Category: Health News

The National Security Risk of Relying on Foreign Funding for HIV Programs

Michael Gwarisa

By Michael Gwarisa The global landscape of humanitarian aid has been increasingly uncertain, particularly in the wake of political changes in key donor countries. A recent example is the shift in U.S. foreign aid policy under President Donald Trump, who signed multiple executive orders that limited funding to international health programs, including HIV/AIDS. These moves have left many countries, especially those in sub-Saharan Africa, scrambling to find alternatives to ensure the continuation of vital healthcare services. Zimbabwe, like many of its neighbors, has found itself in a precarious position, dependent…

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All Set For 2025 Health Tech Connect Conference

Michael Gwarisa

By Staff Reporter  The 2025 Health Tech Connect Conference, scheduled for February 27-28, is set to attract stakeholders from across the medical and technology industries. Hosted by the Entrepreneurs Network of Zimbabwe (ENZ), the event comes at a time when Zimbabwe is accelerating its adoption of digital health services, including e-learning, telemedicine, and the electronic health records system, Impilo. ENZ CEO Gillian Rusike emphasized the importance of the conference, stating, “We are at a turning point where technology is no longer an option but a necessity in the medical field.…

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Zimbabwe Launches Health Insurance Proficiency Program to Elevate Industry Standards

Michael Gwarisa

By Michael Gwarisa In an effort to enhance efficiency and professionalism within the health insurance and medical aid sectors, the Association of Healthcare Funders of Zimbabwe (AHFoZ) has launched a Certificate of Proficiency in Health Insurance in collaboration with the Insurance Institute of Zimbabwe (IIZ). Speaking at the launch event, AHFoZ Board Chairman Stanford Sisya described the partnership as a milestone in the evolution of Zimbabwe’s medical aid industry. The Certificate of Proficiency is not just another qualification; it is a transformative learning initiative designed to address the unique challenges…

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Fund your own healthcare US Embassy tells Zimbabwe

Kuda Pembere

By Staff Reporter The U.S. Embassy in Zimbabwe has urged the Zimbabwean government to take responsibility for its citizens’ healthcare. On Tuesday, the Trump administration issued a waiver allowing the continuation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) and other medical services under the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). However, according to the U.S. Embassy, other programs remain on hold. With the specifics of the waiver unclear, Zimbabweans fear it could undermine progress in the fight against HIV, including the country’s achievement of the 95-95-95 targets. The U.S. Embassy stated that…

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Antibiotic Resistance is Here. Millions of People are Dying

Healthtimes

Reporters:  Aline Suárez del Real,  Edna Namara, Evidence Chenjerai,  Gabriela Meléndez-Rivera,  Lucila Pellettieri,  Odonchimeg Batsukh,  Sunita Neupane For years, Radha Lama bought antibiotics in bulk at a clinic near her home in Kathmandu, Nepal. She took the pills whenever she had a stomachache or headache, without talking to a doctor or nurse, says her daughter Pratikchya Lama. Now, at 57 years old, Radha Lama is on a ventilator in the intensive care unit of Nepal’s Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital. She hasn’t been able to breathe on her own since August…

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United States Permits Distribution of H.I.V. Medications to Resume For Now

Healthtimes

The Trump administration on Tuesday issued a waiver for lifesaving medicines and medical services, offering a reprieve for a worldwide H.I.V. treatment program that was halted last week. The waiver, announced by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, seemed to allow for the distribution of H.I.V. medications, but whether the waiver extended to preventive drugs or other services offered by the program, the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, was not immediately clear. Still, PEPFAR’s future remains in jeopardy, with potential consequences for more than 20 million people — including 500,000…

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Panic Grips Zimbabwe’s HIV Community as Trump Pauses Pepfar Funding

Michael Gwarisa

By Michael Gwarisa  A leaked internal memo obtained by the New York Times has revealed plans by the US State department to temporarily halt nearly all current foreign funding including that of Pepfar, a program that supplies most of the treatment for H.I.V. in Africa and developing countries worldwide. The action stems from President Donald Trump’s executive order on foreign aid, which directs all government divisions with foreign development assistance programs to stop disbursing funds to countries and organizations until they can be reviewed. Pepfar is estimated to have delivered…

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Amref CEO Warns US Withdrawal from WHO Could Leave Africa Exposed to Health Crises

Michael Gwarisa

By Michael Gwarisa Amref Health Africa Group CEO, Dr. Githinji Gitahi, has raised concerns over the decision by U.S. President Donald Trump to halt funding for the World Health Organization (WHO). Dr. Gitahi warns that the move could severely impact global health initiatives, leaving Africa particularly exposed. President Trump justified the U.S. withdrawal by criticizing WHO’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and other global health crises. As part of the decision, the U.S. plans to cease all financial contributions and formally exit WHO within 12 months. The United States has…

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Zim Ambassador To Zambia Extols Texila’s Health Education Initiatives

Michael Gwarisa

By Health Reporter  The Zimbabwean Ambassador to Zambia, Mrs. Charity Charamba, recently hosted the Founder and President of Texila American University (TAU), Mr. Saju Bhaskar, at the Zimbabwean Embassy in Lusaka. Accompanied by the TAU Zambia Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ajay Poddar, Mr. Bhaskar paid a courtesy call to the ambassador during his visit to Zambia from India. Ambassador Charamba commended Mr. Bhaskar for his significant investment in medical education, describing Texila’s facilities as impressive and highly conducive to learning. She further praised the university’s dedication to providing quality education, particularly…

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They Earn More Money, But Some Migrant Health Workers Say It’s Not Worth It

Healthtimes

By Gamuchirai Masiyiwa, GPJ Zimbabwe HARARE, ZIMBABWE — When Tanya moved to Ireland for care work in 2022, she was certain of three things: Her family would join her soon. Her husband would find work. And her children would attend a good school. Initially, her move was smooth. Visas and permits were no problem. But once in Ireland, reality proved harsh for Tanya, a Zimbabwean who asked Global Press Journal to use her middle name for fear of jeopardizing her visa status. The country’s visa restrictions for the general employment…

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