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A Hwange Local Board (HLB) councillor has issued a stark warning regarding the health risks facing residents of Ingagula, a residential area situated near the coal-fired Hwange Power Station, due to excessive dust pollution from haulage trucks and coal mining activities.
Ward 3 Councillor, Bryn Chikumbo, that despite numerous petitions and engagements with authorities, including the Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC) and Chinese companies involved in coal mining, the Ingagula community continues to be vulnerable to these health hazards. He said:
<blockquote>
We are sitting on a health time bomb. The dust rising from the movement of haulage trucks is clouding the entire suburb, and we have been experiencing respiratory diseases associated with dust in our affected communities.
We have written petitions pertaining to the respiratory diseases associated with dust in our affected communities, but we haven’t got a positive response to that effect.
We have been in constant engagement with ZPC to try to find a permanent remedy, we have also been in contact with the Chinese, but what I think is key now for us in Ingagula is for them to acknowledge and put some corrective measures to ensure that this thing of pollution comes to an end…
We are vulnerable, we are exposed, the community is dying, our kids are at a higher risk, us the parents we are at higher risk.
We have got pneumococcal cases, we are still waiting for a comprehensive report, and we believe this is because of the dust we are exposed to.
</blockquote>
In a post to a Hwange community WhatsApp group, a resident expressed frustration with the Chinese mining companies, accusing them of unsafe mining practices that have resulted in spontaneous fires starting in the area.  Said the resident:
<blockquote>
Underground fires are common in coal mines. When coal is exposed to air and water and allowed to oxidise, it ignites itself. It is safe mining practices and risk management measures that should be put in place.
E.g. a sufficient layer of topsoil should be used to cover coal discards, but the Chinese barely do these measures.
</blockquote>
Hwange Central MP Daniel Molokele assured the residents that he would raise the issue in Parliament. Said Molokele:
<blockquote>
This is a failure of political leadership, unfortunately, it is putting many lives at health risk. When Parliament resumes, I will raise it as a written question to the relevant Minister.
</blockquote>
In their recent newsletter, Councillor Chikumbo said dust caused by the increased movement of trucks, coupled with ash from the power station and coke oven batteries, has worsened air pollution in Ingagula. He said:
<blockquote>
It’s more like we are now swamped by dust due to the increased movement of trucks. We have been affected by ashes from the power station and coke oven batteries, but the pollution has significantly increased because of the heavy presence of trucks. You will observe that most of the vegetation around the area has changed its colour. It no longer has life due to dust.
</blockquote>
The Hwange community is appealing for urgent action to address the pollution and ensure safe mining practices.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Pindula News

Residents in Ingagula, near Hwange Power Station, are facing health risks due to dust pollution from trucks and coal mining. Councillor Chikumbo warns of respiratory diseases and wants authorities to take action. Chinese mining companies are accused of unsafe practices leading to fires. MP Molokele promises to raise the issue in Parliament. The pollution is getting worse, causing vegetation to die. The community calls for urgent action to stop the pollution and ensure safe mining practices.

Hwange Residents Choke Under Cloud Of Dust, Ash And Soot Pollution

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has declared the outbreak of Monkeypox (MPox), which is currently sweeping across several African nations, as a Public Health Emergency.
This declaration comes after more than 13,700 cases and 450 deaths have been recorded in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) alone in 2024.
The virus has since spread to several other African countries, including the Central African Republic (CAR), Burundi, Rwanda, and Kenya.
In a statement posted on its official X (formerly Twitter) platform on Tuesday night, the Africa CDC emphasized the urgency and gravity of the situation, calling for immediate and coordinated action across the African continent to address the MPox outbreak. Reads the statement:
<blockquote>
In a critical move to safeguard the health and security of millions, our Director General at Africa CDC 
has officially declared the ongoing Mpox outbreak a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security (PHECS) during a special press briefing today.
This declaration highlights the urgency and gravity of the situation, demanding immediate and coordinated action across Africa.
We are mobilising all available resources, working closely with member states, strengthening partnerships, and intensifying efforts to contain and mitigate the impact of Mpox.
</blockquote>
MPox is a viral disease caused by the Monkeypox virus, which is a member of the Orthopoxvirus genus, the same genus as the smallpox virus.
It is called “Monkeypox” because it was first identified in colonies of monkeys kept for research purposes in 1958.
Monkeypox can spread from infected animals to humans through direct contact with body fluids, skin lesions, or respiratory droplets.
Human-to-human transmission can occur through close physical contact, exposure to contaminated materials, or respiratory droplets.
The virus can also be transmitted from mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth, or through close contact.
Initial symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, backache, swollen lymph nodes, and exhaustion.
This is followed by the development of a rash that evolves from macules to papules, vesicles, pustules, and finally scabs.
The illness typically lasts 2-4 weeks, with the rash being the most distinctive feature.
Monkeypox is generally a self-limiting illness, but it can lead to medical complications, especially in young children, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals. Deaths from MPox are rare.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The Africa CDC has declared a Monkeypox outbreak in Africa a Public Health Emergency due to many cases and deaths in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The virus has spread to other African countries. Monkeypox is a viral disease that can be spread from animals to humans and between humans. Symptoms include fever, rash, and exhaustion. While most people recover, serious complications can occur, especially in children, pregnant women, and those with weak immune systems. The Africa CDC is working to contain the outbreak and protect people's health.

Africa CDC Declares Monkeypox Outbreak A Public Health Emergency

The Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) recently conducted an operation to crack down on the illegal sale of unregistered medicines in Harare’s central business district.
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In a statement, the MCAZ said its inspectors uncovered several vendors selling medicines without the required licenses and approvals. MCAZ said:
<blockquote>
MCAZ has recently confiscated unregistered medicines being sold illegally in Harare CBD. This is a reminder that selling medicines (registered or unregistered) without a license is not only illegal but also poses serious risks to public health.
This confiscation is part of MCAZ’s ongoing enforcement activities to safeguard public health. Together, we can ensure that only safe, effective, and good quality medicines are available in Zimbabwe.
MCAZ is committed to enforcing regulations to protect the public from unsafe medicines. The Authority urge everyone to ensure they purchase medicines only from licensed persons or premises.
This guarantees the safety, quality, and efficacy of the medicines you use.
</blockquote>
MCAZ is the national regulatory body regulating medicines, medical devices, and cosmetics in Zimbabwe.
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<img alt="Image" decoding="async" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GUiL5AIWwAAGM-0?format=jpg&amp;name=4096x4096"/>
It was established in 1997 under the Medicines and Allied Substances Control Act, with the mandate to regulate the manufacture, importation, sale, and distribution of medicines and allied substances in Zimbabwe.
<img alt="Image" decoding="async" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GUiL5AFWMAAPWSn?format=jpg&amp;name=4096x4096"/>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) in Harare CBD seized illegal medicines being sold without licenses. MCAZ wants people to only buy medicines from licensed places to be safe. The authority was created in 1997 to regulate medicines and keep people safe. Selling unregistered medicines is not safe and against the law. MCAZ is working to make sure only safe and good quality medicines are available in Zimbabwe.

Medicines Control Authority Seizes Unregistered Medicines In Harare CBD

Bulawayo has recorded a surge in cases of mumps amid indications that Zimbabwe is not vaccinating children against the disease.
In a recent update on adverse disease conditions, Nhlonipho Sithole Sibanda, an environmental health officer with the Bulawayo City Council (BCC), said that the local government is planning to initiate the vaccination of mumps in Zimbabwe. She said:
<blockquote>
As Bulawayo, we are experiencing an increase in cases of mumps and as a country, we are currently not vaccinating for the disease, but globally, there are countries that vaccinate people against the disease…
We want to see the intensity of the problem, then lobby for the vaccination of children as mostly the boy child is affected and it tends to affect their fertility.
We are currently reporting to the national system and we hope as we go we can lobby for vaccination against the disease.
</blockquote>
Mumps is a highly contagious viral infection that primarily affects the salivary glands, particularly the parotid glands located just below and in front of the ears.
It is caused by the mumps virus, a member of the paramyxovirus family, and symptoms include swelling and tenderness of one or more salivary glands, usually the parotid glands, fever, headache, muscle aches, and tiredness.
Mumps spreads through direct contact with saliva or respiratory droplets from an infected person, such as through coughing, sneezing, or sharing utensils.
There is no specific treatment for mumps; it is typically managed with rest, pain medication, and fluids.
Vaccination with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is the best way to prevent mumps.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

In Bulawayo, many people are getting sick with mumps, a virus that affects the salivary glands. The government of Zimbabwe is not vaccinating kids against mumps, but they are thinking about starting. Mumps can cause swelling, fever, headache, and tiredness. It spreads through saliva or droplets from an infected person. There is no specific treatment for mumps, just rest and medicine for pain and fluids. Getting the MMR vaccine can help prevent mumps. Hopefully, more kids will get vaccinated in the future to avoid getting sick.

