Michael Gwarisa |

SAFAIDS To Set-Up CSE Anti-Opposition Task-force Team In Zimbabwe

May 27, 2022 Michael Gwarisa

THE Southern Africa HIV and AIDS Information Dissemination Service (SAFAIDS), is in the process of establishing a national Anti- Opposition committee for Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) in Zimbabwe, as means to systematically counter opposition to towards (CSE). By Michael Gwarisa Comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) is a curriculum-based process of participatory teaching and learning about aspects of sexuality aimed at equipping children and young people with knowledge, skills, attitudes and values that empower them to realise their sexual and reproductive health well-being and rights; develop healthy interpersonal relationships; reflect on the…

World Health Assembly re-elects Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus to second term as WHO Director-General

May 24, 2022 Michael Gwarisa

WHO Member States today re-elected Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus to serve a second five-year term as Director-General of the world’s leading public health agency. Dr Tedros was first elected in 2017. Staff Reporter His re-election was confirmed during the 75th World Health Assembly in Geneva. He was the sole candidate. Today’s vote was the culmination of an election process that began in April 2021 when Member States were invited to submit proposals for candidates for the post of Director-General. The WHO Executive Board, meeting in January 2022, nominated Dr Tedros…

Ezra Foundation rescues rural schools

May 24, 2022May 24, 2022 Michael Gwarisa

THE Ezra Foundation has donated over 15 computers to Nyamweda Primary School, and provided uniforms, stationery and school fees to a number of underprivileged students in a move aimed at helping to bridge educational inequity in the country. Melonia Munemo, the founder of Ezra Foundation, said the donation will result in students improving their academic skills, while school teachers will also gain skills and knowledge in computer literacy and internet usage. “Our goal is to close the digital divide by donating computers to rural schools as well as paying school…

Zimbabwe Comprehensive Sexuality Education Implementers Can Ride On the Devolution Wave

May 24, 2022May 24, 2022 Michael Gwarisa

IN 2013, Regional Economic Communities (RECs) and other development partners under the leadership of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UESCO), initiated a process to develop a regional commitment within the East and Southern Africa region. By Michael Gwarisa In December 2013, the political process to create the commitment was met with success as 20 Member States signed onto the new East and Southern Africa (ESA) Ministerial Commitment. These Governments thus committed themselves to work together for the good of adolescents and young people to deliver comprehensive sexuality…

Over 700 Obstetric Fistula Repairs Conducted In Zimbabwe Since 2015

May 24, 2022 Michael Gwarisa

THE United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC), have since the year 2015 conducted over 700 Obstetric Fistula (OF) repairs in women and girls. By Michael Gwarisa Obstetric fistula is a tear that occurs between the birth canal with the bladder and or rectum that leaves women leaking urine, faeces or both without control. As a result it leads to social rejection, and or subsequent medical complications with infection occurring easily. If not treated in a timely way it also causes…

UNAIDS warns that stigmatizing language on Monkeypox jeopardises public health

May 23, 2022 Michael Gwarisa

UNAIDS has expressed concern that some public reporting and commentary on Monkeypox has used language and imagery, particularly portrayals of LGBTI and African people, that reinforce homophobic and racist stereotypes and exacerbate stigma. Lessons from the AIDS response show that stigma and blame directed at certain groups of people can rapidly undermine outbreak response. Since May 13, 2022, an outbreak of Monkeypox has been reported in multiple UN member states where cases are not usually reported. As of May 21, the World Health Organization received reports of 92 laboratory-confirmed cases and…

WHO working closely with countries responding to monkeypox

May 22, 2022 Michael Gwarisa

WHO and partners are working to better understand the extent and cause of an outbreak of monkeypox. The virus is endemic in some animal populations in a number of countries, leading to occasional outbreaks among local people and travelers. The recent outbreaks reported across 11 countries so far are atypical, as they are occurring in non-endemic countries. By Staff Reporter There are about 80 confirmed cases so far, and 50 pending investigations. More cases are likely to be reported as surveillance expands. WHO is working with the affected countries and…

First Mutual RTGS Medical Aid holders stranded

May 21, 2022 Michael Gwarisa

ZIMBABWEAN Dollar Medical Aid holders under First Mutual Health insurance scheme will no longer be able to access healthcare services at any of the health facilities under the Medical Investments limited including the Avenues Clinic, a move that is likely to throw members into quandary. By Michael Gwarisa Sources privy to these developments told this publication that First Mutual Health (FMH) has not been forthcoming in terms of meeting their side of the bargain and have been paying for claims after a longer period in contradiction with a request from…

Forced and Cover Up Marriages Driving HIV Infections In Zimbabwe’s LGBTIQ Community

May 20, 2022 Michael Gwarisa

THE lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ) community in Zimbabwe remains one of the hardest hit with new HIV infections due to a myriad of factors chief among them being arranged/forced marriages with heterosexual individuals, homophobia initiated rape and cover up marriages amongst a host of other factors. By Michael Gwarisa Currently there is little information available on LGBTIQ and HIV and AIDS in Zimbabwe since the area is still shunned a lot due to institutionalized and societal homophobia, lack of understanding of human sexuality and sexual health…