Itai Rusike, Executive Director of the Community Working Group on Health (CWGH), has described the unregulated use of herbal medicine in Zimbabwe as a “ticking time bomb”.
Rusike argued that there was a need for scientific research and evidence to support claims made by herbalists, citing the lack of clinical trials and data. He said (via <a href="https://vicfallslive.co.zw/regulation-urgent-and-herbal-medicine-use-surges-cwgh/">VicFallsLive</a>):
<blockquote>
Most of our herbal medicines are locally sourced and readily available, 100% organic and non-toxic. However, the challenge lies in the lack of communication regarding dosage schedules, indications for treatment, and the absence of accreditation or regulation of practitioners and their premises…
At most of our hospitals, up to 70% of clients consult alternative practitioners and providers before, during, and after their visits.
This widespread use necessitates serious evaluation and accurate advice for the population.
Many assertions by herbalists have not been scientifically researched. This challenge needs to be discussed.
</blockquote>
Rusike also criticised the advertising of alternative medical services on mainstream media platforms, which he believes perpetuates the problem.
In Zimbabwe, alternative medicine plays a significant role in healthcare, especially in rural and resource-poor communities.
Many Zimbabweans rely on traditional herbal medicine, which involves the use of medicinal plants. This practice is deeply rooted in the culture and history of the nation.
Traditional medicine is often more accessible and affordable compared to conventional medicine. This is particularly important in rural areas where access to modern healthcare facilities can be limited.
Besides herbal treatments, faith healing is also a common practice. People often turn to faith healers for various ailments, believing in the spiritual aspect of healing.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

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The use of herbal medicine in Zimbabwe is not regulated, and this can be dangerous, says a health expert. Many people in the country rely on herbal medicine, which is easily available and organic. However, there is a lack of information on how much to take and when to take it. This could lead to problems. Traditional medicine is very important in Zimbabwe, especially in rural areas where modern healthcare is not easily accessible. The expert also said that claims made by herbalists should be backed by scientific research. People also rely on faith healers for healing.

Unregulated Use Of Herbal Medicine A “Ticking Time Bomb,” Says Health Expert

Expecting mothers in Bubi District are reportedly avoiding maternity waiting homes in rural clinics due to a shortage of food.
This was revealed during a stakeholder meeting held by the Community Working Group on Health (CWGH) on revitalising primary health care in Zimbabwe towards universal health coverage for the achievement of the national agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals.
The Health Care Committee Chairperson, Nobuhle Ndlovu, said they were facing several challenges that include a critical shortage of ambulances and medication. Said Ndlovu:
<blockquote>
The challenge is that expecting mothers who come to the maternity waiting homes in clinics are complaining of hunger and this has led to some of them opting to stay home so that they could share what they have as a family.
We are facing transport challenges, you find that when a person is sick or a pregnant woman is having complications when giving birth and they call the Inyathi district, they tell us that the ambulance has no diesel hence it is difficult for it to come.
If possible, we are appealing for a local ambulance that will cover local clinics in five or six wards.
The ambulance will be on standby for critical patients who are referred to Inyathi District Hospital.
The other challenge is that of medication, the first treatment that a child has to receive is the Bacille Calmette- Guerin (BCG) which won’t be available.
The mother will stay three days in a hospital after that they go home and are given a date to come back.
When they come back again, they find it unavailable which has seen many children not taking the BCG vaccine.
</blockquote>
| <a href="https://cite.org.zw/hunger-forces-expectant-mothers-to-shun-waiting-homes/">CITE</a>

Hunger Forces Expectant Mothers To Shun Waiting Homes At Rural Clinics

Local commentators on health matters say the the$473.8 billion budget allocation towards the provision of health care services announced by Finance and Economic Development Minister Mthuli Ncube is not enough to cater to the sector’s needs.
Ncube announced a $4.5 trillion budget on Thursday, with the health allocation constituting 11% of the total budget.
Community Working Group on Health executive director Itai Rusike said:
<blockquote>
The health budget remains grossly inadequate to fund the critical needs in the health sector.
The current health financing model remains unsustainable as it heavily relies on external financing as well as out-of-pocket spending.
In spite of the huge external support from development partners, there is still a huge financing gap in the health sector in the country which calls for greater innovation and commitment by the government to sustainably address it.
</blockquote>
Dental Private Practitioners Association of Zimbabwe president Johannes Marisa said:
<blockquote>
The health sector budget is an improvement from last year but of course when you are benchmarking with the Abuja Declaration you still realise that it falls short of the stipulated 15%.
We hope the budget is going to address the mass brain drain that is underway in Zimbabwe where we are losing experienced and skilled workers to greener pastures.
</blockquote>
In his 2023 national budget presentation, Ncube acknowledged that the amount allocated to health was well below the 15% stipulated by the Abuja Declaration. Said Ncube:
<blockquote>
In 2023, the budget has set aside 11% of total expenditures towards the health sector notwithstanding financial constraints, Government is committed to the provision of quality health services, as evidenced by the ongoing construction and rehabilitation of health facilities.
In 2023, the budget has set aside 11% of total expenditures towards the health sector and the objective is to eventually meet the Abuja Declaration of 15%.
This is necessary to attain Vision 2030 of becoming an upper middle-income economy.
In 2023, the sector is projected to receive US$212,9 million from development partners towards the same areas.
</blockquote>
| <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/health/article/200004115/health-budget-insufficient">NewsDay</a>