Bulawayo Sees Surge In Mumps Cases

Some doctors and nurses in public healthcare institutions are reportedly working in cooperation with laboratory professionals to steer patients towards using specific private sector laboratories, despite the availability of similar services at lower costs in government-run facilities.
According to <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/doctors-nurses-milking-patients-through-syndicates/">The Herald</a>, some medical professionals have been observed recommending particular laboratories for various tests such as blood, urine or stool samples, and in many cases, even providing a contact number for someone who can collect the samples on the laboratory’s behalf.
The selected private laboratories are said to have staff on standby at hospitals, ready to quickly collect samples and return the results directly to the patient’s bedside.
The Medical Laboratory and Clinical Scientists Practitioners Council of Zimbabwe has vowed to take action, as they believe the actions of the laboratories are exacerbating the financial burden on patients, particularly those from low-income backgrounds who may feel compelled to use the recommended private services.
Speaking at a Health Professions Authority familiarisation meeting between councils under its purview and the media on Tuesday, 06 August, the med lab council’s registrar, Agnes Chigora, said:
<blockquote>
If you go to Government institutions, at times you see motorbikes stationed there. Does that mean the public lab which is there is not offering those tests?
It seems they are working with other health practitioners, with nurses and doctors and they ensure that for any lab tests which are required, they demand that those tests come from specific laboratories.
As a client, if I send my parent to a public institution, it means that is what I can afford. But for someone to insist that they want a test done at a particular lab, which is very expensive, it’s not fair to our people.
</blockquote>
Chigora urged the public to report any instances of such malpractice to her offices or the Health Professions Authority.
She also warned medical practitioners involved in this practice that they could face disciplinary action.
Chigora asserted that the primary duty of doctors and nurses was to provide quality care to their patients, and this included making informed decisions about laboratory services that are in the best interest of the patient, not their financial gain.
To combat the corruption, Chigora said the council, working in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Child Care, would soon carry out a certification exercise for all laboratories to ensure that only those operating above board remained in operation. She said:
<blockquote>
At the advent of COVID-19, everybody thought it was time to make money; labs were opened right, left, and centre.
The Health Professions Authority does the routine inspection (of the labs), but we as a council, are going a step further.
We are moving around these institutions, making sure that the laboratories meet the minimum standards required.
The Ministry of Health and Child Care, in collaboration with the council, has come up with a national certification programme.
We have trained auditors who are going around laboratories and we have a certain level, which the labs have to reach.
</blockquote>
Pharmacists Council of Zimbabwe registrar Alois Karonga said the council had received various reports of malpractices among pharmacists. He said:
<blockquote>
Issues of malpractices that the council has dealt with which are on the rise, among others, include dispensing prescription medicines without prescription from medical doctors, selling expired and unregistered medicines and leaving pharmacies operating without registered pharmacists.
These are some of the transgressions for which the council has brought pharmacists up for disciplinary inquiries.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Some doctors and nurses are teaming up with private labs to make patients use expensive services instead of using cheaper options in public hospitals. The labs have staff in hospitals to quickly collect samples and give results directly to patients. The Medical Laboratory and Clinical Scientists Practitioners Council of Zimbabwe is taking action to stop this. They want patients to report any unfair practices. Doctors and nurses should focus on patient care, not making money. Councils will check labs to make sure they meet good standards. Some pharmacists are also doing bad things and will face consequences.

Doctors And Nurses Colluding With Private Labs To Rip Off Patients

The Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals, Zimbabwe’s largest medical facility, is reportedly facing a severe shortage of essential drugs and medical equipment, putting millions of lives at risk as most patients cannot afford private medical care.
Many patients at the hospital are often forced to wait in long queues, only to be directed to purchase the necessary medicines from private pharmacies, as the hospital struggles to provide these essential items.
The Independent reported inside sources as saying the hospital is struggling to supply basic items such as gloves, syringes, and other critical equipment.
The hospital authorities have reportedly warned the staff against divulging any information about the ongoing crisis, further exacerbating the challenges faced by both patients and healthcare workers. Said a source who preferred anonymity:
<blockquote>
It has become a nightmare for us as staff at Parirenyatwa. There are serious shortages of medication, needles, syringes, cotton, alcohol (medicinal), methylated spirit, sodium hypochlorite, and sometimes even latex gloves and stationery.
For example, the lift linking the ground floor to the third floor is frequently out of order, forcing us to carry patients up the ramp. It is torture. The lift gets fixed but only works for a few days.
Authorities have warned us not to speak out, but remaining silent affects our patients, who come with various illnesses.
</blockquote>
Parirenyatwa Hospital’s public relations manager, Terrence Mautsi, admitted there were shortages but attributed them to erratic supplies. Said Mautsi:
<blockquote>
Indeed, we have been having erratic supplies due to shortages from our suppliers.
This is a national problem affecting all public hospitals in the country. As the largest referral centre, Parirenyatwa is the most affected because we offer the widest spectrum of specialist services in the country.
That being said, we continue to provide services, with patients being given prescriptions for medicines and supplies that are in short supply after being seen by our doctors.
</blockquote>
Over the years, Zimbabwe’s health sector has faced significant challenges, including the departure of medical personnel to other countries where the pay and working conditions may be more favourable.
Preferred destinations include Britain, Canada, the United States, and South Africa.
Broader economic factors, such as the rising cost of living, high unemployment, stagnant salaries, currency instability, and shortages of foreign currency and basic commodities like electricity and water, have created difficulties for many Zimbabweans.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The big hospital in Zimbabwe, Parirenyatwa, doesn't have enough medicine and equipment to help sick people. Patients have to wait in long lines and then go buy medicine from private stores. The hospital is also low on basic things like gloves and syringes. The staff are told not to talk about the problem, which makes it even harder. The hospital says the problem is because of not getting enough supplies. Many doctors and nurses are leaving Zimbabwe to work in other countries because they get paid more. People in Zimbabwe are struggling with high prices, no jobs, and not enough basic things like water and electricity.

Parirenyatwa Faces Critical Shortage Of Essential Drugs, Equipment

The Zimbabwean government has announced that the country is now free from cholera, with no new cases reported in the past 30 days.
During a weekly post-cabinet media briefing on Tuesday, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Jenfan Muswere provided an update on the cholera situation in the country.
Muswere said Zimbabwe recorded its first cholera case in February 2023, which then spread to most parts of the country, leading to a declared national outbreak.
However, the minister noted that the country’s cholera burden is now officially over, with no new cases reported in all 63 districts. He said:
<blockquote>
The Ministry of Health and Child Care would also want to inform the nation that as of today we have had 30 days without a single case of cholera in all our 63 districts and that the last case was on 30 June 2024 in Beitbridge.
Therefore, we are now declaring that the cholera outbreak, which started in February 2023, as officially ended. However, the public is encouraged to continue observing hygiene and sanitation at all times.
</blockquote>
The Minister of Health and Childcare Douglas Mombeshora urged members of the public to continue with good hygiene and sanitation practices. Said Mombeshora:
<blockquote>
A lot of people relax when we say cholera is gone. What it means is that the interventions that we undertook as ministry and as government, those interventions have yielded the results that we wanted that is to make sure that we suppress cholera.
But we still have challenges of water and sanitation in certain areas. So, we urge our people to continue with good hygiene and sanitation practices.
</blockquote>
Cholera is an acute diarrheal illness that can spread rapidly in areas with poor sanitation and limited access to clean water.
The disease is primarily spread through the consumption of contaminated food or water, such as water sources that have been polluted by faecal matter containing the cholera bacteria.
The main symptom of cholera is profuse, watery diarrhoea that can lead to rapid dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. Other symptoms may include vomiting, muscle cramps, and rapid heart rate.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The Zimbabwean government says no new cases of cholera in past 30 days. The first case was in Feb 2023 and spread to many areas. All 63 districts now free from cholera. People urged to keep good hygiene and sanitation to prevent cholera. Cholera spreads in dirty areas. Symptoms include diarrhoea, dehydration, and vomiting. Government asks people to keep being clean to stop cholera spreading again.

