Category: Health News

Suspend Sale of Captured Live Wildlife in Food Markets Warns WHO and Partners

Michael Gwarisa

THE World Health Organisation (WHO), the Food and Agricultural organization (FAO) and the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) have issued a statement condemning the sale of live wild mammals as well as the slaughtering of sickly wild animals as a means to prevent the spread of new SARS-CoV-2 variants between humans and wild animals. By Michael Gwarisa The call follows indications that certain wildlife species have been observed to be infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus in some parts of the world.  These species include domestic animals, free-ranging, captive or…

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How Media and Journalists Indirectly Promote Suicide

Michael Gwarisa

MEDIA play a critical role in society and without them, the world would suffer from information deficiency. The four functions of media are to inform, persuade, transmit culture, and entertain. It requires only responsible media to have that hazard perception skill or that fifth sense that tells them beforehand the implications their message could have on individuals and society and large. By Michael Gwarisa In the wrong hands, media can be dangerous and lethal, hence the old adage, “The pen is mightier than the sword.” Media reportage of mental health…

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Ministry of Health To Set Up Ambulance Services Directorate

Michael Gwarisa

THE Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC), has hinted on plans to establish a directory of ambulances that will see services being expanded to other hard to reach jurisdictions in a bid to strengthen the health sector’s emergency response capacity By Michael Gwarisa Briefing delegates during a donation of eight ambulances from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Health and Childcare Deputy Minister, Dr John Mangwiro said the directory will encompass both air and surface ambulance services. My ministry is in the process of restructuring and subsequently, there is…

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“Handisi Mu Departure Lounge!” Pioneer Of HIV/AIDS Anti-Discrimination Campaign Still Going Strong

Michael Gwarisa

SOME of you might still remember back in the day, around 2004 when a man, Pastor Reki Jimu would appear on a Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) Television sponsored program Positive Talk saying these words, “Handisi Mu Depature Lounge, ndiri kurarama ndiri HIV positive,” loosely translated, I am not in the departure lounge, I am just someone living positively with HIV. Those were the days AIDS claimed lives and accounted for majority of deaths in the country. There was no antiretroviral therapy (ART) back them. By Michael Gwarisa It is possible…

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Rescued From Drug Abuse and Dangerous Habits: Teenage Boy Pays Tribute To Chitungwiza Trust

Michael Gwarisa

AFTER completing his Ordinary ‘O’ Level studies in rural Chiweshe, Mitchele Nyanhi (19) was faced with the harsh realities of life as he could not secure any form of employment. Since both his parents are not gainfully employed, there was no one to take up the responsibility of sending him to any form of training so that he could either secure a job or start his own self-help project. By Michael Gwarisa With no employment prospects on the horizon, Mitchele found himself taking up Chikorokoza or artisanal mining where he…

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Delta Corporation Donates Physiotherapy Equipment To Sally Mugabe Hospital

Michael Gwarisa

SALLY Mugabe Central Hospital has received physiotherapy department valued at USD$50,000 with the aim of enhancing services for patients with mobility challenges. By Michael Gwarisa In his acceptance speech, Sally Mugabe Hospital Chief Executive Officer, Dr Christopher Pasi said,“We are extremely grateful because the donation directly impacts our department. Just briefly, the main objective of our department is to help our patients achieve the maximum possible level of functional independence in every aspect of their lives including return to work or school and an improved quality of life. “We cater…

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Shot In The Arm for Zimbabwe’s Healthcare Sector

Michael Gwarisa

THE Ministry of Health and Care (MoHCC) has received a donation of medical equipment from the United Kingdom (UK) government and Northern Ireland and the United Nations (UN) donor agencies, through support from the Japanese government that will improve the management of COVID-19 as well as maternal healthcare services in the country’s healthcare system.  Michael Gwarisa Through the US$1.3 million that was mobilized the by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) from the Government of Japan, the MoHCC received eight ambulances, anaesthetic machines, operating tables, delivery tables, ICU beds, infusion…

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Ukraian’s Medicinal Oxygen Supplies Hits Record Low…Stocks May Run Out Within 24 Hours

Michael Gwarisa

THE deteriorating political situation in Ukraine following Russia’s invasion last week has led to massive depletion of Oxygen stocks, raising fears of a health catastrophe in the midst of the prevailing war. By Michael Gwarisa In a joint statement, World Health Organisation (WHO) Director General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and WHO Regional Director for Europe,  Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge called for restoration of critical medical supplies to safely reach those who need them, and are working with partners to establish safe transit for shipments through Poland. The oxygen supply…

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Exploring Depression and Mental Health In The Arts Sector

Michael Gwarisa

Information presented in this article may be triggering to some people. If you are having suicidal thoughts, please contact The Friendship Bench on +263 78 484 5294, S.A.L.T Africa, +263 773 107 7781, For Youths By Youths, Harare & Mash West 263775462468 +263773238941, Ruwa Rehabilitation Centre +263273790238 HAVE you ever come across artwork or literature of the sad clown? The sad clown is one of the most well-known paintings out there and is a paradox that tries to bring out the hidden emotional trauma and sadness that is associated with…

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Health CSOs Consortium Sets New Priorities for COP22 PEPFAR funding cycle

Healthtimes

IN the Country Operational Plan for the year 2022 (COP22), Zimbabwe’s health civil society organisations under the Advocacy Core Team (ACT) banner are embedding new health advocacy points which now qualify for funding by the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). By Staff Reporter Health civil societies came up with health priorities they felt left out in the previous funding cycles by PEPFAR, some of which after relaxation of range of priorities, now qualify. Speaking to this publication on the sidelines of the COP22 CSO priorities setting meeting last…

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