Tag: syphilis

Mombeshora Threatens Closure of Private Health Facilities Withholding HIV MTCT Data

Kuda Pembere

By Kuda Pembere Health and Child Care Minister Dr. Douglas Mombeshora has warned private health players who fail to provide data on Mother-to-Child Transmission (MTCT) programs, saying such facilities risk closure. He gave the warning during the National Validation Committee (NVC) Meeting for the Triple Elimination of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV, Syphilis, and Hepatitis B in Zimbabwe on Wednesday. “We need the data for planning purposes. So, it cannot be choice to supply data or out of choice. Or it must be then mandatory. Those who do not want to…

Read More

One Visit, One Test, Three Results: The Triple Elimination Test Steps Up Global MTCT Fight

Healthtimes
Photo of Dr. Angela Mushavi addressing delegates at the International AIDS Conference in Kigali.

By Shamiso Yikoniko in Kigali, Rwanda A groundbreaking diagnostic tool recently prequalified by the World Health Organization (WHO) is set to revolutionize efforts to eliminate mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of three major infections: HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B. Dubbed the “Triple Elimination Test,” the innovative tool adopts a ‘one visit, one test, three results’ approach, allowing healthcare providers to screen for all three infections using just one blood sample — with results available within 20 to 30 minutes. Previously, expectant mothers in many low-resource settings had to return to clinics multiple…

Read More

Diseases Linked to Wearing Second-Hand Clothes (Mabhero)

Michael Gwarisa

By Michael Gwarisa In Zimbabwe, second-hand clothes, locally known as mabhero, have become a popular choice for many due to several reasons. For some, it’s the affordability compared to buying brand-new garments. For others, it’s the allure of vintage fashion, pre-worn items that carry a unique, weathered charm. Major second-hand clothing hubs in Zimbabwe include Sakubva Market in Mutare, as well as Mupedzanhamo and Avondale Markets in Harare. These markets are so popular that even undergarments, such as high-end brands like Victoria’s Secret, are highly sought after by shoppers, especially…

Read More

High Prevalence Of Syphilis in Divorced Zimbabweans-New Study

Kuda Pembere

By Kudakwashe Pembere Zimbabwean individuals divorced, separated or widowed had high chances of contracting  active syphilis unlike the married or cohabiting couples, a study found. In a study published in The Lancet journal, it emerged the trend was not only common among Zimbabweans but Zambians and Ugandans as well. The study sought to ascertain the prevalence of syphilis in HIV positive and HIV negative persons in Ethiopia, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe from 2015 to 2018. Divorced, separated, or widowed individuals had significantly higher odds of active syphilis in Uganda,…

Read More

5 000 Zimbabwean babies infected with HIV in 2021…As mothers shun PMTCT

Kuda Pembere

Close to 5000 babies got infected with HIV in 2021 due the mothers’ reluctancy to get antiretroviral therapy during pregnancy and breastfeeding. By Kudakwashe Pembere Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC) Deputy PMTCT and Paediatric HIV Care and Treatment Coordinator, Dr Precious Andifasi last Friday told journalists at a National Aids Council media training workshop in Chinhoyi that 4 750 babies got infected during pregnancy and breastfeeding.  As a program, we collect some data every year just to try and see where the new infections are coming from. So,…

Read More