused Substances and Diagnostics Management (ASDM) project in an effort to curb drug- and alcohol-induced road traffic accidents. The equipment will be deployed nationwide to screen public transport drivers for intoxication. Zimbabwe has one of the highest road traffic accident rates in Sub-Saharan Africa. Data from the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe shows that between January and May 2024, the country recorded 21,183 crashes and 860 fatalities—an average of 141 accidents and nearly six deaths per day.…

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High Rates of Depression Among GBV Survivors in Zimbabwe Raise Concern

Michael Gwarisa

By Michael Gwarisa The prevalence of mental health disorders, particularly depression, among women who experience Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Zimbabwe is estimated to be around 77%. According to the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) 2019, nearly 40% of women and girls in Zimbabwe experience physical violence in their lifetime, while 12% of women aged 15-49 have suffered sexual violence. Speaking at a recent Data to Policy meeting in Harare, Mildred Mapani, an economist in the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, and Small and Medium Enterprise Development, emphasized the need to…

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Zimbabwe Faces Rising Breast Cancer Burden-WHO Report

Michael Gwarisa

By Michael Gwarisa  Breast cancer remains a significant public health challenge across Africa, with Zimbabwe ranking among the countries with notable incidence rates. According to the latest data from a World Health Organization (WHO) Assessment of breast cancer control capacities in the WHO African Region in 2022, Zimbabwe has an age-standardized breast cancer incidence rate of 35.34 per 100,000 population, placing it among the top 15 countries in the WHO African Region with the highest burden of the disease. The WHO report highlights stark variations in breast cancer incidence across…

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MCAZ Partners with African Regulators in Historic Agreement with Africa CDC

Michael Gwarisa

By Staff Reporter  The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and African Union Development Agency – New Partnership for Africa’s Development (AUDA-NEPAD) are proud to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) among Africa’s WHO Maturity Level 3 National Regulatory Authorities (NRAs). These agencies have established robust systems to ensure the safety, efficacy and quality of medical products in line with international regulatory standards. The agreement marks a significant milestone in strengthening regulatory systems across the continent by fostering collaboration and reliance on regulatory decisions…

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