The loss in value in the local currency to the greenback, has forced several Zimbabwean medical aid policyholders to terminate medical aid policies while some are resorting to removing some beneficiaries from cover as a survival strategy. By Michael Gwarisa These developments come at the back of revelations that a few Zimbabweans are currently under medical aid cover and yet, more people have up-to-date funeral policy coverage. A study that was conducted by Finmark Trust and published by the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZIMSTAT) revealed that just 30 percent of…
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Prescription drugs mules cashing-in in Zimbabwe
By Takunda Mandura Rampart smuggling of prescription drugs into Zimbabwe is exposing people to a myriad of unforeseen health complications. An investigation conducted by this reporter since January 2023 shows that various prescription drugs are being smuggled from countries neighboring Zimbabwe and this is largely driven by the quick availability of the greenback as well as a readily available market. Various sources contacted by this reporter revealed that the network of prescription drugs mules or smuggles comprise of corrupt border control officials, police officers, and vendors bringing drugs into Zimbabwe…
Read MoreGender Inclusivity Celebrated at Wildlife Scouts Graduation in Zimbabwe
A total of 28 community wildlife scouts drawn from Mbire and Muzarabani Districts graduated at the Zimbabwe Institute of Wildlife Conservation (ZIWC) in Masvingo following the completion of a basic ranger training course facilitated by the African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) under the ongoing Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA) funded ‘UTARIRI – Integrated and Adaptive Biodiversity, Climate and Livelihoods Project in the Zambezi Valley, 2022-2025.’ By Staff Reporter Almost half of the graduates were women, signifying the importance of gender inclusion in developmental aspects, including the conservation of natural resources and…
Read MoreAddress Youth Migration To Harness Demographic Dividend- Zim government told
THE rate at which migration is happening, especially in the young and middle-aged population, could cripple Zimbabwe’s economy when its population growth reaches below replacement levels, experts have warned. By Michael Gwarisa The call follows findings from the State of the World Population (SOWP) Report which was conducted by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and shows that the world population has reached 8 Billion amidst indications that Zimbabwe is a youthful country, with more than 60 percent of the population under the age of 25. According to the UNFPA,…
Read MoreA Fruitful Marriage: Urban Voucher System Reduces Maternal Deaths in Harare’s Central Hospitals/Council Clinics
Like many women in high-density and peri-urban communities, Method Pagiwa (26), from Kuwadzana Phase in Harare, registered her pregnancy with the Antenatal Clinic at Rujeko Polyclinic in Dzivarasekwa, when she was seven months into her pregnancy. This, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO) standards is not recommended as they prescribe that women in developing countries such as Zimbabwe, should seek ANC within four months (17 Weeks) of pregnancy. By Michael Gwarisa On July 7, 2023, Method started experiencing labor pains and her waters broke while she was on her…
Read MoreSOWP Report Findings a Wake-Up Call for Zim Government to Respect Women’s Bodily Autonomy
GOVERNMENT should allow women the power to make decisions regarding their own Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH), a top Zimbabwe Ministry of Women Affairs, Community Small and Medium Enterprises official has said. By Michael Gwarisa This was revealed during the launch of the 2023 State of the World Population Report (SWOP) in the Capital Harare. The report was conducted by the United National Population Fund (UNFPA) and revealed that while the world population has reached the 8 billion mark, more women and girls were still lagging in terms of access…
Read MoreOld Mutual Zimbabwe Donates A Neo-Natal Ventilator to Murambinda Hospital
Murambinda Hospital is a rural community hospital located in the town of Murambinda, Buhera District in Manicaland Province. The hospital is owned and administered by the Sisters of the Little Company of Mary under the endorsement and supervision of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Harare. It is the only hospital in Buhera District, with a population of nearly 300,000 over an area with a radius of about 100 kilometres. By Staff Reporter Old Mutual Zimbabwe recently donated a neonatal ventilator, the Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP), to help improve the…
Read MoreChipangura addresses mental health issues in her 13th book
Renowned author and publisher Faith Mudiwa Chipangura, has released a captivating exploration of mental health challenges book entitled “Coming Clean.” By Ntokozo Gudu The book was published by Phoenix Publishing and to date has already received overwhelming responses. ‘Coming Clean’ was launched by Chipangura on her social media platforms. In an interview with HealthTimes, Chipangura said the book addresses sensitive topics with compassion and empathy hence destigmatizing mental health, The book plays a crucial role in destigmatizing conversations around mental health,it encourages open dialogue, helping to create a society that…
Read MoreAs ICPD30 Beckons, Here Is How Zimbabwe Has Fared In Fulfilling Nairobi Summit Commitments
IN 2019, Zimbabwe joined the world in Nairobi, Kenya for the 25th International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) Programme of Action (ICPD25). The week-long event aimed to strengthen partnerships and harness re-commitments in the continued empowerment of women, and young people and ensuring access to sexual reproductive health (SRH) services. By Michael Gwarisa Next year, 2024, the ICPD will mark 30 years since the ICPD Programme of Action was adopted in 1994 by 179 Member States in Cairo Egypt. The ICPD, according to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA),…
Read MoreMCAZ amends medicine registration requirements
THE Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) recently reviewed the conditions of registration of medicines for better monitoring and analyzing the efficacy as well as the quality of imported and locally manufactured medicines. By Kudakwashe Pembere The Authority which effected this amendment since July 7, 2023, said they are there to ensure that safety, effectiveness and quality of a medicine is maintained throughout its life cycle. This will see applicants having their medicines assessed after every five years in accordance with the current norms and standards. Applicants are required to…
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