Category: BREAKING NEWS

Zimbabwe and UNFPA Begin Consultations for 9th Country Programme (2027–2031)

Michael Gwarisa

By Michael Gwarisa The Government of Zimbabwe and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) have commenced consultations to develop the 9th Country Programme of Cooperation, which will run from 2027 to 2031. The two-day Stakeholder Engagement Workshop, taking place in Harare from 6 to 7 October 2025, brings together senior government officials, civil society, academia, youth representatives, and development partners to collectively shape the country’s future priorities for sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), gender equality, and population dynamics. According to the concept note, the workshop seeks to “collectively…

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Zimbabwe Faces Severe Shortage of Forensic Pathologists

Michael Gwarisa
Minister of Health Dr. Douglas Mombeshora shares a light moment with Dr. Ron Mhizha of the Eye Institute and Chrispen Dzingirai of Old Mutual Zimbabwe during the launch of free cataract eye clinics.

By Michael Gwarisa Zimbabwe is grappling with a critical shortage of forensic pathologists, a crisis that has forced families to transport bodies across provinces for post-mortem examinations and delayed justice in criminal cases. Health and Child Care Minister Dr. Douglas Mombeshora told Parliament this week that until recently, the country had only one qualified forensic pathologist, making it nearly impossible to conduct timely examinations across the nation. Forensic post-mortems require specialised expertise beyond the training of general pathologists. Unfortunately, we only had one forensic pathologist in the country. This created…

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Stunting Remains a Critical Challenge for Zimbabwe’s Children, Report Reveals

Michael Gwarisa

By Michael Gwarisa  Despite improvements in several food security and nutrition indicators, stunting rates among children under five in Zimbabwe remain alarmingly high, posing a significant threat to the nation’s human capital and long-term development, according to the recently released 2025 Rural Livelihoods Assessment Report. The report, produced by the Zimbabwe Livelihoods Assessment Committee (ZimLAC), indicates that 23.8% of children aged 6-59 months are stunted. Stunting, defined as impaired growth and development due to poor nutrition, repeated infection, and inadequate psychosocial stimulation, has lifelong consequences for health, cognitive ability, and economic productivity.…

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National AIDS Council Communications Director, Madeline Dube Dies

Michael Gwarisa

By Michael Gwarisa The National AIDS Council (NAC) is mourning the passing of its long-serving Communications Director, Ms. Madeline Dube, an accomplished radio journalist and seasoned communicator whose work left a lasting impact on Zimbabwe’s HIV and AIDS response. The tragic news was confirmed by NAC Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Bernard Madzima, who described Ms. Dube’s death as a profound loss not only to the health sector but to the nation as a whole. The passing on of our Communications Director, Ms. Dube, is a tragic loss not only to…

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Golden Threads Of Hope: Illuminating Early Detection in Zimbabwe’s Fight Against Childhood Cancer

Healthtimes

By Phillip Hondokosa  September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, marked globally by the gold ribbon – a symbol of courage, resilience, and the fight against childhood cancer. In Zimbabwe, it is more than a symbol: it is a call to action. Childhood cancer is real, and while it cannot always be prevented, it is treatable when detected early. For our nation, where children embody the promise of tomorrow, awareness and timely action can mean the difference between life and loss. One of the greatest challenges we face is the stark…

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Cimas’s iGo Pedal To Wellness Raises Awareness On Cardiovascular Diseases Through Cycling

Michael Gwarisa
Zimmy Kanyemba smiles as he poses with Dr. Martina Kaome, an eye specialist who encouraged him to take up cycling.

By Michael Gwarisa As Zimbabwe grapples with a growing burden of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) linked to changing lifestyles and diets, Cimas iGo hosted the second edition of its annual Pedal to Wellness cycling event in Harare, drawing more than 300 participants, including men, women, and children. The initiative, held in the run-up to World Heart Day on September 29, is part of the medical aid society’s broader push to promote active lifestyles, preventive health, and wellness among Zimbabweans. Speaking at the event, Cimas iGo Head, Dr. Nicola Misi, said the…

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Health Professions Authority Shuts Down 35 Illegal Health Facilities Nationwide

Michael Gwarisa

By Michael Gwarisa The Health Professions Authority of Zimbabwe (HPA) has shut down 35 illegal health institutions across the country in a sweeping crackdown aimed at restoring order in the nation’s healthcare sector. The closures followed widespread violations, including the absence of valid operating licenses and, in some cases, unqualified individuals posing as medical professionals. These figures are not just statistics; they represent a successful effort to remove significant risks from our communities,” said HPA Secretary General, Mrs Clotilda Chimbwanda. “Unregistered facilities and bogus practitioners pose an existential threat to…

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Securing a Healthier Future: Global Leaders Target Malaria and Maternal & Child Health at UNGA80

Michael Gwarisa

New York, 24 September 2025 — On the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), world leaders and heads of state convened for a landmark event titled “Uniting for Global Health Security.” The gathering was jointly hosted by the Global Leaders Network (GLN) for Women’s, Children’s and Adolescents’ Health (WCAH) and the African Leaders Malaria Alliance (ALMA). The meeting came at a time when overlapping global crises are testing fragile health systems. From conflict and displacement to climate emergencies and economic shocks, resources are being diverted away from…

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Kwidini vows to fire bribe-taking nurses and tutors preying on students

Kuda Pembere

By Kudakwashe Pembere Deputy Health and Child Care Minister Sleiman Kwidini has issued a stern warning to nurses accused of soliciting bribes from patients, saying they risk dismissal without the benefit of a disciplinary hearing. Speaking at the Chitungwiza Central Hospital graduation ceremony on Wednesday, Hon. Kwidini said corruption within the health sector would not be tolerated. We would like to thank you, but we have a problem with you. Shun corruption,” he said. “This issue of you nurses charging patients, soliciting bribes from patients, fraying into areas you did…

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Silent Crisis: Cardiac Diseases Leading Cause of Death Among Zimbabwean Men in the UK

Michael Gwarisa

By Michael Gwarisa Data on human remains repatriated through Robert Mugabe International Airport (RGM) from the United Kingdom shows that men account for the majority of deaths in the diaspora, with cardiac diseases emerging as the leading cause of death among them, HealthTimes can exclusively reveal. A study conducted by the Port Health Department at RGM between January 2024 and June 2025 found that cancer was the leading cause of death among women, while men, particularly those over the age of 50, were primarily succumbing to cardiac-related complications. The findings…

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