Zimbabwe Declares Cholera Outbreak Over After 30 Days Without New Cases

Zimbabwe faces a significant funding shortfall for its national condom programme, needing to raise over US$10 million to ensure adequate supplies in 2025 and 2026.
The country currently has three main condom distribution channels:
<ul>
<li>Public sector: Free condoms provided through government health facilities.</li>
<li>Social sector: Condoms sold at subsidized prices.</li>
<li>Commercial sector: Condoms sold at full market prices.</li>
</ul>
The majority of Zimbabweans who use condoms obtain them from the free public sector program.
This public condom programme has been primarily funded by two major donors – the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and the Global Fund.
However, PEPFAR and the Global Fund have recently announced they will be withdrawing funding for Zimbabwe’s public condom programme in 2026. This will create a significant funding gap.
According to Anna Machiya, the Ministry of Health’s national coordinator for STI prevention and condom distribution, Zimbabwe needs to raise nearly $1.8 million to cover the funding shortfall for female condoms in 2025, and an additional $9.4 million for both male and female condoms in 2026. She said (via <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/us10m-needed-to-procure-condoms/">The Herald</a>):
<blockquote>
The Global Fund committed US$3.3 million towards condom procurement in 2024 and PEPFAR funds that have been committed to procure male and female condoms including lubricants amount to US$7.1 million.
For 2025, we have US$1.96 million committed from Global Fund and about US$2.15 million committed from PEPFAR so we have a funding gap of US$1.8 million for female condoms.
In 2026, there is no committed funding for both male and female condoms so we require US$9.4 million.
</blockquote>
Machiya said the funding gap would need to be funded from Treasury as well as the National Aids Trust Fund (Aids Levy). She said:
<blockquote>
We started some advocacy sometime back around increasing domestic funding and removal of VAT and duty for commercial sector condoms to create an environment where we have more commercial sector players coming into the condom market with cheaper brands of condoms.
This will relieve the burden on free public condom distribution as people may migrate to use those other condom brands that will be available on the market.
These are issues that we are pursuing as a Ministry and as a programme.
</blockquote>
According to data from the Ministry of Health and Child Care, public-sector male condom distribution increased by over 6 million for 2023 as compared to 2022.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Zimbabwe needs $10 million to buy condoms. The country gets condoms from the government, at cheap prices, and at full price. The U.S. and other organizations help pay for the free condoms, but they will stop funding in 2026. Zimbabwe needs to raise money to buy enough condoms. They hope to get some money from taxes and make condoms cheaper in stores. They are also trying to get more people to use condoms. Public sector condom use in Zimbabwe has increased.

Zimbabwe Needs US$10 Million To Procure Condoms

Thokozani Khupe, a proportional representative Member of Parliament (MP) for the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) party, has courageously shared her experience of battling breast cancer not once, but twice.
Khupe, now 59 years old, was first diagnosed with breast cancer in May 2011. She underwent treatment and surgery, which resulted in the surgical removal of one of her breasts.
In a motion presented to Parliament on Thursday, Khupe revealed that she is now battling another form of breast cancer, Lobular cancer, after being initially misdiagnosed and treated for ovarian cancer. She said (via <a href="https://www.zimlive.com/chiwenga-not-anointed-to-lead-zanu-pf-after-mnangagwa-party-spokesman/">ZimLive</a>):
<blockquote>
When I was first diagnosed in Zimbabwe, they said I had ovarian cancer which had long gone. I proceeded to South Africa. Again, they said I had ovarian cancer stage 4.
I started chemotherapy in the form of injections and tablets every two weeks. I have never been sick like that in my entire life.
I was vomiting to the extent that I had a bucket on the side of my bed all the time. I had terrible diarrhoea to the extent that I would sometimes mess myself.
I was draining 6 litres of water every two weeks because it was filling up quickly – this water was a sign that my tumours were not responding to treatment hence they continued to generate this water.
I was like a nine-month-pregnant woman, I had difficulty breathing and walking. It took me time to turn when I was sleeping because I had to move an equivalent of 6kgs which I was carrying.
My doctor in South Africa then referred me back to Zimbabwe so that I could be under Palliative Care, which is the treatment and support you receive when one has a life-limiting illness because there is no improvement.
I later proceeded to India with the help of the government. I was so excited that finally, I was going to get the best treatment because many people were saying India was the best when it comes to cancer treatment.
I did all the possible tests and the diagnosis was once more stage 4 ovarian cancer which emanated from the breast cancer I had 12 years ago.
I started chemotherapy, I was supposed to do 18 cycles for 18 weeks. I was draining 6 litres of water every week.
After 15 cycles, my doctor in India said I was not responding to treatment because if I was responding the water was going to dry up but in my case, there was no change.
He then suggested that I rather go to the United Kingdom because the UK was advanced when it comes to cancer treatment.
They had modern medications and a lot of options and they also did clinical trials. In India, I was losing weight every day because I had difficulty eating to the extent that I was then weighing 68 kg. I was a moving skeleton.
All this is pointing to wrong diagnosis resulting in wrong treatment.
I then proceeded to the UK and did all the necessary tests, CT/PET scans, bloods and biopsies. The diagnosis was that I had Lobular breast cancer.
The doctor then said I was going to do 18 cycles of chemotherapy every week. I only drained water on 22nd December 2023 and started treatment on 9th January 2024. I never drained any water again.
It gradually drained away cycle after cycle. After the fourth cycle, the water disappeared, a sign that the medication was working perfectly well. I never had any side effects.
All this was a good example of the right diagnosis which subsequently resulted in the right treatment.
This is a clear indication that with modern technology, you are likely to get the right diagnosis and with the right diagnosis you are likely to get the right medication, hence my emphasis on state-of-the-art equipment.
I am a living example because my cancer was at stage four. I had to do 18 cycles, one every week and each cycle ranged from 2,000 pounds to 2,500 pounds every week.
I was sometimes doing blood transfusions because my haemoglobin was low all the time because of chemotherapy.
I would pay between £1,700 and £2,000. At times, I would do CT/PET scans to establish the extent of the cancer.
Whether cancer cells were being destroyed by the medication which cost £3,900, there were other costs for bloods, doctors’ fees and several others. How many people can afford this? The answer is very few…
I am saying this so that citizens must never be afraid if ever they are confronted with such a situation. I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2011.
In 2023, I had a second cancer attack which came like a thief without giving any notice. By the time I realised it, it had spread.
With all this, I was never afraid because I knew that with God’s grace and good medical attention, all was well.
I vowed that I was never going to allow cancer to take me down. I developed this fighting spirit and I am going to fight cancer to the end until it leaves my body. I know and believe that one day, my body will be free from cancer.
This is the attitude that all those with cancer must have. I have so far gone through my first phase of treatment. I am now in my second phase of treatment but look at me, I am doing perfectly well.
The only thing with cancer treatment is that there are good days and bad days. During the bad days, side effects kick in and they are at times very unpleasant. This week is my bad week, but l am managing.
</blockquote>
Khupe then urged fellow parliamentarians to push the government to allocate more resources towards cancer treatment and awareness programmes. She said:
<blockquote>
I now therefore, call upon this House to: request government to immediately start and intensify cancer awareness programmes in collaboration with other organisations and foundations like the Thokozani Khupe Cancer Foundation in all the 35,000 villages in Zimbabwe and all towns so that citizens are made aware of the scourge of cancer; Implore Government to invest in state-of-the-art equipment for Mpilo and Parirenyatwa Hospitals as starting point and equip these two hospitals with modern Computed Tomography (CT) and positron emission tomography (PET) Scans, Radiation machines and all kinds of chemotherapies for all stages of cancer; and Government to further move with speed and fully fund universities so that they start, without any further delays, researching on new and modern cancer medicines.
</blockquote>
Khupe’s motion was seconded by Southerton MP Bridget Nyandoro.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Thokozani Khupe, a Member of Parliament, bravely shared her battle with breast cancer twice. She was misdiagnosed with ovarian cancer and had to seek treatment abroad. After getting the right diagnosis in the UK, she is now responding well to treatment. She shared her story to raise awareness and called for better cancer treatment in Zimbabwe. Khupe wants the government to invest in modern equipment and research for cancer treatment. She encouraged others facing cancer to stay positive and seek medical help.

