Category: Health News

Zimbabwe Records Decline in Cervical Cancer Cases

Kuda Pembere

By Kuda Pembere Zimbabwe, which in past years recorded more than 3,000 cervical cancer cases annually, saw the figure decline to 1,354 in 2024, with Harare carrying the heaviest burden. The decline comes at a time when partners in the cancer response are calling for the rapid decentralisation of screening services across the country. According to the 2024 Environmental Statistics Human Settlement and Environmental Health Report by ZimStat, citing Ministry of Health and Child Care data, Harare accounted for 935 cases, representing 69 percent of the national total. Bulawayo followed…

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Women Frustrated by Delays in Identifying Rapist of Grade 7 Pupil at Rank

Michael Gwarisa

By Michael Gwarisa  Women’s organisations have expressed frustration over the failure to identify and bring to justice the tout reportedly responsible for raping a minor in a parked commuter omnibus at the Rezende bus rank. To voice their concerns, members of the Women’s Coalition of Zimbabwe (WCoZ) converged on Friday at a Sexual Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) Outreach Activity at the Ruzende Parkade Rank. The event, attended by women of all ages, was aimed at showing solidarity with the affected child and other women and girls who have suffered abuse at…

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Bedroom Revolution? Condoms That Delay Ejaculation Hit Zim Market

Michael Gwarisa

By Michael Gwarisa  Zimbabweans are seeing a shift in sexual wellness products as new condoms designed to enhance pleasure and prolong intimacy enter the market. While condoms have traditionally been promoted for preventing sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV, the latest options reflect changing consumer expectations and a growing interest in sexual wellbeing. “By introducing TRUST and LOVERS+ brands, PSH is expanding the range of options available to Zimbabweans, potentially increasing condom use and reducing the risk of sexually transmitted infections and unplanned pregnancies,” said Kumbirai Chatora, the Population Solutions…

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Zimbabwe’s Mobile One-Stop Centres Reveal Growing Cases of Women Abusing Men

Michael Gwarisa
A counselor speaks with a man at a Zimbabwe mobile one-stop centre for gender-based violence survivors, highlighting the growing number of men reporting abuse by women.

By Michael Gwarisa in Mutoko Mobile One-Stop Centres (MOSCs), designed to support survivors of gender-based violence (GBV), are revealing a lesser-known reality in Zimbabwe: men being physically and verbally abused by their female partners. These centres provide a safe space for men and women alike to report abuse and access critical services, challenging traditional perceptions that GBV affects only women. “My wife cut me with a knife,” said 51-year-old Shadreck Madziwa* from Mutoko, Mashonaland Central. “We had an argument, and she grabbed a knife and stabbed me. She joined hands…

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Funding Constraints Hamper NatPharm’s Role in Public Health Procurement

Kuda Pembere

By Kuda Pembere Severe funding constraints are undermining Zimbabwe’s public health procurement system, disrupting the National Pharmaceutical Company’s (NatPharm) ability to maintain a reliable medical supply chain. NatPharm, a government parastatal, is responsible for procuring and distributing medical products nationwide. Its operations were further strained by the abrupt withdrawal of U.S. government funding through USAID during the Donald Trump administration. Speaking to journalists on the sidelines of a Health Products Supply Chain Management Dialogue, Health and Child Care Ministry Secretary Dr. Aspect Maunganidze pointed to low budget allocations as one…

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City of Harare Health Insurance Officially Launched

Michael Gwarisa

By Michael Gwarisa Harare health insurance has taken a major step forward with the launch of the Community Health Equity Fund (CHEF), aimed at improving access to healthcare and reducing reliance on out-of-pocket payments. The scheme, supported by the Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), ZB Financial Holdings, and Harare Municipal Medical Aid Society (HHMAS), will see residents pay a once-off registration fee of US$1 and an annual subscription fee of US$2. The pilot will run in the Southern District of Harare, beginning…

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Zimbabwe Targets Sharp Drop in Neonatal Mortality

Kuda Pembere

By Kuda Pembere The Health and Child Care Ministry is upbeat that Zimbabwe’s neonatal mortality rate will drop to 20 deaths per 1,000 live births within the next two years. Currently at 37 deaths per 1,000 live births, the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr Aspect Maunganidze, told HealthTimes on the sidelines of a Health Sector Working Group Meeting that strategies are already in place to achieve this target. Neo-natal mortality refers to the number of deaths during the first 28 completed days of life per 1000 live births. He also noted that…

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Zimbabwe Targets Local Dairy Packaging Recycling Plant with 1,000-Ton Monthly Waste Collection Goal

Kuda Pembere

By Kuda Pembere in Marondera Zimbabwe is aiming to establish a recyclable dairy packaging processing plant, a goal that will only be achievable if the country manages to collect 1,000 tons of dairy packaging waste each month. This was revealed by Dairy Processors Association of Zimbabwe (DPAZ) Secretary-General Tendai Marecha on Tuesday in Marondera, where the association launched an awareness campaign to highlight the importance of recycling dairy packaging. The campaign which began in Marondera aims to boost the collection volume and help meet the ambitious target. It will continue…

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Harare’s Expanding Sex Work Industry Amid Service Disruptions: A Public Health Time Bomb for Zimbabwe

Michael Gwarisa

By Michael Gwarisa In 2024, Theresa*, a 23-year-old from Chitungwiza, turned to sex work not by choice, but out of necessity. Zimbabwe’s faltering economy had left few opportunities for young women like her. What began as a means to survive quickly became a dangerous gamble with her health and safety. “At times, I risk and have unprotected sex,” she admits. “You either agree to it or you lose the client. The market is flooded now, and it’s survival of the fittest.” When she entered the industry, Theresa did not anticipate…

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Outcry Over Mandatory Registration Examination for Social Work Graduates

Healthtimes

By Staff Reporter The Council of Social Workers’ recent announcement introducing a mandatory registration examination for social work graduates has sparked significant backlash, particularly on social media. A Facebook post bearing the announcement attracted numerous comments, with many stakeholders expressing dissatisfaction over the communication and the policy itself. The Council declared that, starting in 2025, all prospective social work professionals holding qualifications such as the Bachelor of Science Honours Degree in Social Work, Diploma, or Postgraduate Diploma must pass a registration exam before licensing. This move aligns with the Social…

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