Tag: WHO

Seven things to know about COVID-19 variants in Africa

Healthtimes

New COVID-19 variants have emerged in Africa as the continent records anew peak in infections. While virus mutations are not unusual, those that are more infectious are worrisome.Professor Francisca Mutapi, Professor in Global Health Infection and Immunity, University of Edinburgh,explains the implications of SARS-CoV-2 variants and what African countries can do to respond. Why do viruses mutate, and should we be worried about SARS-CoV-2 variants? Viruses mutate as they replicate. Replication requires that the virus’s genetic information is copied. But this copying is not accurate. It produces mistakes such as…

Read More

OPINION: COVID-19 Home Remedies: Now You See Why We Should Preserve Biodiversity, Don’t You?

Michael Gwarisa

FOR more than 12 moths, the world has been at the mercy of the COVID-19 pandemic caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and to date, close to 100 million infections and 2.06 million deaths have been recorded globally. According to experts, the COVID-19 is the most significant public health problem since the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic By Michael Gwarisa Even though there is no cure yet for the COVID-19, the global recovery rate currently stands at 53.1 million. Majority of the COVID-19 cases have been reported…

Read More

Engage Communities First Before Rolling Out Vaccine, WHO Tells African Governments

Michael Gwarisa

THE World Health Organisation (WHO) Regional Director for Africa, Dr Matshidiso Moeti says communities must be part of the COVID-19 vaccination process and should be be engaged earlier to create buy in from communities. By Michael Gwarisa Speaking during a virtual press conference that was facilitated by APO Group, Dr Moeti said Africa was still lagging behind in terms of readiness for the COVID-19 Vaccines Roll-out and more community awareness needed to be done before the vaccine distribution commences. Developing a safe and effective vaccine is just the first step…

Read More

WHO Reveals Leading Causes Of Death And Disability Worldwide: 2000-2019

Healthtimes

NONCOMMUNICABLE Diseases (NCDs) now make up seven of the world’s top 10 causes of death, according to WHO’s 2019 Global Health Estimates, published today. This is an increase from 4 of the 10 leading causes in 2000. The new data cover the period from 2000 to 2019 inclusive. Staff Reporter The estimates reveal trends over the last 2 decades in mortality and morbidity caused by diseases and injuries. They clearly highlight the need for an intensified global focus on preventing and treating cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes and chronic respiratory diseases,…

Read More

How Antibiotics Are Finding Their Way Onto Your Diner Table

Michael Gwarisa

AS the world is grappling with emerging novel public health threats and natural disasters, lurking in the dark is an even more lethal and irreversible health challenge, Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), a catastrophe which could wipe out an entire civalisation if something is not done NOW. By Michael Gwarisa According to the World Health Oragnisation (WHO), by the year 2050, the world will be faced with a catastrophe of double proportions and will be losing about 10 million people yearly at a huge cost.  A number of strides have been made…

Read More

Korean Gvt Donates US$350K Worth Of COVID-19 Test Kits To Zimbabwe

Michael Gwarisa

…As India Fifth Tranche of medicines arrive in the country THE government of the Republic of Korea has donated COVID-19 test kits valued at US$350,000 towards Zimbabwe’s COVID-19 response as part of Korea’s commitment to By Michael Gwarisa Speaking at the handover ceremony at State House in the Capital Harare, Zimbabwe President, Emerson Mngangagwa said the Korean government has been assisting Zimbabwe’s health sector in many ways especially under the prevailing COVID-19 pandemic. On behalf of government and the people of Zimbabwe and my own behalf, let me sincerely express…

Read More

Zimbabwe Commences Nationwide Deworming Exercise, 300 000 Targeted For free Bilharzia Treatment in Shamva and Mount Darwin

Michael Gwarisa

THE Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC) with support from the World Health Organisation (WHO) and Higherlife Foundation have kick-started the National Mass Treatment for bilharzia and intestinal worms as a follow-up to the healthcare worker’s Mass Drug Administration (MDA) training exercise which concluded last week in Shamva and Mount Darwin. By Michael Gwarisa The National Mass Treatment exercise started in Mashonaland Central Province this week in (Shamva and Mount Darwin). WHO started their support visit at Chitse Clinic in Mt Darwin where WHO is providing on the job…

Read More

WHO & UNICEF Recommit To Accelerating Health & Well-being At All ages

Healthtimes

THE World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF have signed a new collaborative framework which will accelerate joint public health efforts that put the most marginalized and vulnerable populations first. HealthTimes Reporter The new Strategic Collaboration Framework builds on a robust 70-year collaboration between the two organizations, and prioritizes four strategic areas for immediate attention and action at all levels of the organizations: universal health coverage, through a primary health care and health systems approach; mental health and psychosocial wellbeing and development; public health emergencies; and maternal and child nutrition. Additionally, the two…

Read More

UK Support To Zim Keeps Essential Health Services Afloat During COVID-19

Michael Gwarisa

AN ongoing United Kingdom Government (UK) five-year US$168.8 million health programme in Zimbabwe has seen the health sector offering uninterrupted essential health services despite the COVID-19 crisis. By Michael Gwarisa The UK as a major donor in the health sector also provided US$50 million in 2020 to Zimbabwe through the Health Development Fund (HDF), Global Vaccines Alliance (GAVI) and The Global Fund. Speaking to HealthTimes, the UK’s Development Director for Zimbabwe, Cate Turton said the support from the UK government was also aimed at equipping primary healthcare workers where majority…

Read More

Keep health workers safe to keep patients safe: WHO

Healthtimes

THE World Health Organization (WHO) is calling on governments and health care leaders to address persistent threats to the health and safety of health workers and patients. HealthTimes Reporter “The COVID-19 pandemic has reminded all of us of the vital role health workers play to relieve suffering and safe lives,“ said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “No country, hospital or clinic can keep its patients safe unless it keeps its health workers safe. WHO’s Health Worker Safety Charter is a step towards ensuring that health workers have the safe…

Read More