Tag: ZIMBABWE

Zimbabwe Excels in Global Health Security Assessment on Immunization, Surveillance, Labs, and Emergency Response

Kuda Pembere

By Kuda Pembere Zimbabwe received a fifty-four percent score in the second Joint External Evaluation (JEE), performing strongly in laboratory systems, surveillance, emergency response, and immunization indicators. This was revealed by Dr. Mohammed Ali Mohammed, the lead of the visiting JEE team, which spent five days in the country. So in summary you can see that thirty out of fifty-six indicators, which is fifty-four percent, attained level three and above, which indicates developed capacity,” he said. “So for this one we can commend Zimbabwe that at least we have attained…

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Zimbabwe Moves to Finalize National Health Insurance Bill Ahead of Parliament

Kuda Pembere
Minister of Health Dr. Douglas Mombeshora shares a light moment with Dr. Ron Mhizha of the Eye Institute and Chrispen Dzingirai of Old Mutual Zimbabwe during the launch of free cataract eye clinics.

By Kudakwashe Pembere Anticipating the enactment of the National Health Insurance (NHI) scheme by year-end, efforts to finalize the NHI Bill are on course, with Health and Child Care Minister Dr. Douglas Mombeshora confirming it will be sent to Parliament this month. After decades of consultation and research, Zimbabwe’s proposed NHI scheme is now closer to fruition. Dr. Mombeshora told a Health Partners Coordination meeting on Friday that the much-awaited scheme will help pool resources for the health sector. We meet at a time when we are driving ambitious reforms…

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External Experts Assess Zimbabwe’s Health Security Progress Since 2019

Kuda Pembere

By Kuda Pembere in Kadoma The final phase of Zimbabwe’s Joint External Evaluation (JEE) is underway in Kadoma to assess gaps in the country’s health security systems while reflecting on progress made since the initial evaluation in 2019. The first phase, which involved an internal self-assessment, was completed in July. The current external evaluation runs until Friday. Evaluators from Uganda, Kenya, Zambia, South Sudan, and Tanzania, along with experts from the World Health Organization (WHO), Africa CDC, and other partner organizations, are in the country to review Zimbabwe’s self-assessment. A…

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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…

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Women Frustrated by Delays in Identifying Rapist of Grade 7 Pupil at Rank

Michael Gwarisa

By Michael Gwarisa  Women’s organisations have expressed frustration over the failure to identify and bring to justice the tout reportedly responsible for raping a minor in a parked commuter omnibus at the Rezende bus rank. To voice their concerns, members of the Women’s Coalition of Zimbabwe (WCoZ) converged on Friday at a Sexual Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) Outreach Activity at the Ruzende Parkade Rank. The event, attended by women of all ages, was aimed at showing solidarity with the affected child and other women and girls who have suffered abuse at…

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Bedroom Revolution? Condoms That Delay Ejaculation Hit Zim Market

Michael Gwarisa

By Michael Gwarisa  Zimbabweans are seeing a shift in sexual wellness products as new condoms designed to enhance pleasure and prolong intimacy enter the market. While condoms have traditionally been promoted for preventing sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV, the latest options reflect changing consumer expectations and a growing interest in sexual wellbeing. “By introducing TRUST and LOVERS+ brands, PSH is expanding the range of options available to Zimbabweans, potentially increasing condom use and reducing the risk of sexually transmitted infections and unplanned pregnancies,” said Kumbirai Chatora, the Population Solutions…

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Zimbabwe’s Mobile One-Stop Centres Reveal Growing Cases of Women Abusing Men

Michael Gwarisa
A counselor speaks with a man at a Zimbabwe mobile one-stop centre for gender-based violence survivors, highlighting the growing number of men reporting abuse by women.

By Michael Gwarisa in Mutoko Mobile One-Stop Centres (MOSCs), designed to support survivors of gender-based violence (GBV), are revealing a lesser-known reality in Zimbabwe: men being physically and verbally abused by their female partners. These centres provide a safe space for men and women alike to report abuse and access critical services, challenging traditional perceptions that GBV affects only women. “My wife cut me with a knife,” said 51-year-old Shadreck Madziwa* from Mutoko, Mashonaland Central. “We had an argument, and she grabbed a knife and stabbed me. She joined hands…

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Sightsavers Zimbabwe Renews Mandate Under New PVO Bill, Pledges Expanded Disability Inclusion Efforts

Michael Gwarisa

By Michael Gwarisa Harare, Zimbabwe — Sightsavers Zimbabwe has officially renewed its mandate with the Government of Zimbabwe, operating now under the country’s recently enacted Private Voluntary Organisation (PVO) Act. The renewal not only secures the organisation’s continued work in providing inclusive eye care but also signals a strategic expansion of its commitment to disability inclusion across Zimbabwe. Through his LinkedIn account, Peter Bere, Country Director of Sightsavers Zimbabwe, welcomed the renewal as a significant milestone. This renewal under the new PVO legislation offers us a fresh opportunity to deepen…

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Gilead’s Secrecy Over HIV Prevention Shot Sparks Global Outrage

Michael Gwarisa

By Staff Reporter  Gilead Sciences has come under fire after announcing a secretive deal to supply its long-acting injectable HIV prevention drug, lenacapavir (LEN-LA), to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. The agreement—shrouded in indefinite price secrecy—has been widely condemned by civil society organisations, health advocates, and global health experts who warn it undermines transparency, accountability, and equitable access. The Global Fund, financed by public money, has invited nine African countries—South Africa, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Kenya, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Nigeria—to participate in the agreement. However, the…

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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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