Category: Health News

WHO declares AstraZeneca safe

Healthtimes

THE World Health Organization (WHO) has declared that the Indian vaccine AstraZeneca safe following a public out-cry that it was causing blood coagulation disorders in persons who had received it. Staff Reporter In a statement WHO acknowledged that some countries have suspended the use of the vaccine. However, they still consider it safe as its benefits outweighs its risks. Some countries in the European Union (EU) have temporarily suspended use of the AstraZeneca COVIS-19 vaccine as a precautionary measure based on reports of rare blood coagulation disorders in persons who…

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#OPNION: Government Moves To Regulate Medical Aid Societies: This Doesn’t Sound Like A Very Brilliant Idea

Michael Gwarisa

GOVERNMENT recently announced that cabinet had deliberated and considered the submissions made on the Regulation of Medical Aid Space Societies as proposed in the Insurance and Pensions Commission Bill, which were presented by Vice President as Minister of Health and Child Care, Dr Constantino Chiwenga. By Michael Gwarisa According to information minister, Senator Monica Mutsvangwa, they had realised that since medical aid societies were not for profit enterprises and represent members’ efforts to pool funds to assist in covering health bills and expenses, it was best international practice for such…

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DZT Concerned Over Insensitive Reportage Of Disability Issues In The Media

Healthtimes

THE Deaf Zimbabwe Trust (DZT) says it is concerned with the lack of appreciation by Journalists as well as the  under-reportage of issues effecting People With Disabilities (PWDs) especially issues to do with their Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR). By Patricia Mashiri Speaking at a Disability Management Training for SRHR programme Implementers, Tinotenda Chikunya, the DZT Communications Officer challenged the media to raise awareness on SRHR issues in a disability inclusive way as well as play its part in disability friendly information dissemination. The media can be a vital…

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Restaurants Now Allowed To Open For Sit-in Customers

Michael Gwarisa

THE Zimbabwean cabinet has resolved that restaurants should now serve sit in customers  as the country eases its lockdown restrictions against COVID-19. By Michael Gwarisa In the previous announcement that was made by President Emerson Mnangagwa, restaurants had been allowed to operate but only attending to walk-in customers. However, the new relaxation gives restaurants the green light to operate as well as for the resumption of sporting activities but under strict COVID-19 prevention regulations. Briefing Cabinet, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Senator Monica Mutsvangwa said restaurants will allow sit…

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Intensify COVID-19 Prevention and Vaccination of Teachers and Pupils Health Experts Warn

Healthtimes

THE World Health Organisation (WHO) Zimbabwe representative, Dr Alex Gasasira says there is need to support schools in ensuring they adhere to set COVID-19 prevention guidelines to avoid a spike in COVID-19 cases. By Patricia Mashiri The call comes hot on the heels of  the recent reopening of schools in the midst of concerns being raised by public health experts that the country could be headed for a catastrophic third wave in the midst of new COVID-19 strains. In an interview with HealthTimes, Dr  Gasasira, said schools should be supported…

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Separating Newborns From Mothers During COVID-19 Pandemic Could-19 Result In High Infant Mortality

Healthtimes

A new research by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and partners shows that keeping mothers and their newly born babies together after birth could save more than 125,000 lives and prevent unnecessary infant mortality. By Staff Reporter The study also indicated that the prevailing COVID-19 pandemic has severely affected the quality of care given to small and sick newborns, resulting in high  infant suffering and deaths. Disruptions to essential health services during COVID-19 have severely affected the quality of care provided to some of the most vulnerable babies, and this…

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UN Bemoans Covid-19 Impact On Women

Healthtimes

THE United Nations (UN) has bemoaned the negative impact the Covid-19 world pandemic has brought on women world over. HealthTimes Reporter In a statement which opened this year’s the 65th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW65), UN said the pandemic has impacted women disproportionately. The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted women disproportionately – from loss of jobs to rise in violence against women and unpaid care work. Although women are at the front line of COVID-19 response as healthcare workers, innovators and leaders, their contributions…

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Government pleads for the increase of vaccine uptake

Healthtimes

THE Zimbabwean government has pleaded with citizens to increase the uptake of the Sinopharm vaccine as the country is banking on mass vaccination to defeat the raging Coronavirus. Staff Reporter The uptake of the first batch of the vaccination seems to be very low because of many conspiracy theories that have been awash on different social media platforms. Addressing the nation virtually, Emmerson Mnangagwa, the President of Zimbabwe said the government was investing in massive vaccination and people should turn up in their numbers to get vaccinated. Since 2020, Zimbabwe…

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Time To Challenge Gender Bias and Inequalities

Michael Gwarisa

THE Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprise Development has called on women rights advocate groups to push for active participation and involvement of more women in key decision-making positions to ensure inequalities associated with gender are addressed. By Michael Gwarisa Speaking at the Harare Spotlight Initiative consortium’s commemorations of the Women’s Day celebrations, Harare Metropolitan Provincial Development Officer in the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprise Development, Mr Ernest Chimboza said it was high time women claim their rightful position at the top table.…

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Government’s Free Dialysis Initiative Saves Kidney Patients’ Lives

Healthtimes

GOVERNMENT continues to offer  free dialysis and kidney care in the Zimbabwe’s Public Health Institutions, a move that has taken off the high cost burden associated with the procedure at a time most citizens cannot afford hospital care and stay owing to depressed incomes and lack of health insurance. By Patricia Mashiri Celebrating World International kidney day which ran under the theme: ‘Living Well With Kidney Disease,’ Dr Fabian Mashingaidze, the Gweru Provincial Hospital Medical Superintendent  said they are currently treating not less than 31 patients a week. The cost…

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