"I Was A Moving Skeleton", Thokozani Khupe Opens Up On Battle With Breast Cancer

In a move to safeguard healthcare services, the government has announced that hospitals and clinics across the country will be exempted from load shedding and will also be fitted with solar power systems to guarantee uninterrupted electricity supply.
Health and Child Care Minister Douglas Mombeshora, speaking to the <a href="https://www.sundaynews.co.zw/uninterrupted-power-supply-for-hospitals-clinics-minister/">Sunday News</a>, said the government recognises the critical need for continuous power in healthcare facilities.
As such, prepaid electricity meters will also be removed from hospitals and health centres, as these institutions may not always have the funds to buy ZESA tokens. He said:
<blockquote>
Indeed, it is true that some areas have problems accessing electricity but the plan is to ensure that our hospitals are all electrified and are solar-equipped for backup because some of them have now gotten to a stage where they use solar instead of using grid electricity.
The problem that we have is that our major hospitals like Parirenyatwa and Sally Mugabe Hospitals have not been equipped with solar systems as a backup and in the event of a fault, operations are crippled.
We have since agreed with the Ministry of Energy to ensure that the hospitals do not face power interruptions.
Some clinics have prepaid meters and we agreed that prepaid electricity should be removed from hospitals and health facilities because sometimes they may not have money to buy electricity when they need it.
</blockquote>
Energy and Power Development Minister, Edgar Moyo, said key strategic institutions such as hospitals should not suffer power cuts at all. He said:
<blockquote>
As a ministry, we do not want all our strategic institutions to be affected by load shedding. These key institutions like hospitals must not suffer power cuts at all.
Sometimes it is because there will be faults that we find the hospitals with no power but soon after they are rectified power is restored.
If these institutions are being affected by load shedding and it is not happening that they are exempted, then that is a cause for concern.
</blockquote>
Load shedding refers to the intentional and controlled interruption of electricity supply to manage demand and prevent a total blackout of the power grid.
Zimbabwe has experienced recurring and prolonged episodes of load shedding in recent years due to a combination of factors which include ageing power infrastructure and droughts that have reduced water levels at the Kariba hydroelectric power station, which is a major source of power.
Load shedding schedules are implemented across the country, with households and businesses experiencing power cuts that can last for several hours per day, sometimes up to 18 hours in extreme cases.
The load shedding has had significant impacts on businesses, industries, and daily life, hampering economic productivity, disrupting essential services, and causing inconvenience to citizens.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The government is making sure hospitals and clinics have power all the time and are getting solar power too. They are removing prepaid meters so these places always have electricity, even if they don't have money to buy it. Hospitals like Parirenyatwa and Sally Mugabe will also get solar power in case something goes wrong with the regular power. The Energy Minister said hospitals are important and should never have power cuts. Load shedding can happen when there is not enough electricity, causing problems for everyone. Zimbabwe has had a lot of load shedding recently, making life difficult for people and businesses.

"No Load Shedding, Prepaid Meters For Hospitals And Clinics"

The World Health Organization (WHO) has urged governments to enhance COVID-19 surveillance and bolster hospital capacity for patient treatment.
This guidance comes in response to a rise in COVID-19 cases reported in several countries among pilgrims returning from the recent Hajj in Mecca.
In Zimbabwe, several public figures, including former footballer Norman Maroto and CCC Senator Murisi Zwizwai, have passed away due to flu-like illnesses in recent weeks.
There has been public speculation linking the increase in severe flu cases to coronavirus, a claim that the government has denied.
In a letter dated July 4, 2024, addressed to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Child Care, Aspect Maunganidze, WHO country representative Desta Tiruneh emphasized the importance of ensuring sufficient oxygen availability in healthcare facilities to manage acute cases effectively. Wrote Tiruneh:
<blockquote>
WHO has received a reported rise in a number of COVID-19 cases in some countries among pilgrims returning from the recent Hajj in Mecca. Countries with returning pilgrims carry a risk of a rise in new COVID-19 infections.
All countries concerned have been advised to heighten their readiness measures in case of a surge in cases.
The following measures are being proposed to countries for consideration to limit further spread of the virus:
<ul>
<li>Heighten COVID-19 surveillance by screening at the points of entry to identify (symptomatic) infected persons.</li>
<li>Knowing that the majority of cases may be asymptomatic and in view of limited testing advise all returnees to self-isolate for 5 days for those without symptoms and 7 days for those with symptoms.</li>
<li>Emphasize personal protection by use of masks, hand washing and avoiding public gatherings through risk communication activities.</li>
<li>Develop and run appropriate messages on electronic billboards at the airports on the current situation, risk of infection, prevention and where to seek care if sick.</li>
<li>Empower the people to seek for care when they don’t feel well but as a start, home care is recommended for those with mild symptoms.</li>
<li>Notify health facilities of the potential increase in cases and the need for a raised index of suspicion for COVID-19 especially in situations with limited testing capacity.</li>
<li>Ensure the availability of enough oxygen in the facilities for care of acute cases. Stock RDTs for diagnosis in facilities.</li>
<li>Undertake sufficient communication to the public to take personal responsibility and isolate themselves if they suspect to be infected and to seek care when ill.</li>
</ul>
WHO Member States are kindly advised to adhere to the International Health Regulations and not interfere with international travel but instead strengthen their surveillance and risk communication while preparing for care and treatment of those who may succumb to the illness. The most recent guidance for COVID-19 can be accessed on this link:
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/technical-guidance-publications
Thank you for your collaboration and support.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The World Health Organization (WHO) wants countries to be ready for more COVID-19 cases. People coming back from Hajj in Mecca may spread the virus. Zimbabwe has seen some public figures fall sick and die from flu-like illnesses. Some people think it is COVID-19, but the government says no. WHO says countries should check people for symptoms at entry points, isolate for 5-7 days, wear masks, wash hands, and have enough oxygen in hospitals. It also says to inform the public about risks and where to get help. WHO is asking countries to follow the rules and not stop international travel.

WHO Urges Countries To Prepare For An Increase In COVID-19 Cases

In a move to address the spread of Hepatitis B, the Zimbabwean government, through the Ministry of Health and Child Care, is set to introduce a universal Hepatitis B vaccine for all newborn babies.
This initiative aims to prevent the transmission of the viral infection from infected mothers to their infants.
The introduction of the Hepatitis B vaccine comes as the Global Alliance for Vaccine Initiative (GAVI) has opened a funding window for countries seeking to incorporate this vaccine into their national immunization programs.
Addressing members of the National EMTCT (Elimination of Mother-to-Child Transmission) Validation Committee last week, Health and Child Care Minister Douglas Mombeshora said the implementation of the Hepatitis B vaccine is a crucial step towards the triple elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis, and Hepatitis B. Said Mombeshora (via <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/hepatitis-b-vaccine-for-new-born-babies/">The Herald</a>):
<blockquote>
The introduction of the Hepatitis B birth dose vaccine is a priority for the country as this is a critical prevention intervention that will result in the attainment of the validation targets set out by WHO.
Hepatitis B surface antigen test kits are already in the country, and capacity building of our frontline healthcare staff is progressing well.
Healthcare workers from high-volume facilities in the southern region of the country, including Bulawayo Province, have already been trained and are offering testing for the Hepatitis B virus.
</blockquote>
Hepatitis B is a viral infection that attacks the liver. The hepatitis B virus (HBV), which causes the illness, is primarily transmitted through contact with infected bodily fluids, such as blood, semen, or saliva.
Many people with hepatitis B don’t show any symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they can include fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), and dark urine.
Hepatitis B can be either acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term). Acute hepatitis B typically resolves on its own within a few months.
Chronic hepatitis B can last a lifetime and increase the risk of liver damage, cirrhosis, and liver cancer.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Zimbabwe To Introduce Universal Hepatitis B Vaccination For Newborns

Studies on HIV prevalence in Zimbabwe have found that communities that practice polygamy tend to have lower rates of HIV infection compared to other settings, reported <a href="https://healthtimes.co.zw/2024/07/03/polygamous-communities-have-lowest-hiv-burden-in-zimbabwe/">Health Times</a>.
Polygamy refers to the practice of one man being married to multiple women at the same time.
In Zimbabwe, the HIV response emphasizes the importance of individuals limiting themselves to one sexual partner, as having multiple concurrent partners significantly increases the risk of HIV infection.
While numerous studies conducted across Sub-Saharan Africa have found that the practice of polygamy is associated with an increased risk of new HIV infections, some research also suggests that certain cultural practices observed within polygamous settings may play a role in regulating sexual behaviour and potentially mitigating HIV transmission in these communities.
Mashonaland West Province, for example, is a high HIV burden province in Zimbabwe with an estimated population of 1,245,000 and an estimated 143,000 people living with HIV from its seven administrative districts.
Interestingly, Kariba District, which is known for having a higher prevalence of polygamous marriages, has the lowest HIV prevalence rates in the province.
Davison Mamombe, the National AIDS Council Programs Officer for Mashonaland West Province revealed that Kariba, despite being a polygamous community, has the lowest HIV and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) burden in the province. He said:
<blockquote>
In terms of the highest disease burden, Mhondoro Ngezi has the highest HIV burden in the province at 14.3% followed by Chegutu at 13.7% then Zvimba, at 12.6%, Makonde at 12%, Hurungwe at 11.06% and Kariba has 9%.
Kariba becomes unique in the sense that we have people who have strong cultural roots and those people practice polygamy.
However for an outsider to penetrate their circles, it becomes a challenge so because of that, HIV prevalence in those communities is very low including sexually transmitted infections.
</blockquote>
In Matabeleland North province, Tsholotsho District has the highest HIV prevalence at 21.9% while Binga, also a highly polygamous community has the lowest HIV prevalence at 5.3%.
In a previous interview with the <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/why-binga-has-low-hiv-prevalence/">Chronicle</a>, Amon Mpofu, the National AIDS Council’s (NAC) national director of monitoring and evaluation, highlighted that the Tonga people in Binga had valuable insights to share about how their cultural practices and beliefs have contributed to a lower HIV prevalence in their community compared to other regions in the country. He said:
<blockquote>
HIV is a sexually transmitted disease as we all know and this means Tonga values are strong and as a result, the transmission is low. They also have strong values when it comes to marriage. They avoid casual sex and value marriage, something which we should all emulate.
</blockquote>
However, National AIDS Council Chief Executive Officer, Dr Benard Madzima said polygamy was not the factor behind the low HIV prevalence in communities where polygamy is prevalent. He said:
<blockquote>
Maybe the protective factor is not necessarily polygamy. The prevalence might be low but to attribute it to polygamy that’s where my question is.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Polygamous Communities In Zimbabwe Have Lower HIV Infection Rates

