Category: #COVID19

We Wont Stay Where We Are Not Safe…Belvedare Returnees Speak Out

Healthtimes

ZIMBABWEANS quarantined at Belvedere Teachers College have poured water on government’s allegations that they were demanding five-star treatment at a time the nation is battling the deadly COVID-19 pandemic. The returnees said contrary to government’s report that they demanded to be moved to a hotel, they only asked to be moved to a place with running water and better facilities. BELOW IS THEIR STATEMENT As a matter of fact, and for the avoidance of doubt, I’m one of the returning residents who came via an Ethiopian airline yesterday (Monday). I…

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US & Partners Warn Against Abuse of Journalists During COVID-19 Crisis

Michael Gwarisa

THE United State Government has issued a joint statement with various countries running under the moniker Groups of Friends on the Safety/Protection of Journalists have condemned the continued  abuse and maltreatment of Journalists in  their quest to report on developments around the obtaining COVID-19 pandemic. By Michael Gwarisa The other countries which signed the statement include Austria, France, Greece, Lithuania and Sweden as the chairs and co-chairs, respectively, of the Groups of Friends on the Safety of Journalists in New York, Geneva, Vienna (OSCE) and Paris. Since the COVID-19 was…

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#JUSTIN: ED Extends Lockdown By 14 Days

Healthtimes

ZIMBABWE President Emmerson Mnangagwa has announced an extention to the national lockdown by another 14 Days. By Michael Gwarisa Addressing the nation, President Mnangagwa said the move was necessary in reducing the spread of the virus which has claimed more than hundred throusand lives and infected more than two million people. “21 days ago Zimbabwe began a national lockdown as part of our broad response to the deadly Coronavirus pandemic. Today, 2.3 million people have been infected globally, and the UN estimates that our continent could see between 300,000 and…

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Zimbabweans’ Behavior During Lockdown Deserves An Extension To Restrictions

Healthtimes

AS the nation reaches its 21 days Lockdown climax, the question on everyone’s lips right now is whether there would be an extension or not. With the majority of Zimbabweans being in the informal sector, it is the prayer of many a Zimbabwean that there will be a reprieve with the relaxation on the lockdown. By Patson Gumbo President Emerson Mngangwa is set to address the nation this afternoon on the way forward regarding the lockdown and COVID-19 status in Zimbabwe. It is however appalling though that Zimbabwe, a nation …

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Zim Experts Warn Of Rise In Unintended Pregnancies After Lockdown…Should Young People Adopt Long-term Contraceptives?

Michael Gwarisa

FAILURE by young women and girls to access modern contraceptives and reproductive health services during the lockdown could spell doom and possibly reverse the gains that have been attained in terms of reducing Early Unintended Pregnancies (EUPs). By Michael Gwarisa According to the Zimbabwe Demographic Health Survey (ZDHS) 2015, sexually active unmarried women are more likely to have the highest risk of unintended pregnancy. This is because more than 70% of them are on short-acting contraceptives, condoms, and orals. Under a lockdown scenario as ours, supply can easily be disrupted…

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Stop TB Zim Applauds New TB Drug Dispensation Plan During Lockdown

Michael Gwarisa

THE Stop TB Partnership Zimbabwe has commended government for coming up with a specialized drug dispension protocol which allows Tuberculois (TB) patients are given 1-2 months supply of drugs for intensive and continuation phase respectively. By Michael Gwarisa In a statement, Stop TB Partnership Zimbabwe said the lockdown which took effect on 30 March 2020 was a welcome development in the fight against of the COVID-19 pandemic. We are also thankful to the Ministry of Health and Child Care for developing new drug dispensing protocol for TB medicines to ensure…

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SOS for Mbuya Dhaaa …Spare a thought for Betta community

Healthtimes

THIS article is a special SOS for Mbuya Dhaaa, who is a special needs senior citizen, aged 70+. Mbuya Dhaaa has sores on the scalp, has a cold and is unwell. By Catherine Murombedzi in Mt Hampden At times Mbuya Dhaaa goes to bed on an empty stomach. Her usual day sees her sun bathing (kudziya zuva) in her 4 metre yard. As sun goes up, she roams the streets of Betta community before heading home at sunset. With dementia setting in, with no children to take care of her,…

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SADC and UNESCO sign agreement to ensure learning never stops

Michael Gwarisa

THE Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) Secretariat and the United Nations, Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) have signed a Joint Statement and Action Plan on ensuring continuity of learning in the context of COVID-19. HealthTimes Reporter In a Joint Statement, signed by the Executive Secretary of SADC, Her Excellence Dr Stergomena Lawrence Tax and the Regional Director and Representative for the UNESCO Regional Office for Southern Africa Prof. Hubert Gijzen, the two Organisations are rallying development partners, international organizations, civil society organisations and private sector in a Broad Coalition…

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After COVID-19, what will Africa look like in 2030 and 2063?

Healthtimes

THE COVID-19 pandemic, one of the world’s most significant events, has resulted in cessation of economic activities that will lead to a significant decline in GDP, an unprecedented social disruption, and the loss of millions of jobs. According to estimates by the African Development Bank, the contraction of the region’s economies will cost Sub-Saharan Africa between $35 billion and $100 billion due to an output decline and a steep fall in commodity prices, especially the crash of oil prices. By Professor Banji Oyelaran-Oyeyinka More fundamentally, the pandemic has brutally exposed…

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COVID-19 pandemic bolsters case for technology-based economic resilience

Healthtimes

AS the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a devastating impact globally, the African continent, while less affected, is preparing to undergo its own severe social and economic crisis. As of April 7, over 10,000 cases have been reported across 52 countries in Africa (less than 1% of cases globally). Stefan Nalletamby Yet despite the slow onset, Africa’s fragile health systems will be overwhelmed if the virus continues to spread. To avoid this scenario, governments are implementing contingency measures with striking collateral damage in the form of shops and factories closing, workers being sent home,…

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