Category: Health News

Roll Out Targeted COVID-19 Vaccine Campaign, ZADHR Advises Gvt

Michael Gwarisa

THE Zimbabwe Association of Doctors for Human Rights (ZADHR) has called for a coordinated and organised roll out of the COVID-19 vaccine campaign with an initial focus on high risk and vulnerable groups. By Michael Gwarisa Speaking through its 19th COVID-19 Monitoring and Advocacy Report, ZADHR said roll out of the vaccine should nit be rushed and the safety of citizens should be prioritized above all. The ZADHR proposes that government rolls out a targeted vaccination campaign which initially prioritizes high risk groups and the vulnerable. Furthermore, a new policy…

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Eswatini Prime Minister dies after contracting COVID-19

Healthtimes

Eswatini Prime Minister, Ambrose Mandvulo Dlamini has died after contracting COVID-19. Dlamini became infected four weeks ago and was brought to a hospital in South Africa. He had announced on November 16 that he had tested positive but that he felt well and was asymptomatic. After being moved to South Africa, his deputy, Themba Masuku said he was “stable” and “responding well to treatment”. The 52-year-old had been Prime Minister since November 2018. Prior to that, he was the CEO of MTN Eswatini and worked in the banking sector for almost two…

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Zimbabwe’s Antimicrobial Resistance threat to grow if not tackled in a holistic manner

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AMR

Harare, Zimbabwe –There is growing evidence of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in Zimbabwe. A study conducted by local epidemiologists following the 2018 cholera outbreak concluded that there had been high incidences of drug resistance which made it difficult to contain the disease using the usual antibiotics. The latter, has been a result of Zimbabweans abusing antibiotics due to unregulated consumption and not completing the full course when prescribed by the doctors. By Tatenda Chimbwanda Therefore, Zimbabweans need to stop misusing antibiotics and adhere to the full course of treatment when prescribed…

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“We Cant Be A Country Of Merchants, We Need To Start Manufacturing Own Medicines” Prof Murwira

Michael Gwarisa

ZIMBABWE should move from being the sole importer and consumer of imported medicines if it is to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC) for all, acting Health and Child Care Minister, Professor Amon Murwira has said. By Michael Gwarisa Zimbabwe currently imports about 90 percent of its drugs and medical equipment with majority of the medications coming through from development partners and donors such as  UNDP, UNICEF, USAID, UNFPA and others. In 2019, drugs and medical commodities that passed through NatPharm from development partners  was worth over US$130 million. Officiating at…

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Time For Citizens To Demand Accountability To Ensure Attainment of Universal Health Coverage

Healthtimes

THE 12 of December is the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Day which is celebrated worldwide. Combined with the closing of another year, this is a time to take stock of how far we have gone in reaching the UHC goals in Zimbabwe. By Edinah Masiyiwa According to the World Health Organisation UHC means that everyone who requires health care should get it and that people should afford the health care. This year’s UCH theme is “Health For All: Protect everyone.” We have a long way to go until we reach…

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Higherlife Foundation Donates Maternal Health Equipment To Seven Zim Hospitals

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THE Higherlife Foundation,  through a generous investment from ELMA Philanthropies has commenced the handover and distribution of maternal health medical equipment to seven hospital in Zimbabwe. Staff Reporter According to Higherlife Foundation, the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the provision of essential maternal and neonatal health services and severely eroded the steady gains that Zimbabwe had made in improving mortality rates. Over the next year, without intervention, maternal and neonatal mortality rates could increase by 48% and 30% respectively. When we heard about the state of our maternity wards, we knew…

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Ms. Maria Ribeiro, UN Resident Coordinator for Zimbabwe Message on Human Rights Day: “Recover Better: Stand Up for Human Rights”

Healthtimes

Today marks the 72nd anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights the global roadmap for protecting the social, economic, political and cultural rights of every individual. 2020 has been a difficult year for the world, and for Zimbabwe. The devastating impacts of     COVID-19 pandemic have been felt by every country. That is why the theme for this year is: “Recover Better: Stand Up for Human Rights. It focuses on the need to build back better by using human rights and the Universal Declaration for Human Rights as the roadmap…

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Forcing Nurses To Apologise Is Illegal and Unjust Says ZINA

Michael Gwarisa

THE Zimbabwe Nurses Association (ZINA) president, Enock Dongo  recent actions by government and the ministry of health and child care of forcibly coercing nurses into submission and apologising for demanding a better life was illegal and unwelcome. By Michael Gwarisa In a Press Statement, Dongo said government had proved beyond reasonable doubt that they are above law and can break the law intentionally as long as it is in government’s favor. As ZINA we have been left dismayed by the attitude shown by the government of Zimbabwe towards nurses. The…

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WHO Reveals Leading Causes Of Death And Disability Worldwide: 2000-2019

Healthtimes

NONCOMMUNICABLE Diseases (NCDs) now make up seven of the world’s top 10 causes of death, according to WHO’s 2019 Global Health Estimates, published today. This is an increase from 4 of the 10 leading causes in 2000. The new data cover the period from 2000 to 2019 inclusive. Staff Reporter The estimates reveal trends over the last 2 decades in mortality and morbidity caused by diseases and injuries. They clearly highlight the need for an intensified global focus on preventing and treating cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes and chronic respiratory diseases,…

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Drug Resistant Gonorrhea Stalks Zimbabwe- NAC

Michael Gwarisa

A rare type of Gonorrhea  which is most prevalent in South Africa has found its way into  Zimbabwe  at the back increased cross boarder activity and inter country travel by Zimbabweans, a top National Aids Council (NAC) official has said. By Michael Gwarisa Speaking during an Elimination of Mother to Child Transmission of HIV (EMTC) workshop in Harare, NAC’s District Aids Coordinator (DAC) for Harare, Mrs Agnes Dembedza said even though Zimbabweans was doing well in terms of managing HIV infections, more Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) were still being recorded.…

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