Harare City’s Health Director, Dr. Prosper Chonzi, has reassured the public amid concerns of a resurgence of coronavirus infections in Harare.
This comes as there has been a notable increase in influenza cases, with over 1,300 confirmed infections reported so far this winter, predominantly in high-density suburbs such as Mbare, Glen View, Budiriro, Tafara, and Glen Norah.
In an interview with <a href="https://www.zbcnews.co.zw/featured/influenza-a-identified-as-cause-of-current-flu-surge/">ZBC News</a> on July 1st, Dr. Chonzi clarified that despite flu symptoms resembling those of COVID-19, testing has confirmed cases of Influenza A. He said:
<blockquote>
We are indeed seeing several flue cases or flue-like cases throughout the country, particularly in Harare.
It’s not uncommon though that as you transition from the warm season into the cold season like we are doing right now you get an increase in flu-like symptoms.
There will be circulation of many viruses and some of those viruses are the ones that cause the flu.
We have isolated Influenza A type virus in most of the cases that we are seeing right now. Of course, the symptoms are COVID-19-like symptoms because most of us have experienced it before.
We have been testing, doing PCR testing to confirm whether or not we are dealing with the same strain of COVID-19, but what we are seeing is on the contrary, it still appears like what is circulating is the influenza virus.
We encourage people to still practice what we were teaching them the last time we were experiencing COVID-19.
Good personal hygiene keep warm, and seek medication early if you are unwell so that we avoid complications.
People have a role to play in terms of personal health, but as it is we have not confirmed that this is COVID-19 as we experienced it from 2019 to 2022.
</blockquote>
Chonzi warned that young children (that is those under the age of 5), the elderly and those with underlying health conditions are most susceptible to severe flu complications. He said:
<blockquote>
Influenza normally affects children, so those that are under five or under four years are mostly affected. Those who have comorbidities and the elderly are also severely affected.
If you are fit if you exercise regularly and if your immunity is okay you may have symptoms, but they are not as severe as the ones that you are seeing right now.
So, many individuals who are succumbing or experiencing severe illness likely have other underlying health conditions or may not be as resilient as they should be.
Children, on the other hand, because their immune systems are still developing, may also suffer from severe disease.
Similarly, the elderly and those who are immunocompromised are prone to experiencing severe illness as well.
</blockquote>
Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a viral infection that affects the respiratory system. It is caused by influenza viruses and typically manifests with symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, fatigue, and sometimes vomiting and diarrhoea. Influenza can range from mild to severe illness and can lead to complications.
Prevention of influenza includes practising good hand hygiene, avoiding close contact with sick individuals, and staying home from work or school when experiencing flu-like symptoms to prevent spreading the virus to others.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

"Influenza A" Identified As Cause Of Surge In COVID-19-like Symptoms

The Consumer Protection Commission (CPC) has recalled the 50ml single-use neutralizing shampoo contained in the Dark and Lovely moisture plus kit (Regular and Super) and Dark and Lovely anti-breakage kit for containing bacteria that may lead to scalp infections in those with compromised immune systems.
CPC is asking customers who bought the product mentioned above to stop using it right away and to return the product to the place they bought it from to get a full refund.
Below is a statement issued by the CPC on the dangerous shampoo:
<blockquote>
The Consumer Protection Commission is in receipt of a notice from the COMESA Competition Commission on the recall of 50ml single use neutralizing shampoo contained in the Dark and Lovely moisture plus kit (Regular and Super) and Dark and Lovely anti breakage kit for containing bacteria that may lead to sculp infections in those with compromised immune systems by the National Consumer Commission (NCC) of South Africa.
The Commission is therefore urging members of the public in possession of the 50 ml single use neutralizing shampoo contained in Dark and Lovely moisture plus kits (Regular and Super) and Dark and Lovely anti breakage kit to immediately discontinue use of product and return it to the point of sale for a full refund.
The product has been recalled by the manufacturer, L’Oreal This recall is being made in line with Section 15 (1) (e) read with sub section 2 (b) of the Consumer Protection Act which requires the Commission to, “recall the goods for repair, replacement or refund if the goods are unsafe” and “carry out a recall programme on any terms required by the Commission”.
Should you require more information or clarification on the matter, you may contact Mr. G. Zhou, the Compliance and Investigations Manager at the Consumer Protection Commission on +263 719 176 501, Mr. K. Mudereri, the Research and Public Affairs Manager on +263 719 176 506 or Mr. J. Sibanda on +263 719 176 473.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

CPC Recalls Contaminated Dark And Lovely Shampoo Kits, Calls For Immediate Returns

The international funding for condoms in Zimbabwe is coming to an end in 2025, a development that may reverse the gains made by the country in the fight against the prevention of HIV and AIDS.
Speaking at the second quarter HIV Prevention Partnership Forum organised by Safaids in Harare last week, the National HIV Prevention Coordinator in the Ministry of Health and Child Care Gertrude Ncube, said (via <a href="https://www.sundaynews.co.zw/international-condom-funding-coming-to-an-end-next-year/">The Sunday News</a>):
<blockquote>
There is actually donor fatigue for condom funding, so as a country, we are saying should we risk all the gains made through our condom programming because there is no funding.
We need to look at how best we mobilise even our domestic funding to support condom procurement.
</blockquote>
Ncube said that the country has been too dependent on condom support from partners such as PEPFAR through USAID for both the Zimbabwe National Family Planning Council and the public sector. She said:
<blockquote>
PEPFAR has already told us that from 2026, there will not be any condom funding.
</blockquote>
Deputy Director HIV and STI Programme Dr Tsitsi Apollo said the country has to look for alternative funding sources for programmes such as Public Private Partnerships. She said:
<blockquote>
Do we know what will happen from 2027 and beyond after the funding expires considering what is happening globally and the funding being given to countries?
If Zimbabwe gets to that upper-middle income bracket we are less likely to receive external funding because the Global Fund uses a certain allocation formula to fund countries based on their economies.
</blockquote>
National Aids Council (NAC) Director Programmes Raymond Yekeye said the AIDS Levy was not enough to meet the council’s requirements. He said:
<blockquote>
It’s the whole HIV response program that is at a critical stage on how it is going to be sustained and how it is going to be funded, there is a need to develop a sustainability roadmap for the HIV response.
The levy is probably 25 to 30 percent of our requirements for the HIV response and that is why we are discussing other financing mechanisms such as the National Health Insurance Scheme because the levy on its own will not be able to sustain.
</blockquote>
The AIDS Levy is a tax introduced by the government in 1999 to raise funds for the national HIV/AIDS response.
The levy is charged as a 3% tax on all income, including salaries, pensions, and investment earnings.
The funds collected from the AIDS Levy are channelled towards NAC, which is responsible for coordinating Zimbabwe’s multi-sectoral HIV/AIDS programmes and initiatives.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Zimbabwe Faces Potential HIV Prevention Setback As International Condom Funding Expires

