Author: Michael Gwarisa

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

ARASA Empowers ZCLDN to Advance Zimbabwe’s Civil Liberties and Drive Policy Change on Drug Use

Michael Gwarisa

In Zimbabwe, the burden of drug and substance abuse has grown significantly over the years. This crisis was further compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic, which, through global lockdowns, exposed many young people to negative coping mechanisms as they struggled with the idleness and isolation brought about by restrictions. According to official data, over 75% of mental health hospitalizations in Zimbabwe are linked to drug and substance use. Psychiatric facilities across the country are often overwhelmed, operating at full capacity as they attempt to accommodate the rising number of drug-related admissions.…

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WHO Deploys Experts To Investigate Fatal Mysterious Flu In DRC

Michael Gwarisa

By Michael Gwarisa The World Health Organization (WHO) is deploying experts to support health authorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo carry out further investigations to determine the cause of a yet undiagnosed disease that has been reported in Panzi, a locality in Kwango province in the southwest of the country. Laboratory tests are being conducted to determine the cause. The WHO experts are joining the National Rapid Response Team and are on their way to Panzi. The team comprises epidemiologists, clinicians, laboratory technicians and infection prevention and control,…

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UNFPA Partners with Social Workers and Universities to Strengthen GBV Response

Michael Gwarisa

By Michael Gwarisa The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has announced a strategic partnership with the Council of Social Workers, academic institutions, and government entities to enhance case management services for survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) under the Women at the Centre programme. The announcement was made on December 6, 2024, as part of the 16 Days of Activism campaign. Gender-based violence continues to plague Zimbabwe, with nearly one in two women experiencing physical or sexual violence. To address this crisis, the UNFPA initiative, funded by Takeda Pharmaceuticals, aims to…

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NBSZ Targets to Collect 7,460 Units of Blood During Festive Season

Michael Gwarisa

By Michael Gwarisa The National Blood Service Zimbabwe (NBSZ), has set a target to collect 7,460 units of blood during December 2024 as part of its annual festive season campaign. Addressing stakeholders at the launch of the campaign in Harare on Friday, NBSZ Chief Executive Officer, Ms Lucy Mary Marowa emphasized the increased demand for blood during the festive period, driven largely by road traffic accidents and other emergencies. The festive season is marked by a surge in the need for blood due to factors such as road traffic accidents.…

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2025 National Budget Fails to Prioritize Health Sector: CWGH Analysis

Michael Gwarisa

By Michael Gwarisa The 2025 National Budget allocation for Zimbabwe’s health sector has raised significant concerns among health advocates and stakeholders, including the Community Working Group on Health (CWGH). With health expenditure shrinking in real terms, CWGH Executive Director Itai Rusike emphasized that the budget falls short of addressing the country’s critical health challenges, risking further strain on an already fragile system. Declining Health Expenditure The Ministry of Health and Child Care has been allocated ZiG28.3 billion (US$785.9 million) in 2025, representing 10.2% of the national budget, a decrease from…

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More African Female Surgeons Graduate under COSECSA

Michael Gwarisa

By Michael Gwarisa At the 2024 graduation ceremony of the College of Surgeons of East, Central, and Southern Africa (COSECSA), held in Harare, Zimbabwe, 33% of the graduates were female. This milestone highlights the institution’s ongoing efforts to improve gender inclusivity in surgical training. During the 2023-2024 academic year, COSECSA experienced a 22.7% increase in trainee enrollment, with female enrollment rising by 4%, from 23% to 27%. Remarkably, during the exams held in Harare ahead of the COSECSA conference, women accounted for 33% of candidates. A total of 152 students…

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Zimbabwe Moves to Lift Ban On Advertising Medical and Health Services

Michael Gwarisa

By Michael Gwarisa The Minister of Finance , Professor Mthuli Ncube has proposed an amendment to the law barring medical practitioners and health services from advertising. Current legislation in Zimbabwe does not allow Health Practitioners and Medical Institutions to advertise services as such practices are deemed unethical Presenting the 2025 National Budget, Professor Ncube said such a law was hindering uptake of Health services due to lack of public awareness. In order to promote access to local specialist medical services and related value chains for pre and post medical attention,…

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PSZ takes SRH services to Madziwa’s doorstep

Michael Gwarisa

By Kuda Pembere recently in Madziwa On Wednesday, November 27, Population Services Zimbabwe (PSZ) delivered crucial Sexual Reproductive Health (SRH) services to Shamva District in Mashonaland Central under a project titled Self-Care. Scores of people gathered at the PSZ tent, where the organization provided free reusable pads to school-aged children and jadelle implants to adolescents and young women aged 10 to 24 years. The Self-Care project, funded by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) under the Safeguarding Young People program, is supported by the Swiss Development Cooperation and the Embassy…

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#Breaking: Newly Elected WHO Afro Regional Director Dies

Michael Gwarisa

By Michael Gwarisa  The Speaker of Tanzania’s National Assembly, Dr. Tulia Ackson, has confirmed the passing of Dr. Faustine Ndugulile, a member of Parliament in Tanzania and newly elected World Health Organization African Region Director. Dr Ndunguile was Member of Parliament for Kigamboni and had been undergoing medical treatment in India. He died on the night of November 27, 2024. Reacting to the deaths through his X account, WHO Director, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the  Director-General of the World Health Organization said,  “Shocked and deeply saddened to learn about the…

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