Michael Gwarisa |

The National Security Risk of Relying on Foreign Funding for HIV Programs

February 3, 2025February 3, 2025 Michael Gwarisa

By Michael Gwarisa The global landscape of humanitarian aid has been increasingly uncertain, particularly in the wake of political changes in key donor countries. A recent example is the shift in U.S. foreign aid policy under President Donald Trump, who signed multiple executive orders that limited funding to international health programs, including HIV/AIDS. These moves have left many countries, especially those in sub-Saharan Africa, scrambling to find alternatives to ensure the continuation of vital healthcare services. Zimbabwe, like many of its neighbors, has found itself in a precarious position, dependent…

All Set For 2025 Health Tech Connect Conference

February 3, 2025 Michael Gwarisa

By Staff Reporter The 2025 Health Tech Connect Conference, scheduled for February 27-28, is set to attract stakeholders from across the medical and technology industries. Hosted by the Entrepreneurs Network of Zimbabwe (ENZ), the event comes at a time when Zimbabwe is accelerating its adoption of digital health services, including e-learning, telemedicine, and the electronic health records system, Impilo. ENZ CEO Gillian Rusike emphasized the importance of the conference, stating, “We are at a turning point where technology is no longer an option but a necessity in the medical field.…

Zimbabwe Launches Health Insurance Proficiency Program to Elevate Industry Standards

February 3, 2025 Michael Gwarisa

By Michael Gwarisa In an effort to enhance efficiency and professionalism within the health insurance and medical aid sectors, the Association of Healthcare Funders of Zimbabwe (AHFoZ) has launched a Certificate of Proficiency in Health Insurance in collaboration with the Insurance Institute of Zimbabwe (IIZ). Speaking at the launch event, AHFoZ Board Chairman Stanford Sisya described the partnership as a milestone in the evolution of Zimbabwe’s medical aid industry. The Certificate of Proficiency is not just another qualification; it is a transformative learning initiative designed to address the unique challenges…

Zimbabwe’s Data-to-Policy Insights Reveal Solutions to Curb Maternal Mortality, Costly Cancer Diagnoses, Unregistered Deaths & Rising GBV Cases

January 31, 2025January 31, 2025 Michael Gwarisa

By Michael Gwarisa Amid critical gaps in key health and social indicators, findings from a four-month-long Data-to-Policy training program have underscored the urgent need for policy interventions, Health Times has learned. The Data-to-Policy program, launched by Vital Strategies in collaboration with the United States Centers for Disease Control Foundation and the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZimStat), aims to promote evidence-based policymaking in Zimbabwe’s healthcare and social sectors. Speaking on behalf of the ZimStat Director General at the Data-to-Policy Dissemination Forum in Harare, ZimStat’s Demography and Social Statistics Director, Mr. Aluwisio…

MLCSCZ Warns Laboratories Against Using Expired Kits and Reagents

January 28, 2025 Michael Gwarisa

By Staff Reporter The Medical Laboratory and Clinical Scientists Council of Zimbabwe (MLCSCZ) has raised alarm over the use of expired kits and reagents in laboratories across the country, citing serious risks to patient safety and the reliability of diagnostic tests. This issue, identified during routine inspections, has prompted the council to take a firm stance to safeguard public health and ensure the integrity of laboratory services. In a statement, Ms. Agness Chogora, the Registrar of MLCSCZ, emphasized the critical need for compliance. “The use of expired kits and reagents…

Panic Grips Zimbabwe’s HIV Community as Trump Pauses Pepfar Funding

January 28, 2025 Michael Gwarisa

By Michael Gwarisa A leaked internal memo obtained by the New York Times has revealed plans by the US State department to temporarily halt nearly all current foreign funding including that of Pepfar, a program that supplies most of the treatment for H.I.V. in Africa and developing countries worldwide. The action stems from President Donald Trump’s executive order on foreign aid, which directs all government divisions with foreign development assistance programs to stop disbursing funds to countries and organizations until they can be reviewed. Pepfar is estimated to have delivered…

Amref CEO Warns US Withdrawal from WHO Could Leave Africa Exposed to Health Crises

January 24, 2025 Michael Gwarisa

By Michael Gwarisa Amref Health Africa Group CEO, Dr. Githinji Gitahi, has raised concerns over the decision by U.S. President Donald Trump to halt funding for the World Health Organization (WHO). Dr. Gitahi warns that the move could severely impact global health initiatives, leaving Africa particularly exposed. President Trump justified the U.S. withdrawal by criticizing WHO’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and other global health crises. As part of the decision, the U.S. plans to cease all financial contributions and formally exit WHO within 12 months. The United States has…

Zim Ambassador To Zambia Extols Texila’s Health Education Initiatives

January 23, 2025January 23, 2025 Michael Gwarisa

By Health Reporter The Zimbabwean Ambassador to Zambia, Mrs. Charity Charamba, recently hosted the Founder and President of Texila American University (TAU), Mr. Saju Bhaskar, at the Zimbabwean Embassy in Lusaka. Accompanied by the TAU Zambia Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ajay Poddar, Mr. Bhaskar paid a courtesy call to the ambassador during his visit to Zambia from India. Ambassador Charamba commended Mr. Bhaskar for his significant investment in medical education, describing Texila’s facilities as impressive and highly conducive to learning. She further praised the university’s dedication to providing quality education, particularly…

FDA Authorizes Marketing of 20 ZYN Nicotine Pouch Products after Extensive Scientific Review

January 23, 2025 Michael Gwarisa

By HealthTimes Reporter The U.S. Food and Drug Administration authorized the marketing of 20 ZYN nicotine pouch products through the premarket tobacco product application (PMTA) pathway following an extensive scientific review. This is the first time the agency has authorized products commonly referred to as nicotine pouches, which are small synthetic fiber pouches containing nicotine designed to be placed between a person’s gum and lip. The FDA determined that the specific products receiving marketing authorization met the public health standard legally required by the 2009 Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act. This standard…

Breaking: Falsified Rabies Vaccine Floods Zimbabwe’s Black Market

January 22, 2025 Michael Gwarisa

By Michael Gwarisa Amid a surge in dog bite cases across Zimbabwe, the Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) has issued a stern warning about the proliferation of falsified rabies vaccine on the black market. Authorities caution that using this vaccine could lead to serious health risks in the near future. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines falsified medical products as products that are deliberately misrepresented in terms of their identity, composition, or source. The intent to deceive is the key distinction between falsified and substandard medical products. In a…