At least 90 per cent of Ingutsheni Central Hospital patients suffer from drug and substance abuse-induced mental conditions, it has emerged.
Speaking during a drug and substance abuse campaign held in Bulawayo on Saturday, Ingutsheni Hospital representative Davison Samanyanga said the majority of the patients are victims of alcohol, drug and substance abuse. He said (via <a href="https://newsday.co.zw/southerneye/local/article/200028152/drug-abusers-congest-ingutsheni-hospital">Southern Eye</a>):
<blockquote>
If you look at our admitting ward, you will see that there are almost 100 to 150 persons who are staying there and 90% of those are drug-related cases, hence this shows the magnitude of the problem of drug and substance abuse.
The treatment of those affected, of those addicted to drugs and substances is not an easy journey.
In the treatment of drug and substance abuse, there are so many players who take part. We have psychologists, social workers, psychiatrists and doctors. As I have mentioned, it is not an easy journey.
</blockquote>
Samanyanga urged youths to shun drugs and other illegal intoxicating substances which lead to addiction and mental illnesses. He said:
<blockquote>
For rehabilitation, we are saying people deserve a chance. After being seen by all those professionals, they really need a chance.
They need to be equipped and imparted with the correct skills so that when they come back to the community, they know how to live, and how to conquer those challenges which they might have faced, which might have led them to drugs.
For the youth out there, don’t throw away your life for the sake of a few hours of fun.
</blockquote>
Commonly abused drugs in Zimbabwe include alcohol, cannabis (mbanje/marijuana), crystal meth (mutoriro), heroin, and glue.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Drug Abusers Congest Mental Health Institutions In Zimbabwe

The government has allayed fears of a coronavirus outbreak following a spike in cases of flu across the country over the past few weeks.
Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Jenfan Muswere, on Tuesday said the current rise in influenza-like illness in Zimbabwe is caused by the common cold associated with the winter season.
Addressing journalists at a post-Cabinet briefing in Harare on Tuesday, Muswere said the country has not recorded a single COVID-19 case in the last four weeks. He said:
<blockquote>
Cabinet advises that the recent increase in influenza-like illness experienced in the last few weeks is due to a seasonal increase which is usually experienced in the country and region as we approach the winter season.
This is not a COVID-19 outbreak, but a seasonal phenomenon experienced during the winter season.
There were more influenza cases in the same period in 2023 (149,000) compared to 2024 (99,000). Zimbabwe has not recorded a single COVID-19 case in the last four weeks.
People are, however, encouraged to wash their hands, avoid large crowds, cover their mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, and stay at home when there are symptoms of the disease.
</blockquote>
Influenza is an infectious disease caused by influenza viruses. It affects the nose, throat, and lungs, leading to symptoms that range from mild to severe.
Common signs of the flu include fever, aching muscles, chills, sweats, headache, coughing, fatigue, and a runny or stuffy nose. While most people recover on their own, some may experience complications.
To curb the flu, the government has advised the public to take a lot of fluids, keep warm, and where necessary, take over-the-counter common cold remedies.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Spike In Influenza-like Illnesses Not Related To COVID-19 - Govt

The government has recommended that people with flu-like symptoms wear masks and seek early medical assistance.
Some organisations have made face masks mandatory while some individuals are choosing to do so voluntarily to protect themselves and others from the flu.
Face masks were mandatory at the height of the coronavirus crisis as the government sought to curb the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Deputy Minister of Health and Child Care, Sleiman Kwidini, told the <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/face-masks-are-backpublic-takes-measures-to-curb-flu-outbreak/">Chronicle</a> that the country is not experiencing a flu outbreak but those with flu-like symptoms should wear masks in public places. He said:
<blockquote>
We encourage those with flu-like symptoms to mask up in schools and at the workplace. It’s not like an outbreak, we are in winter and we expect such cases. Everything is under control and people should not be worried.
We also encourage people to stay hydrated by taking lots of fluids and taking over-the-counter common cold remedies.
</blockquote>
Mpilo Central Hospital clinical director, Professor Solwayo Ngwenya, warned that as the country approaches the peak of the winter season, cases of flu will increase. He said:
<blockquote>
It is good to note that people are responding well to this flu and most seem to be masking up willingly.
This is a great indicator that people remember the COVID-19 campaigns and are still adhering to them.
</blockquote>
The Meteorological Services Department (MSD) warned members of the public that chances of getting a cough, influenza or a cold increase during this transition period towards winter, hence people should dress warmly and ensure that vulnerable members of society are kept warm both early morning and late evening.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Government Recommends Mask-Wearing To Curb Flu Outbreak

Around 580,000 children in Zimbabwe under 5 years of age are experiencing severe child food poverty, making them up to 50 per cent more likely to experience wasting, a life-threatening form of malnutrition, a new global UNICEF report has revealed.
The nutrition and feeding practices during early childhood significantly impact children’s survival, growth, development, and lifelong learning.
In Zimbabwe, hundreds of thousands of children, especially the youngest aged between six months and two years, do not have access to the minimum nutritious foods they need during the time in their lives when good nutrition matters most for their growth and development.
UNICEF Representative in Zimbabwe Nicholas Alipui said:
<blockquote>
Food insecurity among Zimbabwean children could further deteriorate in 2024 with the El Nino-induced drought that has caused above-average temperatures and below-average rainfall, with a ‘historic’ mid-season dry spell over the 2023/2024 agricultural season.
It is urgent to address child food poverty today to avoid more children being pushed into a life-threatening status of severe malnutrition.
</blockquote>
The UNICEF report says that children living in severe food poverty are up to 50 per cent more likely to suffer from life-threatening malnutrition.
In line with “Zimbabwe’s Nutrition Narrative”, the Government of Zimbabwe with UNICEF and other partners, is implementing activities, under the “Multi-Sectoral Food and Nutrition Security Strategy”, to improve children’s diet diversity and prevent all forms of malnutrition.
These initiatives aim to enhance the availability and accessibility of nutrient-rich foods within households.
They operate through community-based support programs called Care Groups, which connect caregivers to essential services in health, water, sanitation, hygiene, social protection, and agriculture. Said Dr Alipui:
<blockquote>
To scale up community-based nutrition activities, additional support is needed from the Government, development and humanitarian partners, national and international civil society and non-governmental organizations, and the private sector.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

580,000 Young Children In Zimbabwe Living In Severe Food Shortage - UNICEF

The secessionist opposition party, Mthwakazi Republic Party (MRP), claims to have discovered dangerous traditional weapons and other objects during its raids on bush churches mostly run by apostolic sects in Bulawayo.
MRP activists launched what they call a clean-up campaign sometime last month in Bulawayo targeting open-air religious sects that they accuse of polluting the environment.
Speaking to the <a href="https://newsday.co.zw/southerneye/local/article/200027825/mrp-spreads-clean-up-campaign-against-bush-churches">Southern Eye</a>, MRP spokesperson Velile Moyo, said they are spreading the clean-up campaign to Matabeleland North and South provinces. Said Moyo:
<blockquote>
We have realised that our bushes are dirty because of these bush shrines. We are happy that the Bulawayo City Council (BCC) is also positively responding to our campaign by sending municipal rangers to deal with the littering of our bushes by the churches.
We discovered weapons such as spears, swords, piles of underpants, wrapped pieces of wool, and piles of other people’s pictures and we advised them (church members) to burn them.
Some have complied with our advice because we are going to them in peace.
</blockquote>
Moyo said the ritual cloths and flags that they found at the shrines violated local cultural norms and values. He added:
<blockquote>
We are telling them that they must go and see the council so that they are allocated stands on which to operate.
</blockquote>
Bulawayo United Residents Association (BURA) chairperson Winos Dube said that the clean-up campaign was welcome “If it is done without any other sinister motives”. He added:
<blockquote>
We always appreciate such moves as residents but we do not want it done in a manner that will infringe other people’s rights.
Just like Murambatsvina, it was a clean-up campaign but it ended up infringing other people’s rights.
</blockquote>
However, Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) spokesperson in Bulawayo Metropolitan Province, Inspector Abednico Ncube said they had not heard about the clean-up campaign being conducted by the MRP activists.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Mthwakazi Activists Spread "Clean-up Campaign" Against Open Air Churches

