Health News |

The Tobacco Tax Dilemma: Can Governments Protect Both Health and Revenue?

October 29, 2025 Healthtimes

By Munyaradzi Blessing Doma Several governments find themselves in a conundrum. On one hand, they depend on tobacco tax revenues to fund public programs and services, while on the other, they aim to reduce the health risks associated with tobacco consumption. This dilemma is particularly evident in countries with significant tobacco industries. In Zimbabwe, for example, the country recorded an all-time high output of 355 million kilograms of tobacco this year, earning close to US$1.2 billion in revenue. The tobacco industry contributes significantly to Zimbabwe’s economy, accounting for about 10…

Minister Mombeshora Commends TB Progress, Calls for Innovation and Local Funding

October 29, 2025October 29, 2025 Kuda Pembere

By Kuda Pembere With several donors pulling out of tuberculosis (TB) programs, Zimbabwe’s dwindling funding base has renewed calls for sustainable domestic financing to keep the disease under control. Officiating the three-day National TB Conference in Harare, Minister of Health and Child Care Dr. Douglas Mombeshora commended healthcare workers for their efforts in helping Zimbabwe exit the World Health Organization (WHO) list of the top 30 high-burden TB countries. “We meet at a moment when we can reflect with confidence on how far we have come. In 2021, Zimbabwe reached…

UNICEF Zimbabwe and Wild Horizons Partner to Build Climate-Resilient Schools in Victoria Falls

October 29, 2025 Kuda Pembere

Victoria Falls, 29th October 2025 — UNICEF Zimbabwe and Wild Horizons have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to implement climate-resilient solutions in schools near Victoria Falls. The collaboration will bring clean water, renewable energy, and climate-smart infrastructure to children, teachers, and surrounding communities. “This partnership is a powerful example of how business and development can come together to create sustainable solutions for children and their communities. By combining UNICEF’s child-focused programming with Wild Horizons’ commitment to protecting the environment and empowering communities, we are building models of climate resilience…

NSSA Partners Tshiamiso Trust to Support Ex-Mineworkers Affected by Silicosis and TB

October 29, 2025 Kuda Pembere

By Kuda Pembere Zimbabwe has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Tshiamiso Trust to pave the way for the compensation of former mineworkers in South African mines who suffered permanent lung damage due to silicosis and those who contracted work-related tuberculosis (TB). The MoU formalises cooperation between the Government of Zimbabwe, through the National Social Security Authority (NSSA), and Tshiamiso Trust to ensure access to compensation for eligible former mineworkers and their dependents. Following a competitive Request for Proposals (RFP) process, Baines Occupational Health Services was appointed in November…

Zimbabwe urged to adopt legal framework against counterfeit medicines

October 29, 2025 Kuda Pembere

By Kudakwashe Pembere At a time when Zimbabwe lacks legal frameworks to address the sale and distribution of falsified and substandard medicines, the country remains at a disadvantage in fighting this growing problem. This was said by Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) board member Nancy Samuriwo during the Authority’s 7th annual general meeting held last Friday. Her remarks followed those of MCAZ Director General Richard Rukwata, who highlighted that the Authority is working with the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) to curb the distribution of counterfeit medicines. Rukwata also noted…

DNA reveals the real killers that brought down Napoleon’s army

October 28, 2025 Healthtimes

By Linda Gedde Napoleon’s march on Moscow remains one of history’s most catastrophic military retreats. As his army withdrew, tens of thousands perished. But what killed them? There was hunger and cold, but also a mysterious illness that was long thought to be typhus. Now, more than two centuries later, DNA from the soldiers’ teeth is rewriting that history, suggesting the answer instead could be bacteria that cause enteric and relapsing fevers. “It’s very exciting to use a technology we have today, to detect and diagnose something that was buried for…

Zambia launches malaria vaccine to protect over half a million children

October 28, 2025 Michael Gwarisa

Lusaka – The Government of the Republic of Zambia, through the Ministry of Health, today officially launched the malaria vaccine (R21/Matrix-M) as part of its Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI), marking a historic milestone in the country’s fight against malaria. Over 500 000 children aged 6‒8 months will be vaccinated in the months following the launch. Malaria remains one of Zambia’s leading causes of illness and death, particularly among children under five years of age. In 2023 alone, malaria incidence among this age group rose to 523 cases per 1000 population, according to the…

Old Mutual Refurbishes Doctors’ Call Rooms at Sally Mugabe Pediatric Hospital

October 28, 2025October 28, 2025 Kuda Pembere

By Kuda Pembere Zimbabwe’s leading financial services provider, Old Mutual, has handed over refurbished call rooms for medical doctors at Sally Mugabe Pediatric Hospital. The call rooms provide a resting area for resident doctors on call, helping to reduce burnout and fatigue while promoting mental well-being. “Too often, when we think about hospitals, our focus is rightly on the patients, their care, comfort, and recovery. But sometimes, in that noble focus, we overlook the needs of those who make that healing possible, our doctors and healthcare teams who work tirelessly,…

Two Children Die, 14 Others Critically Ill After Suspected Food Poisoning in Mashava

October 28, 2025 Michael Gwarisa

By Michael Gwarisa Two children have died while 14 others, including seven adults and four children, are battling for their lives following a suspected case of food poisoning in Mashava, Masvingo Province. According to a statement released by the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), the victims reportedly fell ill after eating food and drinking mahewu during a traditional beer ceremony held on October 27, 2025. The deceased minors were aged three and seven. The Zimbabwe Republic Police is investigating a sad incident where two children died while 14 others, who include…

The Slap That Sparked Malaria Awareness Among Makonde Artisanal Miners

October 28, 2025October 28, 2025 Kuda Pembere

By Kuda Pembere in Makonde By the banks of the Angwa River in Makonde District, James, an artisanal miner, vividly recalls the night his friend slapped him across the face. That slap, meant to kill a mosquito, set off a chain of events that ended up saving his life. In May 2025, James and his friend Jeremiah were digging for gold at night. Unaware of how malaria spreads, James thought the sting was nothing serious. The slap was hard. I just thought so were his palms. He showed me the…