Category: BREAKING NEWS

Zim Youths Join Global Call for Urgent Action on NCDs and Mental Health

Michael Gwarisa

By Staff Reporter Zimbabwean youth leaders on non-communicable diseases (NCDs) have joined their global peers in calling for immediate, bold action to tackle NCDs and mental health challenges, following the launch of the Kigali Youth Declaration at the Global NCD Alliance Forum held in Kigali, Rwanda. More than 60 youth representatives from over 40 countries, including delegates from Zimbabwe, co-created the Declaration, which demands stronger policies, greater investment in youth health, and the meaningful inclusion of young people in decision-making processes concerning NCDs and mental health. NCDs, including poor mental…

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Zimbabwe Struggles to Meet TB Reduction Target

Michael Gwarisa

By Kuda Pembere Zimbabwe’s efforts to curb tuberculosis (TB) infections have shown gradual progress, but significant challenges remain ahead of its 2026 target. The country had set an ambitious goal of reducing new TB infections to 48 per 100,000 people by 2026. As of 2024, however, TB incidence stood at 211 per 100,000, a notable improvement from 240 per 100,000 recorded the previous year. Speaking at a Zimbabwe College of Public Health Physicians (ZCPHP) TB meeting last Saturday, Dr. Rutendo Manyati, representing Dr. Fungai Kavenga, Deputy Director of the AIDS…

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Malaria Linked to Childhood Cancer in New Study

Michael Gwarisa

By Michael Gwarisa  A groundbreaking new study published in The Journal of Immunology has unveiled how Plasmodium falciparum malaria, the deadliest strain of the parasite, contributes directly to the development of Burkitt lymphoma (BL) — the most common childhood cancer in equatorial Africa and New Guinea. The findings offer the strongest evidence yet linking malaria and childhood cancer, and could have far-reaching implications for cancer prevention strategies in malaria-endemic regions like Zimbabwe. Although scientists have long observed a correlation between P. falciparum malaria and Burkitt lymphoma, the biological mechanism behind…

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Zimbabwe Sees 150% Surge in Malaria Deaths by Week 15 Amid Alarming Rise in Cases

Michael Gwarisa

By Michael Gwarisa Malaria deaths in Zimbabwe have surged by an alarming 150%, rising from 34 deaths in 2024 to 85 deaths in 2025 by week 15, according to official figures released by the Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC). The country has also recorded a sharp 107% increase in malaria cases, jumping from 17,539 to 36,423 cases over the same period, raising concern over a potential reversal of hard-won gains in malaria control and elimination. The spike in malaria-related illness and fatalities comes as Zimbabwe joins the rest…

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Zimbabwe to Begin HIV Vaccine Clinical Trial in May

Michael Gwarisa

By Kuda Pembere A clinical research study to assess the safety and efficacy of a new HIV vaccine is set to begin in Zimbabwe in May this year. The study will be coordinated across three sites: Mutala in Zimbabwe, the Desmond Tutu Health Foundation in Cape Town, and the Africa Health Research Institute in Durban. The research follows findings that countries in sub-Saharan Africa, including Zimbabwe and South Africa, face a high risk of new HIV infections and continue to experience unacceptably high rates of mother-to-child transmission. Speaking to nurses…

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IKE BLE System Proves Effective in Preventing Underage Vaping, New Study Finds

Michael Gwarisa

By Michael Gwarisa A new multi-center study has validated the effectiveness of the IKE Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) System in preventing underage access to Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS), signaling a potential breakthrough in youth vaping prevention efforts. The study was made possible through a partnership between Ispire Technology Inc., an innovator in vaping technology and precision dosing; Touchpoint World Wide Inc., doing business as Berify (“Berify”), a cutting-edge platform that connects physical products to the digital world while enhancing digital engagement and brand protection; and Chemular International Inc. (“Chemular”),…

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Cuts in Health Aid Threaten Global Health Systems – WHO Warns

Michael Gwarisa

By Staff Reporter The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised alarm over the growing trend of reduced and suspended Official Development Assistance (ODA) for health, warning that such cuts are already weakening health systems in low- and middle-income countries and placing millions of lives at risk. In its latest report titled “The Impact of Suspensions and Reductions in Health ODA on Health Systems,” WHO says the decrease in global health aid has come at a critical time when many countries are still reeling from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic,…

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Zimbabwe Launches High-Level Nutrition Advocacy Initiative to Boost Public Awareness and Policy Engagement

Michael Gwarisa

By Michael Gwarisa In a move set to enhance public awareness and promote domestic financing for nutrition interventions in Zimbabwe, the Zimbabwe Civil Society Organisation for Scaling Up Nutrition (ZCSOSUNA) has launched a High-Level Nutrition Advocacy and Parliamentary Engagement Project. Funded by UNICEF in collaboration with key government ministries and departments, the 12-month project aims to strengthen nutrition advocacy and deepen engagement with policymakers on child nutrition and development. Speaking at the project’s inception meeting in Harare, Mr. Kudakwashe Zombe, ZCSOSUNA National Coordinator, said the initiative will target 140 parliamentarians…

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#Breakin: Pope Francis Dies

Michael Gwarisa

VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Francis, history’s first Latin American pontiff who charmed the world with his humble style and concern for the poor but alienated conservatives with critiques of capitalism and climate change, has died Monday. He was 88. “At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of his Church,″ Cardinal Kevin Ferrell, the Vatican camerlengo, said in an announcement. Francis, who suffered from chronic lung disease and had part of…

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New Morning-After Pill in Zimbabwe Offers Protection Up to 120 Hours After Sex

Michael Gwarisa

By Michael Gwarisa Zimbabwean doctors are already calling it a game-changer. In his own words, Dr. Bernard Madzima, a leading family health expert and current Board Chairperson of Population Services Zimbabwe (PSZ), said, “This pill is changing the game already. This pill can be taken up to 120 hours and still be safe.” He, however, emphasized the need to take the pill within the stipulated 72-hour window for emergency contraceptives. The Back-Up pill, an emergency contraceptive recently introduced by Population Services Zimbabwe—is poised to revolutionize the country’s Sexual and Reproductive…

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