"Health Budget Inadequate"

Diabetes patients from economically-disadvantages backgrounds are reportedly struggling to access life-saving drugs, particularly insulin, from primary health institutions because of prohibitive costs.
Community Working Group on Health (CWGH) executive director Itai Rusike yesterday told NewsDay that a vial of insulin costs between US$8 and US$25 at private pharmacies, forcing the poor to default on treatment.
Rusike also noted that non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes are burdening the health and economic sectors.
NCDs are more costly to treat, not only for the health sector, but also for the economy, with costs to workers themselves, employers, a loss of tax revenues, and costs to households. Said Rusike:
<blockquote>
Most patients are failing to procure insulin due to the dire economic situation in the country. The country is also facing a rising level of people with non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
There was a four-fold increase in some NCDs in the 1990s, with the World Health Organisation (WHO) projecting a 20% rise in NCDs by 2020 in African countries.
… There is evidence that drug access for diabetes has fallen in recent years, and that drug availability is falling most sharply at the clinic services that form the frontline of the healthcare system with the community.
This represents an unfair cost burden on poor communities but also opens the way for the growth of private unregulated drug markets.
</blockquote>
Meanwhile, the deputy director for non-communicable diseases in the Health ministry, Justin Mudavanhu, said the Government was rolling out the WHO Package of Essential (PEN) NCDs services at primary care level in a bid to address the drug cost challenges. He said:
<blockquote>
The PEN package is aimed at increasing access to NCDs services at primary care level to ensure the availability and supply chain of essential medicines such as insulins and anti-hypertensives will be improved.
</blockquote>
The United Nations designated 14 November as World Diabetes Day, and different health organisations have been commemorating the event this week. This year’s theme was Access to Diabetes Care.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/2021/11/diabetic-patients-struggle-to-access-drugs/">NewsDay</a></h4>

Diabetic Patients Struggle To Access Drugs

Civic organisations have implored the government to seriously consider increasing allowances paid to village health workers (VHWs), who have been essential in ensuring that rural people have access to healthcare services.
They are currently paid US$15 a month, with US$1 being deducted towards bicycle payments.
These allowances are supposed to be paid per quarter, but most payments were last made more than a year ago.
VHWs’s roles include raising awareness, giving health advice, monitoring the growth of children under five years and mobilising communities during outreach programmes for immunisation.
In a statement, the Community Working Group on Health (CWGH), which represents more than 20 organisations that deal with health issues, said there is a need to improve the welfare of VHWs in Zimbabwe. Said CWGH director Itai Rusike:
<blockquote>
Zimbabwe has slightly over 10 000 VHWs out of a national need of about 30 000, hence some VHWs, especially in resettlement areas, cover a large catchment area cycling distances of up to 30kms.
Instead of working just three days a week and three hours a day, they are on duty 24/7 because of the low numbers.
The Government should seriously consider an upward review of allowances paid to the Village Health Workers and this should be supported by provisions in the national health budget.
</blockquote>
In the early years, all VHWs equally benefited from incentives such as uniforms, bicycles and allowances as this was catered for in the national health budget.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/village-health-workers-call-for-review-of-allowances/">Chronicle</a></h4>

Village Health Workers Call For Review Of Allowances

Local health experts have warned that new coronavirus infections could rise exponentially as members of the public ignore the level 4 lockdown measures announced by the government over two weeks ago.
Community Working Group on Health executive director Itai Rusike said the government has done its part, especially in increasing the rate of vaccine imports, and it behoves every citizen to play their part. Said Rusike:
<blockquote>Of late we have observed with extreme concern and disbelief the level of complacency and generally poor adherence to the Level 4 lockdown restrictions.
It is disheartening to see that the tighter lockdown regulations announced by the Government are only on paper as communities are operating normally oblivious of the threat of the third wave.</blockquote>
Rusike observed that the non-adherence to COVID-19 regulations and WHO recommended guidelines had become more pronounced in public spaces such as markets, liquor selling points, funerals and bus terminuses.
He said given the rising number of COVID-19 cases, it was incumbent upon the government to enforce the restrictions without fear or favour.
The strict enforcement of restrictions should be coupled with sustained COVID-19 literacy and awareness campaigns on the benefits of embracing the national vaccination programme to defeat the pandemic, said Rusike.
Chairman of the Mashonaland Faculty of the College of Primary Health Care Physicians of Zimbabwe Dr Enock Mayida said it was worrisome that people have thrown caution to the wind.
People are not wearing masks properly as recommended and they are not regularly sanitising their hands or washing them with water and soap and observing physical distancing issues, Mayida said.
He called for medical outreach programmes in suburbs, towns, growth points and market areas to continuously sensitise the public on COVID-19 issues.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/experts-warn-of-surge-in-cases-as-laxity-creeps-in/">The Herald</a></h4>

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