Category: #COVID19

COVID-19: Children From Poorest Households Have Suffered Greatest Loss Says Latest Save The Children Survey

Healthtimes

THE COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on the education of children from poorer backgrounds and is widening the gap between rich and poor and boys and girls, a new global survey by Save the Children revealed today. Save the Children conducted the largest global survey of its kind among some 25,000 children and adults on the impact of the pandemic and according to the survey, over the past  six months since the pandemic was announced, the most vulnerable children have disproportionately missed out on access to education, healthcare,…

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Oxford Coronavirus Vaccine Trial Paused After Participant Develops Rare Illness Says AstraZeneca

Healthtimes

LATE-stage trials for a leading coronavirus vaccine have been suspended after a study participant suffered a “potentially unexplained illness”. AstraZeneca has put on hold phase three trials of a vaccine being developed in collaboration with the University of Oxford. The Australian Government last month signed an agreement with the UK-based company to secure the potential COVID-19 vaccine, if its trials prove successful. In a statement, AstraZeneca said it “voluntarily paused” the phase 3 clinical trial — which kicked off in July — to allow a review of the “single event”…

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Gvt Appoints COVID-19 Experts Advisory Committee

Michael Gwarisa

INFORMATION, publicity and broadcasting services minister, minister Monica Mutsvangwa has announced a new COVID-19 Experts Advisory Committee comprising of experts from various fields of expertise. By Michael Gwarisa The committee will provide scientific based evidence, advice and guidance on the National COVID-19 preparedness and response. The public may recall that Cabinet approved the establishment of a COVID-19 Experts Advisory Committee, whose objective will be to provide science-based evidence, advice and guidance on the National COVID-19 Preparedness and Response in support of timely evidence- based policy decisions. “Today, Cabinet approved the…

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#JUSTIN: Bars Now Allowed To Operate, As Gvt Eases Lockdown

Michael Gwarisa

CABINET has resolved to allow bars, night clubs and other liquor retailers to  operate though under strict COVID-19 regulations. By Michael Gwarisa Briefing Journalists during a post cabinet media briefing, Information minister, Honorable Monica Mutsvangwa said the move was part of the easing of restrictions at the back of the positive trajectory the COVID-19 infection pattern has taken lately even though she encouraged citizens to be vigilant to avoid unnecessary spread of the virus. Following representations from the Liquor Retailers’ Association seeking permission for liquor retailers to commence operations, Cabinet…

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#COVID-19Update: 182New Cases and 2Deaths reported in the last 24 hours

Healthtimes

A total 182New Cases and 2Deaths reported in the last 24 hours. (7 day rolling average* for new cases further goes up to 114 from 100 yesterday). The Deaths were reported from Bulawayo• 416 PCR tests done today (positivity for today was 44%) •163 are local cases, 18 are returnees from SA and South Sudan(1). Harare reported 135cases: these again are from a backlog of samples collected over the last week which are now being processed. •82 total new recoveries reported: National Recovery rate stands at 75% and Active cases…

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Embalming COVID-19 Corpses Not Recommended, As WHO Releases New Guidelines For Managing Dead Bodies Under COVID-19

Michael Gwarisa

THE World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned funeral services organizations and mortuary services facilities against embalming COVID-19 bodies as it still poses a risk of infection to unsuspecting staffers. By Michael Gwarisa In its new interim guidelines for Infection prevention and control for the safe management of a dead body in the context of COVID-19 released on Friday, September 2020, the World Health Organisation said even though the risk of infection from a cadaver is very low, there is still risk should one get into contact with body secretions and…

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COVID-19 Shuts Door To Infertile Women Seeking IVF Services In Zimbabwe

Michael Gwarisa

MAJORITY of women seeking In-Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) services could not be assisted during the COVID-19 induced lockdown restrictions despite the fact that many could be racing against their biological clock. By Michael Gwarisa In-vitro fertilization (IVF) is a complex series of procedures used to help with fertility or prevent genetic problems and assist with the conception of a child. During IVF, mature eggs are collected (retrieved) from ovaries and fertilized by sperm in a lab. In an interview with HealthTimes, Mwanachipo Africa Trust (MAT) Board Chairperson, Mr Heaven Munyuki said…

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#TalkingCOVID19WithDrGrant: Complacency Will Be Our Biggest Enemy In The Fight Against Covid-19

Healthtimes
Dr Grant Murewanhema

FOR almost nine months now, Zimbabwe has been battling the COVID-19 outbreak, which unfortunately has brought unprecedented changes to our way of life. As a country, Zimbabwe has by and large been spared of major epidemics in the past, and the COVID-19 pandemic presents the first real challenge to the country. By Dr Grant Murewanhema The previous SARS and MERS outbreaks relatively spared most of Africa, Zimbabwe included, and the Ebola Viral Disease outbreaks of West Africa also spared Southern Africa. Not surprisingly, the idea of quarantine, isolation and lockdowns…

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Africa to get 220 million Covid-19 vaccine doses

Healthtimes

THE World Health Organization (WHO) has said that once a Covid-19 vaccine is approved, Africa will get at least 220 million initial doses. The first batch will prioritise front-line healthcare workers and vulnerable groups, according to the WHO Africa Program Area Manager Richard Mihigo. He said distribution will be based on the population of each country. Mr Mihigo said all 54 countries had expressed interest in a Covid-19 vaccine. Africa has a population of more than 1.3 billion people. The global vaccine initiative, called COVAX, intends to help purchase and…

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