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#COVID-19: How Organizations can Restore Confidence in Employees Through Health Benefits

May 7, 2020 Healthtimes

IN light of the coronavirus pandemic, it has become even more critical for organizations to properly manage the impact of a disaster, whether it is a cyberattack, earthquake or a medical pandemic by protecting their employees. This will equip workers with the right knowledge and tools required to navigate difficult tides; particularly those faced with any challenges related to health and wellness. By Risha Isaac, Associate Consultant: Health Benefits, Mercer So far, the world has recorded 3,838,312 cases, 1,308,672 recoveries and 265,374 deaths as of 10:53 GMT, May 7 2020.…

Decentralize Third line ART Drugs Collection During Lockddown -Rights group

May 7, 2020May 7, 2020 Healthtimes

MINISTRY of Health and Child Welfare (MOHCC) should consider decentralizing the third line regimen of Anti Retroviral Therapy (ART) to avoid increase on defaulter rate, an HIV/AIDS rights group said. HealthTimes Reporter Currenlty, the third line drug collection services are being offered at Parirenyatwa in Harare and United Bulawayo Hospital (UBH). Third line therapy, sometimes called salvage or rescue therapy, is a treatment regiments for people who have few or limited anti drug options. This includes people who have failed are least two previous anti HIV regiments or people with…

#BREAKING: US Gvt Approves US$230 Mln To Fight HIV In Zimbabwe

May 7, 2020 Healthtimes

THE United States has approved more than $230 million to support the fight against HIV in Zimbabwe and achieve epidemic control through a comprehensive package of prevention, treatment and support services. Ambassador Brian A. Nichols made the announcement on April 30 following the approval of the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) Country Operational Plan for 2020 (COP 2020). The $230,373,521 plan, which would begin on October 1, 2020 and run through September 30, 2021, is now awaiting approval by U.S. Congress. This commitment represents a significant increase…

#COVID-19: Zim Cargo Truck Drivers Demand Risk Allowance and Health Insurance From Gvt

May 6, 2020May 6, 2020 Michael Gwarisa

THE National Union of Transport Workers of Zimbabwe (NUTWZ) has written to government demanding payment of risk allowances and the setting up of a special health insurance arrangement for truck drivers ferrying cargo to and from Zimbabwe during the COVID-19 induced national Lockdown period. By Michael Gwarisa In a letter addressed to the The Chairperson Covid19 Taskforce in the Office Of The President and Cabinet, NUTWZ, Mr N Gwande said even though the union appreciates the unenviable work being done by the taskforce to manage the covid19 virus, there was…

#JUSTIN: Gvt Appoints New NAC Board

May 6, 2020May 6, 2020 Michael Gwarisa

MINISTER of Health and Child Care (MoHCC), Dr Obadiah Moyo has appointed an eight member board for the National Aids Council (NAC). By Michael Gwarisa The previous NAC board was terminated in March of 2019, barely a year after it was appointed owing to numerous irregularities and concerns by stakeholders on appointment of the board, which was deemed improper and not appointed according to procedure. The new board will be chaired by Mrs Margaret Mehlomakhulu and she will be deputised by Mr Phillip Francis Moses. Matthew Mare comes in ion…

Japan Donates USD15, 3 Million To Zim

May 5, 2020 Healthtimes

THE Japanese Government has donated USD15, 3 million to Zimbabwe’s drought and flood affected communities. By Kudakwashe Pembere This comes as Zimbabwe enters winter while reeling from hunger. “Japan announces US$ 15, 3 million assistance package for drought- and flood-affected communities in Zimbabwe. This package will be accessed by Zimbabweans through United Nations Agencies. “The Government of Japan has mobilized a total of more than US$ 15.3 million in emergency funding to assist the most vulnerable people severely affected by drought and floods in Zimbabwe through UN agencies, namely the…

ActionAid Calls For Transparency On COVID-19 Donations

May 5, 2020 Healthtimes

ACTIONAID Zimbabwe (AAZ) has implored the Government of Zimbabwe (GoZ) to ensure that COVID-19 resources are allocated and utilized in a transparent and accountable manner. Through their microblogging site, ActionAid said it was critical to include civil society and other non-state actors in the COVID-19 taskforce in order to promote transparency, accountability, inclusivity, and diversity in the process. AAZ acknowledges the actions being taken, including the resources that have been mobilized and set aside by the government, to stop and mitigate the spread of the deadly coronavirus pandemic. In response…

Gvt Criticised For Dumping COVID-19 Expenses On Citizens

May 4, 2020 Michael Gwarisa

THE Community Working Group on Health (CWGH) has taken a swipe at government for imposing mandatory testing and wearing of face masks for citizens and employees without putting in place measures to ensure the services are available to citizens at subsidized rates or no cost at all. By Michael Gwarisa A survey conducted by HealthTimes indicates that a COVID-19 test at a private health facility is within the range of US$25 and US$50 per worker whereas in some instances, some facilities are charging between US$60 and US$70 per employee. According…

Deforestation, Pollution Drive Zim’s Medicinal Herbs Into Near Extinction

May 3, 2020May 3, 2020 Michael Gwarisa

EXTRACTION of medicines from the natural vegetation for both traditional and scientific medical purposes is under threat owing to uncontrolled deforestation and environmental pollution by industries, a top traditional healer has said. By Michael Gwarisa Speaking in an interview with HealthTimes, Mr Friday Chishanyu, the president for the Zimbabwe National Practitioners Association (ZINPA), an organisation which represents traditional healers including herbalists said unlike in the old days, they now have to travel long distances in search of herbs owing to deforestation and the effects of climate change. We now have…

Zim COVID-19 Funds Looted

May 3, 2020May 3, 2020 Michael Gwarisa

GOVERNMENT has raised alarm over the looting of funds meant for combating the COVID-19 disease in the country by government ministries and departments under the guise of domestic allowances. By Michael Gwarisa In a letter addressed to various departments and ministries, Finance and economic development ministry permanent secretary, George Guvamatanga said there has been an increase in payment runs requesting for processing of domestic allowances narrated as COVID-19 payments during the lockdown period. As you are aware, the pronouncement of the lockdown through statutory Instrument 81 and 82 clearly called…