Cowdray Park Clinic in Bulawayo is now offering the Long-Acting Injectable, Cabotegravir (CAB-LA) drug, an injectable HIV prevention drug that provides long-acting protection.
As reported by <a href="https://www.sundaynews.co.zw/cowdray-park-clinic-starts-offering-hiv-prevention-injection/">The Sunday News</a>, the first injection of CAB-LA was administered on 10 April in Harare and the jab is administered once in two months.
CAB-LA is being administered under a study called Catalysing Access to New Prevention Products to Stop HIV (CATALYST).
CATALYST is Maximizing Options to Advance Informed Choice for HIV Prevention (MOSAIC)’s flagship product introduction study.
This study aims to provide and assess an enhanced service delivery package that includes oral PrEP, the PrEP ring, and injectable cabotegravir.
MOSAIC is a five-year global project funded by the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) whose primary goal is to help adolescent girls, young women, and other women prevent HIV by accelerating the introduction and scale-up of new and emerging biomedical prevention products.
MOSAIC Project Lead and Co-Principal Investigator of the CATALYST Study, Dr Emily Gwavava, said:
<blockquote>
The long-acting injectable cabotegravir (CAB-LA or CAB PrEP) is now available at all six CATALYST study sites — SHAZ! Hub at CitiMed Hospital in Chitungwiza, Ngundu Rural Health Centre, Runyararo Clinic in Masvingo, Plumtree District Hospital, Beitbridge Wellness Centre, and Cowdray Park Clinic.
CAB PrEP was made available to study participants on Monday 20 May 2024. According to the current national guidelines CAB PrEP will not be available to pregnant and breastfeeding women in Zimbabwe although women who fall pregnant while already using CAB PrEP will be allowed to continue.
</blockquote>
In randomised controlled trials (HPTN 083 and HPTN 084), CAB-LA demonstrated a 79% relative reduction in HIV risk compared to oral PrEP.
CAB PrEP is also safe for men, but the CATALYST study is specifically for women given their increased vulnerability to HIV. Said Gwavava:
<blockquote>
It has a reduced dosing frequency with clients receiving injections every two months. CAB PrEP offers discretion for those not willing to disclose their PrEP use to others. CAB PrEP users have nothing to store or carry before, during, or after the injection.
CAB PrEP reaches maximum protection about one week after the first injection. Users should use additional HIV prevention methods during this time.
</blockquote>
The CATALYST study is being implemented in the country by Pangaea Zimbabwe in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Child Care and the Organisation of Public Health Interventions and Development (OPHID) which launched in June 2023.
The study has been offering women a choice of oral Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and the dapivirine vaginal ring. Added Gwavava:
<blockquote>
In April 2024, the study introduced a third PrEP option, the long-awaited long-acting injectable cabotegravir (CAB-LA or CAB PrEP) so women will be able to choose from oral PrEP, the dapivirine vaginal ring, and CAB PrEP. All three PrEP methods have been demonstrated to reduce the risk of HIV infection and are approved and registered for use in the country.
</blockquote>
Gwavava also said CATALYST is a study with a fixed amount of CAB PrEP available for use during the study. Therefore, the number of participants that can be enrolled is limited.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Cowdray Park Clinic Starts Offering HIV Prevention Injection

A local non-governmental organisation (NGO) which offers free HIV services to sex workers says there has been a notable uptake of female condoms since the introduction of flavoured varieties, reported <a href="https://www.zimlive.com/flavoured-female-condoms-a-hit-with-kadoma-sex-workers-ngo/">ZimLive</a>.
The Centre for Sexual Health and HIV/AIDS Research (CeSHHAR) has been distributing female condoms for some time, but they have observed a rise in uptake since the introduction of flavoured condoms.
Speaking to journalists recently, Audrey Chikeya, CeSHHAR’s HIV outreach officer for Kadoma, said:
<blockquote>
With female condoms, we have seen an increase in uptake because when we started, female condoms were not very popular with the sex workers but last month, we had 600 female condoms of different flavours distributed to them.
They are flavoured with strawberry, vanilla and all and they are now a hit. We have attributed that to the different flavours that come with female condoms, which then attract more partners for the sex workers. 
They say it’s more marketable and sometimes their partners feel like they don’t need to wear a condom but if it’s the women wearing one, then it’s fine.
</blockquote>
Chikeya also attributed the increased uptake of female condoms to their sexual education awareness programmes targetting sex workers. She said:
<blockquote>
We can have an average of 20 clients per day, translating to about 100 in a week but most of them are female sex workers.
For males, we see about three to five sex workers including the transgender but the number is rising.
We screen them for sexually transmitted infections and treat them, we also do condom education and other HIV services for free to sex workers in Mhondoro and Sanyati Districts.
</blockquote>
Chikeya said since 2021, about 5,000 male and female sex workers from Sanyati and Mhondoro Districts of Mashonaland West Province have benefited from CeSHHAR’s condom use promotion, free HIV testing and treatment, STI screening and treatment programmes.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Flavoured Female Condoms Popular With Kadoma Sex Workers - NGO

The government of Zimbabwe, through the Ministry of Health and Child Care, has allayed fears of a resurgence of the COVID-19 pandemic following a spike in flu-like illnesses in the country.
In a statement issued on Sunday, 26 May, the Secretary for Health and Child Care, Aspect Maunganidze said the flu-like illnesses seen in the country are due to the common cold.
He urged members of the public to lead healthy lifestyles, take lots of fluids, and keep warm. Said Maunganidze:
<blockquote>
The Ministry of Health and Child Care would want to reassure the public that the flu-like illnesses seen in the country are due to the common cold.
The winter season is associated with increased incidence of common colds and that is what has been seen so far.
The cases are neither due to COVID-19 or other new viruses. There is no viral pandemic in Zimbabwe.
The public is advised to lead healthy lifestyles, take lots of fluids, keep warm and where necessary take over-the-counter common cold remedies.
</blockquote>
According to the Ministry of Health’s Disease Surveillance Report for the week ending 12 May 2024 released on 23 May, 3 956 suspected influenza cases and zero deaths were reported during the week. The report said:
<blockquote>
The provinces that reported the highest number of suspected influenza cases were Mashonaland East(1 118) and Mashonaland Central (1 114) The cumulative figures for influenza are 91 439 and 0 deaths.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

"It's Not COVID-19", Govt Speaks On Spike In Flu-like illnesses

Microplastics have been found in human testicles, and researchers say the discovery might be linked to declining sperm counts in men, reported <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/article/2024/may/20/microplastics-human-testicles-study-sperm-counts">The Guardian</a>.
Scientists tested 23 human testes, as well as 47 testes from pet dogs. Microplastic pollution was found in every sample.
The human testicles had been preserved so their sperm count could not be measured.
However, the sperm count in the dogs’ testes could be assessed and was lower in samples with higher contamination with PVC (polyvinyl chloride).
According to the report, sperm counts in men have been falling for decades, with chemical pollution such as pesticides implicated by many studies.
Prof Xiaozhong Yu, at the University of New Mexico in the United States, said:
<blockquote>
In the beginning, I doubted whether microplastics could penetrate the reproductive system.
When I first received the results for dogs I was surprised. I was even more surprised when I received the results for humans.
</blockquote>
The testes analysed were obtained from postmortems in 2016, with the men ranging in age from 16 to 88 when they died.
The dogs’ testes were obtained from veterinary practices that conducted neutering operations.
Yu said “The impact on the younger generation might be more concerning” now that there is more plastic than ever in the environment.
The study, published in the journal Toxicological Sciences, involved dissolving the tissue samples and then analysing the plastic that remained.
The human testicles had a plastic concentration almost three times higher than that found in the dog testes: 330 micrograms per gram of tissue compared with 123 micrograms.
Polyethylene, used in plastic bags and bottles, was the most common microplastic found, followed by PVC. Said Yu:
<blockquote>
PVC can release a lot of chemicals that interfere with spermatogenesis and it contains chemicals that cause endocrine disruption.
</blockquote>
A smaller study in China in 2023 also found microplastics in six human testes and 30 semen samples.
Recent studies in mice have reported that microplastics reduced sperm count and caused abnormalities and hormone disruptions.
Microplastics have also recently been discovered in human blood, placentas and breast milk, indicating widespread contamination of people’s bodies.
The impact on health is as yet unknown but microplastics have been shown to cause damage to human cells in the laboratory.
Microplastics are plastic pieces that measure less than five millimetres across.
Sperm count refers to the number of sperm cells in a semen sample and a low sperm count negatively affects male fertility.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Small Plastic Pieces Found In Human Testicles

The Ministry of Health and Child Care is investigating an increase in flu-like illnesses across the country to determine whether it might be the outbreak of a new virus.
Last week, the Ministry of Health reported an increase in influenza cases to more than 87,000 since the beginning of January this year.
Speaking to <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/govt-investigates-surge-in-flu-like-illnesses/">The Herald</a>, Ministry of Health and Child Care Secretary Aspect Maunganidze said:
<blockquote>
We have indeed noticed through our surveillance, in terms of diseases in the country, that there has been an increase in flu-like illnesses. We have not confirmed that it’s a new virus yet.
This is expected in the season that we are going (into), but we have also noticed in the region, in particular Botswana, where they have also recorded a high incidence of influenza-like illnesses.
People need to practise strong hygiene, especially hand hygiene. Avoid touching your face, or your nostrils, because the virus is found even on surfaces and in the air from droplets that people will be coughing or sneezing. So once you touch them and you also touch your face, you increase the chances of getting the flu.
In addition, you need to wash your hands where you can. You can wear your mask, especially if you have started to have flu-like symptoms and you want to avoid passing it on to others.
</blockquote>
Maunganidze urged members of the public to adhere to healthy lifestyles and eat vitamin C-rich foods to avoid falling ill.
Vitamin C-rich foods include oranges, strawberries, bell peppers, guava, papaya and broccoli, among others.
He also warned against self-medicating and unnecessarily taking antibiotics, unless prescribed by a health professional. Said Maunganidze:
<blockquote>
There is generally no need to be taking antibiotics unless prescribed by the doctor. So we need to avoid abuse of these antibiotics as this also increases the chances of antimicrobial resistance.
In general, we need to keep ourselves alert and if symptoms of flu are not settling or they are worsening after 10 to 14 days, with additional chest symptoms and coughing of blood and other symptoms, then you need to make sure you are checked by a doctor.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Zimbabwe Records An Increase In Flu-like Illnesses

