Category: #COVID19

National Vaccination Drive Could Worsen Already Depressed Blood Stocks

Michael Gwarisa

ZIMBABWE’s blood bank which is currently running at less than a day’s supply of blood could experience a further decline in blood stocks during the forthcoming mass COVID-19 vaccination drive as donors who receive jabs are recommended to wait for at least 28 days before donating blood after receiving their shot. By Michael Gwarisa According to the Food and Drug and Drug Administration (FDA), individuals who get jabs from vaccines such as the AstraZeneca, Johnson & Johnson and the  Sinopharm which are replication defective virus vaccines must wait two weeks…

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#JUSTIN: Health Ministry Epidemiology Director, Manangazira In Court For Embezzling COVID-19 Funds

Healthtimes

THE HERALD: The director of Epidemiology and Disease Control in the Ministry of Health and Child Care, Portia Manangazira appeared at the Harare Magistrates’ Court on allegations of misappropriating funds and fuel meant for training 800 community health workers who were to raise awareness on Covid-19 in the country. Manangazira appeared before deputy chief magistrate Mrs Bianca Makwande charged with four counts of criminal abuse of duty as a public officer. The funds and fuel were part of the US$796 675 disbursed by the Health Ministry to train 800 health…

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We Are Confident In The Sinopharm Vaccine Says VP Chiwenga

Michael Gwarisa

HEALTH and Child Care Minister (MoHCC), Vice President Constantino Chiwenga says government was confident the Sinopharm vaccine would do no harm to the people of Zimbabwe as they have done their homework before rolling out the dosses. By Michael Gwarisa Zimbabwe received an initial consignment of 200 000 doses of the Sinopharm Vaccine on February, 15 2021. The other batches are set to arrive from different suppliers and governments in the coming weeks in a move that is likely to see at 10 Million Citizens being vaccinated. Speaking at the…

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Inaugural Vaccination Exercise To Be Held At Wilkins Hospital Tomorrow

Healthtimes

THE inaugural vaccination process will take place at Wilkins Hospital in Harare, on Thursday, February 18, 2020. HealthTimes According to the Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC) Public Relations department,the initial phase of the vaccination process will target front line workers who are at high risk of infection. Fellow Zimbabweans as you are aware we received 200 000 doses of Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccines from China on 15 February 2021 which were subsequently handed over to His Excellency President Cde E.D. Mnangagwa at State House by the Chinese Ambassador to…

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#JUSTIN: Blood Stocks Critically Low, NBSZ Appeals For Blood Donations

Michael Gwarisa

THE National Blood Service of Zimbabwe (NBSZ) is appealing for blood eligible blood donors to come forward and donate blood amidst indications that the blood bank is running low on blood stocks. By Michael Gwarisa The blood bank is currently running on a hand to mouth basis and is sitting on less than a day’s supply, whilst a healthy bank should have at least five days supply. In a statement, the NBSZ Communications Officer, Mr Ephraim Mubayi said the blood stocks levels have been affected by the prevailing COVID-19 induced…

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Misinformation Could Hinder Vaccine Acceptance In Zim Communities-Experts

Michael Gwarisa

Even some health experts are still unsure of the vaccine HEALTH experts have warned that rolling out the nationwide COVID-19 vaccination program without adequately engaging communities would hinder uptake of COVID-19 vaccines. By Michael Gwarisa The call comes in the wake of numerous conspiracy theories making rounds in communities which if not dispelled, would derail the nationwide vaccination process. At the forefront of covid-19 vaccine conspiracy theories in Zimbabwe are renowned religious leaders, some politicians and opinion leaders in communities. Public Health Expert and Epidemiologist, Dr Grant Murewanhema said as…

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#JUSTIN: Zim Vaccine Rollout Starts Thursday As South African COVID-19 Variant Dominates Local Infections

Healthtimes

CABINET has announced that rollout of the 200 000 doses of the Sinopharm Vaccine which arrived yesterday from China will commence on Thursday, 18 February, 2021. HealthTimes Reporter The announcement also come at the back of revelations that there is now a 61% dominance of the new South African variant of the COVID-19 virus which spreads faster and has a higher fatality rate. This was revealed following   results of the genomic sequencing recently conducted indicate that the type of COVID-19 virus that the nation had in 2020 has receded.…

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Zimbabwe’s Health care system exhausted by most recent COVID-19 wave

Healthtimes

FOLLOWING a recent spike in COVID-19-related cases and deaths, Zimbabwe’s already struggling health system is buckling under the pressure. In several facilities, health workers are operating without adequate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), medication, equipment and oxygen and, with an existing and ongoing shortage of nurses and doctors, most health centres are unable to operate at full capacity, putting added pressure on those who are able to work. By Staff Reporter With the anticipated continuation of surges in COVID-19 cases, appropriate preventative and preparative measures must be put in place in…

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Zimbabwe Hosts Virtual COVID-19 Vaccine Rollout Training For Health Workers

Healthtimes

THE Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC) through technical support from the World Health Oraganisation (WHO) have held a virtual training workshop to equip health workers with technical skills and information to implement the forthcoming vaccination rollout country wide. By Staff Reporter The training also comes hot on heels of the arrival of 200 000 doses of the Sinopharm Vaccine from China whose rollout of the to commence anytime this week. Speaking during the virtual meeting, Ministry of Health and Child Care Director of Epidemiology & Disease Control, Dr…

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