Author: Michael Gwarisa

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

Study Uncovers Reservoirs of Antimicrobial Resistance in Food Processing Environments

Michael Gwarisa

By Michael Gwarisa A new study has identified food processing environments, particularly wastewater and sludge, as significant reservoirs for antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes, including several high-risk variants that pose a threat to human health. The research, led by Thorben Reiche from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), highlights the potential for these facilities to contribute to the environmental spread of AMR. The study, conducted by a team of researchers from NTNU and SINTEF Industry in Norway, alongside the University of Life Sciences in Iași, Romania, investigated the prevalence…

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Door-to-Door Mobilisation Under SLL Brings Healthcare Closer to Children and Elderly in Gokwe

Michael Gwarisa
Gogo Bhunu, a sprightly woman in her early 90s, warmly welcomes a door-to-door health mobilisation team at her homestead in Bhunu Village, Gokwe North, as part of the Saving Lives and Livelihoods program bringing healthcare services closer to children and the elderly.

By Michael Gwarisa in Gokwe For years, healthcare in Gokwe North has been beyond the reach of many. The terrain is unforgiving, rocky, bumpy, and scorched by a relentless sun. Narrow footpaths snake through thorny bushes and jagged rocks, leading to scattered homesteads perched in places so remote you can’t help but wonder how anyone managed to settle there. Clinics are few and far between, with some as distant as 25 or even 30 kilometres away. In such an environment, seeking healthcare often means risking dehydration, exhaustion, or worse. It…

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Guchu Linked To Rise In Prostate Problems For Gokwe Men

Michael Gwarisa

By Michael Gwarisa in Gokwe A sizable number of men in Gokwe are now facing serious prostate health issues, a condition locally known as Ku Blocker. Health authorities believe this troubling rise may be tied to the widespread use of Guchu, a traditional sex-enhancing concoction used by many men to improve sexual performance. Gokwe is known for its polygamous traditions, largely shaped by cultural and religious beliefs. Polygamy is also common in neighbouring districts like Kariba and Binga. To keep up with demanding sex in polygamous settings, men in these…

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WCOZ Hosts Indaba to Unpack Climate Change Management Bill

Michael Gwarisa

By Staff Reporter The Women’s Coalition of Zimbabwe (WCOZ) last week convened a high-level indaba in Harare to deliberate on the proposed Climate Change Management Bill, a piece of legislation that seeks to provide a comprehensive framework for Zimbabwe’s response to climate change. The gathering brought together civil society, legal experts, government stakeholders and grassroots representatives to scrutinise the bill with a particular focus on its gender implications. Speaking at the indaba, Caroline Mutimbanyoka said the coalition’s interest in the bill was rooted in the reality that women and girls…

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Zimbabwe Red Cross Marks World First Aid Day with Chinhoyi March, Competitions

Michael Gwarisa

By Staff Reporter Chinhoyi, Zimbabwe – September 14, 2025 — The Zimbabwe Red Cross Society (ZRCS) on Saturday joined the global Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement in commemorating World First Aid Day with a colourful march and first aid competitions in Chinhoyi, under the theme “First Aid and Climate Change.” The commemorations, held at Chinhoyi High School, drew hundreds of participants including students, corporate teams, volunteers and community members. A spirited march through the town centre set the tone for the day, attracting onlookers and raising awareness on the…

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Matthew Rusike Marathon Seeks to Raise $10K on Oct 19

Michael Gwarisa

By Staff Reporter Matthew Rusike Children’s Home (MRCH) is set to host a fundraising marathon dubbed Run for a Child Half Marathon on October 19 at Old Georgians Sports Club in Harare. The Run for a Child Half Marathon event aims to raise US$10 000 to be channeled towards the essential needs of the children under MRCH care and the expansion of the educational facilities. The marathon that also seeks to create awareness of the MRCH charity work will feature three race categories, 21km that will start at 6:00 AM,…

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62,500 Zimbabweans Blind from Cataracts

Michael Gwarisa

By Michael Gwarisa Zimbabwe is grappling with a growing eye health crisis, with cataracts emerging as the leading cause of preventable blindness in the country. According to World Health Organisation (WHO) data, an estimated 125,000 people, about one percent of the population, are blind, and of these, 62,500 cases are caused by cataracts alone. In response to this burden, Old Mutual Zimbabwe, in partnership with the Eye Institute, has launched a series of free eye clinics across the country targeting over 300 cataract surgeries this year. The initiative builds on…

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Cimas Launches Health Media Awards to Mark 80th Anniversary

Michael Gwarisa

By Michael Gwarisa Cimas Health Group has launched the Cimas@80 Media Awards to celebrate its 80th anniversary and honour the critical role journalists play in shaping a healthier Zimbabwean society. Speaking at the launch in Harare, Cimas Chief Executive Officer Mr. Vulindlela Ndlovu said the awards, which run in partnership with the Zimbabwe Union of Journalists (ZUJ), are aimed at recognising excellence in health journalism while encouraging fact-based and impactful reporting. We value the media not just as a communication channel but as a strategic partner in driving healthcare and…

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Education Minister Vows Crackdown on Illegal Schools

Michael Gwarisa

By Michael Gwarisa The Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Hon. Torerai Moyo, has issued a stern warning to operators of unregistered schools, giving them until December 31, 2025, to regularise their operations or face closure come January 2026. The Minister’s declaration came in response to a question in Parliament on Wednesday from Hon. Mashavave, who raised concerns over the unchecked “mushrooming” of private schools and colleges across the country and the lack of oversight of their activities. Minister Moyo acknowledged the serious challenge, stating, “We have a challenge of…

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Another Devastating Blow to HIV Funding as US Congress Advances $2 Billion in Cuts

Michael Gwarisa

By Michael Gwarisa The future of the United States’ HIV response hangs in the balance after the House Appropriations Committee advanced a spending bill that would slash nearly $2 billion from federal HIV programs. Advocates and public health leaders are warning that if enacted, the cuts could dismantle decades of progress in the fight against HIV and put millions of lives at risk. The proposed Fiscal Year 2026 Labor-HHS appropriations bill eliminates all Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) HIV prevention funding, amounting to roughly $1 billion. It also…

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