Mpilo Central Hospital in Bulawayo lacks radiation treatment for cancer patients, with the last treatment occurring in 2021 due to the breakdown of radiotherapy and mammography machines.
As reported by <a href="https://cite.org.zw/mpilo-radiotherapy-machines-non-functional-since-2021/">CITE</a>, the situation has been exacerbated by a shortage of local expertise and an unreliable power supply.
Since the breakdown of the radiotherapy and mammography machines at Mpilo, most of the radiographers left, leaving only two. Without proper power management, the machines cannot function.
In 2021, Mpilo Hospital installed a US$100,000 Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS) system for the radiotherapy unit.
However, according to the hospital’s Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr Narcisius Dzvanga, engineers said that the current UPS is too powerful for the machines. He said:
<blockquote>
The engineers can only service the machines once we replace the UPS. They claim the current one is unnecessarily large, but we received it in that state. It’s not up to us to adjust it.
</blockquote>
During a tour of the radiotherapy department by the Parliamentary Committee on Health and Child Care on Monday, it emerged that the CT scan has been out of service since October 2023 due to a software issue requiring German engineers. Local attempts to resolve the problem have been unsuccessful.
Clinical Director Professor Solwayo Ngwenya told the Parliamentary Committee that the last time Mpilo performed radiation treatment was in 2021. He said:
<blockquote>
These machines are expensive. They can’t simply be discarded. The machines stopped working three years ago, in 2021. As acting CMO, I wrote a letter to the Ministry [of Health and Childcare]. They are aware.
</blockquote>
Oncologist Dr.Tatenda Chingozoh said power fluctuations can damage the machines. She said:
<blockquote>
Power surges damage these delicate machines. Even minor faults prevent us from administering radiation treatment, which can be life-saving. Patients are forced to seek treatment at private facilities.
Without the radiotherapy machines, the radiotherapy cannot use the CT scan as it works in conjunction with the machines.
There are three CT scanners in the government system, one at the main Mpilo hospital, another at UBH and then we have the oncology dedicated one.
</blockquote>
The members of the Parliamentary Committee on Health and Child Care asked why the hospital couldn’t switch to alternative power sources.
In response, Operations Director Joe Charangwa explained that regardless of the power source, it must be routed through the UPS to ensure consistent electricity. Said Charangwa:
<blockquote>
Even solar power requires a UPS to prevent surges. The UPS stabilises and protects the main machine, whether powered by ZESA or solar.
</blockquote>
Chingozoh said with non-functional machines, the remaining staff are undergoing training to maintain their skills. She said:
<blockquote>
We offer limited alternative treatments due to staff shortages caused by emigration. Out of the eight radiographers we had when the machines were functional, only two remain.
We have a high staff turnover. Even our physicist is new. All the previous physicists left the country. We try to keep staff trained.
Currently, our physicist is attending a course in Nigeria. Next week, there’s another training in Cape Town.
</blockquote>
The Mpilo CMO said that cancer patients are forced to seek treatment at the private Oncocare facility in Newlands, as Parirenyatwa Hospital faces similar challenges.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Mpilo Cancer Treatment Machines Non-functional Since 2021

Critical cancer treatment machines at Zimbabwe’s largest referral medical facility, Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals, are not working.
According to <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200026930/parirenyatwas-cancer-unit-in-dire-straits">NewsDay</a>, cancer equipment breakdowns and a lack of resources are severely limiting Parirenyatwa Hospital’s ability to provide adequate treatment for cancer machines.
During the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Health’s visit to Parirenyatwa Hospital on Tuesday, Chief Medical Officer Tsitsi Magure revealed that the mammography machine broke down 15 years ago. She said:
<blockquote>
Our mammography machine has been down for more than 15 years and we have not been able to buy and replace it.
</blockquote>
A mammogram machine is a specialised medical device used for mammography, which is the imaging technique used to examine the human breast.
This imaging technique is critical for the early detection of cancer and other breast diseases. Added Magure:
<blockquote>
We have three radiotherapy machines which are very old and they are due for replacement. We have one machine which treats cervical cancer
Unfortunately, all three radiotherapy machines are not working and we have not been able to offer radiotherapy in our unit.
The CT-scan machines are also down and efforts are underway to repair them.
</blockquote>
She also said the hospital’s cancer unit had become too small to accommodate an increasing number of cancer patients.
According to the Ministry of Health and Childcare, cancer remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality with over 5 000 new cases diagnosed and over 1 500 deaths per year.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Parirenyatwa Hospital Cancer Unit In Bad State

Zimbabwe has the highest prevalence of suicide ideation and self-harm among young people, the World Health Organisation (WHO) Zimbabwe has said.
As reported by CITE’s <a href="https://cite.org.zw/author/senzeni/">Senzeni Ncube</a>, the high rate of suicide ideation and self-harm among adolescents is linked to substance abuse and alcohol abuse.
This came out during the MindSKILLZ programme which focuses on adolescent mental health promotion and prevention.
The programme is being implemented by Pamumvuri Private Voluntary Organisation and Grassroot Soccer Inc. in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC) and WHO.
It incorporates soccer games, discussions, and activities designed to promote self-awareness and self-regulation, communication and relationship skills, problem-solving and decision-making, emotional intelligence and resilience and goal setting among adolescents.
The pilot programme is set to launch in Bulawayo and Harare and will target 3 500 adolescents between the ages of 10-19 years.
Speaking during the meeting, WHO Zimbabwe Mental Health Technical Officer, Dr Debra Machando, said:
<blockquote>
Zimbabwe has the highest rate of suicide ideation and self-harm. You will find a lot of young people who think that it is better to die or they want to relieve anxiety through self-harm in different ways.
You might find the young person with a lot of cuts under their sleeves or their bellies or on their thighs. Sadly, Zimbabwe is among the top 10 countries with the actual suicide rates among adolescents.
If we talk about common mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, and behavioural disorders, we again often lead to high rates of substance abuse and alcohol abuse.
</blockquote>
Machando also said Zimbabwe is the top-ranked country for 15 –19-year-olds in the African region for binge drinking, “it could be the parties that we are reading about that could be causing all that.” She added:
<blockquote>
Sadly, our mental health expenditure is very low, for our country it is 0.42 per cent. Our mental health workforce, in Africa is the lowest, we have the least number of mental health practitioners who can handle these problems.
</blockquote>
Bulawayo Provincial Medical Director, Dr Maphios Siamuchembu said in the southern region of the country, the problem is drug and substance abuse is exacerbated by the limited economic activities and opportunities.
The founder of Pamumvuri PVO, Jacob Shamuyarira said they want to create content in local languages.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Zimbabwe Leads In Youth Suicide Ideation, Self Harm - WHO

The Ministry of Health and Childcare recorded 1 841 malaria cases and 7 deaths in the week ending 28 April 2024.
According to a recent Disease Surveillance Report by the Ministry, out of the 1,841 malaria cases, 162 were children under five years of age.
Masvingo District recorded 2 deaths, while Hurungwe District, Makonde District, Mazowe District, Guruve District, and Mt Darwin District recorded 1 death each. Reads the report:
<blockquote>
Disease Surveillance Report for the week ending 28 April 2024. 1 841 malaria cases and 7 deaths were reported this week. 162 of the reported cases were from under five years of age.
The deaths were reported from Masvingo District (2) in Masvingo Province, Hurungwe District (1) and Makonde District(1) in Mashonaland West Province, Mazowe District (1), Guruve District(1), Mount Darwin District (1) in Mashonaland Central Province.
The provinces that reported the highest number of cases were Mashonaland Central Province (792) and Mashonaland West Province (415). The cumulative figures for malaria cases are 21 298 and 44 deaths.
</blockquote>
In the first eight months of 2023, Zimbabwe recorded 144,508 positive malaria cases, with regions such as Mashonaland Central, Mashonaland East, Manicaland, Matabeleland North, and Masvingo accounting for 97% of these cases.
Malaria is a disease caused by parasites that are transmitted to people through bites from infected female Anopheles mosquitoes.
Symptoms usually appear within 10–15 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito.
The common malaria symptoms include fever, headache, chills, extreme tiredness and fatigue, impaired consciousness, multiple convulsions, difficulty breathing and jaundice (yellowing of the eyes and skin).
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

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