Category: Health News

All Set For Southern African Regional Students and Youth Conference

Michael Gwarisa

By Michael Gwarisa An estimated 250 delegates are set to grace the fifth edition of the Southern African Regional Students and Youth Conference (SARSYC) that will run from July 17-19, 2024 in Gaborone, Botswana. The conference will attract speakers from diverse young people groups as well as experienced public health experts, development partners and government officials. In an interview with HealthTimes ahead of the conference,  Jimmy Wilford, the Conference Convener and SAYWAHT Executive Director said it was all systems go the annual conference. We are prepared, we have a dedicated…

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Cooking Oil linked to rise in Lipoid Pneumonia in Zimbabwean Babies

Michael Gwarisa

By Michael Gwarisa Zimbabwe’s renowned Cardiothoratic surgeon, Dr Wilfred Muteweye has raised alarm over the growing number of babies developing Lipoid pneumonia, HealthTimes has learnt. Lipoid pneumonia is an inflammatory lung condition caused by aspiration of oils. In Zimbabwe, however, parents administer or give their infants cooking oil as a home remedy to help with colic pain relief and colds. Speaking to this publication in an Interview, Dr Muteweye said the damage caused by cooking oil and at times anointing oil is difficult to treat. Lipoid pneumonia has been noted…

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Treasury raises US$8million from sugar tax

Kuda Pembere

By Kuda Pembere Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Finance says it has raised US$8 million from the sugar tax regime that was introduced in 2024 National Budget presented as the country intensifies efforts to fund healthcare through home-grown initiatives. The money raised is set to be channeled towards cancer treatment. This was revealed by the Health and Child Care Minister Dr Douglas Mombeshora during the Health Development Partners Coordination Forum Meeting on Friday. There is an issue of sugar tax which I should mention now because yesterday (Thursday) I had also challenged…

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STIs Time-Bomb for Zimbabwe: Majority of STI carriers are asymptomatic and undiagnosed

Michael Gwarisa

By Michael Gwarisa The burden of Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STIs) in Zimbabwe has been increasing over the past few years amidst indications that the majority of infected persons do not show any symptoms and could be spreading the STIs unknowingly. According to official data from the Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC), the number of STIs recorded annually has been on the increase since 2018, and majority of cases are being recorded in women. The National Coordinator STI Prevention and Condom Distribution in the Ministry of Health and Child…

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Tampons Contain Cancer-Causing Metals- Study

Healthtimes

By Staff Reporter Women who use Tampons to manage their menstrual cycles are exposed to a greater risk of developing cancer of the reproductive system owing to the presence of heavy toxic metals in the menstrual products. Over 100 million women in over 120 countries Zimbabwe included, use tampons during their menstrual cycle. Most tampons are made from cotton and rayon, both of which are made from plants that may be exposed to heavy metal contamination in the soil. However, a new study conducted by researchers at the UC Berkeley…

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Zim elected into the World Health Assembly Executive board

Kuda Pembere

By Kudakwashe Pembere Zimbabwe has been elected into the World Health Assembly’s (WHA) Executive Board, under a three year term running from 2024 up to 2026. This was revealed by the Health and Child Care Minister Dr Douglas Mombeshora addressing the second Health development partners coordination forum meeting. I’m excited to inform you that Zimbabwe was elected into the Executive Board of the World Health Assembly. I encourage you to engage us on any issues you feel should be discussed in the Executive Board,” said Dr Mombeshora.  He added that…

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Zimbabwe Adolescent Health and Well-being Symposium becomes of age

Michael Gwarisa

By Michael Gwarisa Adolescents and young people from various parts of Zimbabwe convened at Manna Safari Lodge in Harare to deliberate on various issues of young people’s health and well-being. Some of the key topics that were covered include improving access to adolescent-friendly health services, addressing mental health and wellbeing, promoting sexual and reproductive health education and supporting adolescent empowerment and development The event was co-created and co-convened by Young People, the Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC), and My Age Zimbabwe with support from UNESCO Zimbabwe, SRHR Africa…

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Harare City Introduces Health Insurance

Kuda Pembere

By Kudakwashe Pembere A community health insurance scheme covering several health services for Harare City’s citizens should be operational before the month ends, HealthTimes has learned. In an interview with the Harare Municipality Health Services Manager Mr Richard Chigerwe, he said the scheme was different from the Harare Municipality Medical Aid which covers their employees. He said residents will have to pay a monthly subscription of US$2 to access various healthcare services under the scheme named “Utano Wedu”. Harare Municipal Medical aid is a closed medical aid for City Council…

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The Burden Of Unpaid Care Work On The Mental Health Of Low-earning Women in Zimbabwe

Michael Gwarisa

By Michael Gwarisa Every morning, Felistas Makombe (32), from Ruwa has to wake up early and leave for work around 5:00 Am. She works as a cleaner in one of the leading cleaning companies in Zimbabwe. She has to take the earliest bus into town to ensure she gets to work on time and starts cleaning before offices open. With the ongoing road rehabilitation projects in Harare, most roads have been closed and motorists have to either make plans to leave work early or find alternative routes on time lest…

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“Illuminating a Path to Sustainable Healthcare: Why Zimbabwe’s Clinics and Hospitals Need Frecon Solar’s 50kW Solar System”

Healthtimes

By Staff Reporter Zimbabwe’s healthcare sector faces numerous challenges, but one crucial aspect often overlooked is reliable energy access. Power outages and erratic electricity supply can have devastating consequences, including loss of life, equipment damage, and compromised care. However, there is a solution – Frecon Solar’s cutting-edge 50kW solar system. This innovative technology offers: – Reliable energy supply, ensuring uninterrupted healthcare services – Reduced energy costs, freeing up resources for critical medical needs – Increased energy independence, minimizing reliance on grid power – Environmental sustainability, aligning with global renewable energy…

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