Health News |

Government should engage the doctors to avert the looming strike action

September 4, 2019 Michael Gwarisa

THE Community Working Group on Health (CWGH) executive director, Mr Itai Rusike has called on government to consider reengaging doctors who have downed tools to avoid plunging the country’s already ailing health sector into a deeper crisis. Government doctors last week gave notice that they would go on strike following their rejection of a 60% salary increase offer. Mr Rusike said there doctors demands were not ridiculous and government should engage in good faith if the situation is to be averted. The doctors want their salaries to be adjusted to…

#BREAKING: New Health Services Law To Bar Doctors From Striking

September 3, 2019 Healthtimes

GOVERNMENT has approved the principles of the the new Health Services Amendment Bill which only allows aggrieved health workers to go on strike for a few hours, a Cabinet official said on Tuesday. By Kudakwashe Pembere The legislation with principles approved by Cabinet forbids indefinite job action by health workers. During a post cabinet press briefing, Health and Child Care Minister Dr Obadiah Moyo said they will not tolerate an industrial action which at the end of the day endangers the lives of patients. The Bill will make sure that…

Fast food may contribute to teen depression, study says

September 3, 2019September 3, 2019 Healthtimes

Preteens are known for their defiant attitudes and dramatic mood swings, but over the last decade a much more disturbing characteristic has been increasing: depression. SOURCE: CNN A new study finds that one culprit may be a high fast-food, low plant–based diet. When researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham analyzed urine from a group of middle schoolers, they found high levels of sodium and low levels of potassium. High sodium, you’ve got to think of highly processed food,” said lead author Sylvie Mrug, chair of the psychology department…

There Is No Going Back This Time- Doctors

September 3, 2019 Michael Gwarisa

GOVERNMENT doctors who downed tools today (September 3 2019) citing incapacitation as a result of the prevailing economic woes, have vowed to dig in until their demands are met. By Michael Gwarisa In an interview with HealthTimes, Zimbabwe Hospital Doctors Association (ZHDA) acting president Dr Peter Magombeyi said they will not be forced into submission by any tricks and negotiations need to be impartial and sincere. It’s incapacitation and not a strike and yes the doctors have heeded the call to withhold their services and not to report for work.…

UZ College Of Health Sciences To Teach Emergency Medicine

September 3, 2019September 3, 2019 Healthtimes

THE University Of Zimbabwe College Of Health Sciences says it will soon incorporate emergency medicine into its curriculum. By Kudakwashe Pembere Emergency medicine, also known as accident and emergency medicine, is the medical specialty concerned with the care of illnesses or injuries requiring immediate medical attention. Emergency physicians care for unscheduled and undifferentiated patients of all ages. With this discipline gaining traction across the world while Zimbabwe is catching up, indications were that they would have loved to do have emergency medicine next year. The UZCHS dean Professor Rangarirai Masanganise…

WHO Updates Contraceptive Eligibility For Women At High Risk of HIV

September 3, 2019 Michael Gwarisa

WHO has changed its recommendations for progestogen-only injectables and intrauterine devices (IUDs) for women at high risk of HIV from a Category 2 to a Category 1. Additional clarifications are provided for the IUD recommendation. These recommendations stem from a meeting of the Guideline Development Group at which a wide range of stakeholders were represented including experts in family planning and HIV, representatives from affected populations, clinicians, epidemiologists, researchers, programme managers, policy-makers and guideline methodologists. The Group reviewed evidence on hormonal contraception and HIV acquisition published since the previous review…

The End Fund To Lead NTDs Conversation At WEF 2019

September 2, 2019 Michael Gwarisa

THE END Fund CEO and WEF Africa Co-Chair, Ellen Agler will host a multisectoral discussion themed “Ending Neglected Diseases to Enable Africa’s Prosperity” on how ending neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) can contribute to fulfilling Africa’s growth potential and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By Michael Gwarisa The END Fund is one of the leading global organizations dedicated to ending NTDs on the African continent. Ms. Agler will be joined by Dr. Mwele Malecela, Director of Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases at the WHO, Carl Manlan, Chief Operating Officer of…

Diabetes Prevalence Rises In Zim

September 2, 2019 Healthtimes

ZIMBABWE’S latest diabetes prevalence rate currently stands at 10%, which is a 5% increase from the 2015 figures a health expert has said. By Kuda Pembere In an interview with HealthTimes, Harare based podiatrist who specialists in diabetes Diana Chapoterera Bulle said this year the prevalence of diabetes could have risen to 10 percent. “I would estimate the prevalence of diabetes as of June this year to be around 10 percent. The reason is largely the lifestyles we have. We don’t have a culture of exercising and the type of food…

Zim Food Peddlers Frying Chicken In Transformer Oil- ZESA

September 2, 2019 Michael Gwarisa

THE Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA) Group Public Relations Manager, Mr Fullard Gwasira has warned citizens against buying food in backyard kitchens amidst indications that the operators of such facilities were using transformer oil to fry food. By Michael Gwarisa Mr Gwasira said the transformer oil looks more or less like cooking oil and it was difficult to tell the difference hence the abuse by food peddlers. He however warned that the oils contain harmful toxins which may lead to cancers and other health complications. Why thieves steal transformer oil:…

An HIV Free Generation Is Still Possible For Zimbabwe- Gvt

September 2, 2019 Michael Gwarisa

ZIMBABWE is still committed to realising an HIV free generation through the scaling of HIV prevention services through all populations, a Ministry of Health and Child (MoHCC) official has said. By Michael Gwarisa Speaking recently, Director in the HIV and Tuberculosis (TB) Unit, Dr Owen Mgurungi said it was critical to have better options in the management and treatment of HIV in children so as to minimise the risk of developing We want to make sure that we build capacity in this country for management of pediatric HIV and specifically…