Category: BREAKING NEWS

FDA Approves Dolutegravir Tablets for Oral Suspension for Children With HIV

Healthtimes

OFFICIALS with the FDA have approved dolutegravir (Tivicay PD, ViiV Healthcare) dispersible tablets for oral suspension for children who are at least 4 weeks of age and weigh at least 3 kg, according to a press release. SOURCE: DRUG TOPICS This approval marks the first ever dispersible tablet formulation of dolutegravir, which are used in combination with other antiretroviral agents for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in pediatric patients. Additionally, the approval also expands dolutegravir’s indication for the existing 50-mg film-coated tablets (Tivicay) for use in children weighing 20 kg…

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#Talking COVID-19 With Dr Grant: Are We Doing Enough Testing For COVID-19 In Zimbabwe?

Michael Gwarisa
Dr Grant Murewanhema

THE first cases of COVID-19 were confirmed in Wuhan, China,  in December 2019, and a few months later the disease became a worldwide pandemic. To date over 7 million infections have been reported. Zimbabwe has reported 356 cases, which include 4 deaths and 54 recoveries. By Grant Murewanhema Transmission patterns include imported disease, sporadic disease, clusters of disease and community transmission. In community transmission, clusters of cases are reported in the communities without clear linkage to imported cases. Most of the cases reported in Zimbabwe so far have been among…

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#COVID-19: Zimbabwe Relaxes Lockdown

Michael Gwarisa

PRESIDENT Emerson Mnagaggwa has announced that Zimbabwe is still on level two of the national lockdown even though some restrictions on public gatherings and industry have been lifted. By Michael Gwarisa According to President Mnangagwa the easing of restrictions was the first step towards economic recovery post the COVID-Q9 induced lockdown which was adopted in March. From the pains of the pandemic, we must now find new impetus to rebuild. The liberalization of our economy must continue in earnest. “Reforms stuck in the wheels of bureaucracy must be unleashed, catalysed…

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#JUSTIN: Zim Churches To Reopen

Michael Gwarisa

PRESIDENT Emerson Mnangawa has announced that churches are now allowed to reopen but following strict social distancing and Covid-19 guidelines. By Michael Gwarisa In a national address on the state broadcaster, President Mnangagwa said the church was part of the essential services and the country needed spiritual healing. He also declared Monday, 15 June as the Presidential National Day of Prayer and Fasting I wish to acknowledge that our church leaders are essential personnel in preventing the spread of the Coronavirus. “Going forward gatherings for the purpose of worship not…

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#JUSTIN: Gvt Terminates All DRAX Contracts

Michael Gwarisa

THE Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC) has directed the National Pharmaceutical Company (NTAPHARM) to terminate with immediate effect all contracts  with DRAX Consult SAGL for the delivery of Medicines and surgical sundires. In a letter written to Mrs Florah Sifeku, the NATPHARM Managing Director, the ministry’s acting permanent secretary, Dr Gibson said the cancellation of all the contracts should be completed by Friday, June 12 2020. You are being directed to cancel ALL contracts that you had with Drax SAGL with immediate effect. Please be advised that this…

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New HIV infections differ by sex and by region

Healthtimes

IN sub-Saharan Africa, where 61% of all new HIV infections occur, women are disproportionally affected by HIV, accounting for 54% of all new HIV infections in 2018. Young women aged 15–24 years were the hardest hit, accounting for 25% of new HIV infections in the region but representing only 10% of the total population. Outside of sub-Saharan Africa, however, the situation is different, with men aged 25–49 years accounting for almost half of all new HIV infections, although they represent only 18% of the total population.

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Bill & Melinda Gates Pledges US$1.6 billion To Gavi, The Vaccine Alliance, To Protect The Next Generation With Vaccines

Healthtimes

THE Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation today announced a five-year, US$1.6 billion commitment to Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, to deliver lifesaving vaccines to the world’s poorest countries. The commitment was announced at the Global Vaccine Summit 2020, hosted by Prime Minister Boris Johnson of the United Kingdom. Funding secured today for Gavi’s next strategic period will help the Alliance reach an additional 300 million children in the world’s most vulnerable communities and save up to eight million lives, bringing the total number of children immunized with Gavi support to more…

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#JUSTIN: Gweru Provincial Hospital Boss Assaults Sister In Charge

Michael Gwarisa

GWERU Provincial Hospital Medical Superintendent, Dr Fabian Mashingaidze allegedly attacked the Hospitals’ Sister In Charge, Sr Chenaimoyo Kudzinetsa Masvusvu amidst ongoing power struggles at the health institution. By Michael Gwarisa Speaking on the incident, Zimbabwe Professional Nurses Union president, Mr Robert Chiduku said the abuse has been going on for a while at the institution as Dr Mashingaidze is fighting tooth and nail to replace the existing leadership at the hospital and replace it with his cronies. We would like to condemn verbal, emotional and physical abuse perpetrated on our…

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Zim Quarantine Facilities Still Experiencing Test Kits Shortages- ZADHR

Michael Gwarisa

THE Zimbabwe Association of Doctors for Human Rights (ZADHR) has raised alarm of the low testing levels across Zimbabwe’s quarantine facilities as a result of shortages of test kits. By Michael Gwarisa According to the ZADHR’s 6th COVID-19 Monitoring and Advocacy Report, the shortages have resulted in test kits being priced way above the reach of many. Over the past 2 weeks ZADHR has received reports of shortages of screening and test kits at quarantine centres in Harare, Gweru, Chinhoyi and Victoria Falls and in some cases returnees being asked…

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