Category: BREAKING NEWS

Visa disaster looming ahead of International AIDS Conference in Munich

Michael Gwarisa

Delays in visa processing at German embassies put the participation of people from countries of the global South and of people from vulnerable communities in jeopardy. Deutsche Aidshilfe is now calling for political action. The conference of the International AIDS Society IAS is the world’s largest congress on scientific, socio-political and civic aspects of HIV. More than 15,000 scientists, doctors, other health care professionals and activists from over 175 countries are expected to attend #AIDS2024 in Munich from July 22 to 26, 2024. However, several activists have been reporting that…

Read More

All Set For Southern African Regional Students and Youth Conference

Michael Gwarisa

By Michael Gwarisa An estimated 250 delegates are set to grace the fifth edition of the Southern African Regional Students and Youth Conference (SARSYC) that will run from July 17-19, 2024 in Gaborone, Botswana. The conference will attract speakers from diverse young people groups as well as experienced public health experts, development partners and government officials. In an interview with HealthTimes ahead of the conference,  Jimmy Wilford, the Conference Convener and SAYWAHT Executive Director said it was all systems go the annual conference. We are prepared, we have a dedicated…

Read More

Treasury raises US$8million from sugar tax

Kuda Pembere

By Kuda Pembere Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Finance says it has raised US$8 million from the sugar tax regime that was introduced in 2024 National Budget presented as the country intensifies efforts to fund healthcare through home-grown initiatives. The money raised is set to be channeled towards cancer treatment. This was revealed by the Health and Child Care Minister Dr Douglas Mombeshora during the Health Development Partners Coordination Forum Meeting on Friday. There is an issue of sugar tax which I should mention now because yesterday (Thursday) I had also challenged…

Read More

STIs Time-Bomb for Zimbabwe: Majority of STI carriers are asymptomatic and undiagnosed

Michael Gwarisa

By Michael Gwarisa The burden of Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STIs) in Zimbabwe has been increasing over the past few years amidst indications that the majority of infected persons do not show any symptoms and could be spreading the STIs unknowingly. According to official data from the Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC), the number of STIs recorded annually has been on the increase since 2018, and majority of cases are being recorded in women. The National Coordinator STI Prevention and Condom Distribution in the Ministry of Health and Child…

Read More

Tampons Contain Cancer-Causing Metals- Study

Healthtimes

By Staff Reporter Women who use Tampons to manage their menstrual cycles are exposed to a greater risk of developing cancer of the reproductive system owing to the presence of heavy toxic metals in the menstrual products. Over 100 million women in over 120 countries Zimbabwe included, use tampons during their menstrual cycle. Most tampons are made from cotton and rayon, both of which are made from plants that may be exposed to heavy metal contamination in the soil. However, a new study conducted by researchers at the UC Berkeley…

Read More

Zim elected into the World Health Assembly Executive board

Kuda Pembere

By Kudakwashe Pembere Zimbabwe has been elected into the World Health Assembly’s (WHA) Executive Board, under a three year term running from 2024 up to 2026. This was revealed by the Health and Child Care Minister Dr Douglas Mombeshora addressing the second Health development partners coordination forum meeting. I’m excited to inform you that Zimbabwe was elected into the Executive Board of the World Health Assembly. I encourage you to engage us on any issues you feel should be discussed in the Executive Board,” said Dr Mombeshora.  He added that…

Read More

Zimbabwe’s Seventh Food Standards Advisory Board Sworn In

Michael Gwarisa

By Michael Gwarisa Health and Child Care Minister, Dr Douglass Mombeshora has inaugurated a 16-member Food Standards Advisory Board (FSAB), whose mandate is to oversee the production and distribution of food products in Zimbabwe. The board’s tenure which commenced March 11, 2024, will run for three years ending 10 March 2027 in line with section 18 of the Food and Food Standards Act Chapter 15:04. Chaired by Mr Panganayi Hare, from the Law Society of Zimbabwe, the board members will also be representing their respective organisations and constituencies which have…

Read More

Zimbabwe Adolescent Health and Well-being Symposium becomes of age

Michael Gwarisa

By Michael Gwarisa Adolescents and young people from various parts of Zimbabwe convened at Manna Safari Lodge in Harare to deliberate on various issues of young people’s health and well-being. Some of the key topics that were covered include improving access to adolescent-friendly health services, addressing mental health and wellbeing, promoting sexual and reproductive health education and supporting adolescent empowerment and development The event was co-created and co-convened by Young People, the Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC), and My Age Zimbabwe with support from UNESCO Zimbabwe, SRHR Africa…

Read More

Harare City Introduces Health Insurance

Kuda Pembere

By Kudakwashe Pembere A community health insurance scheme covering several health services for Harare City’s citizens should be operational before the month ends, HealthTimes has learned. In an interview with the Harare Municipality Health Services Manager Mr Richard Chigerwe, he said the scheme was different from the Harare Municipality Medical Aid which covers their employees. He said residents will have to pay a monthly subscription of US$2 to access various healthcare services under the scheme named “Utano Wedu”. Harare Municipal Medical aid is a closed medical aid for City Council…

Read More

“Illuminating a Path to Sustainable Healthcare: Why Zimbabwe’s Clinics and Hospitals Need Frecon Solar’s 50kW Solar System”

Healthtimes

By Staff Reporter Zimbabwe’s healthcare sector faces numerous challenges, but one crucial aspect often overlooked is reliable energy access. Power outages and erratic electricity supply can have devastating consequences, including loss of life, equipment damage, and compromised care. However, there is a solution – Frecon Solar’s cutting-edge 50kW solar system. This innovative technology offers: – Reliable energy supply, ensuring uninterrupted healthcare services – Reduced energy costs, freeing up resources for critical medical needs – Increased energy independence, minimizing reliance on grid power – Environmental sustainability, aligning with global renewable energy…

Read More