IKE BLE System Proves Effective in Preventing Underage Vaping, New Study Finds

Michael Gwarisa

By Michael Gwarisa A new multi-center study has validated the effectiveness of the IKE Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) System in preventing underage access to Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS), signaling a potential breakthrough in youth vaping prevention efforts. The study was made possible through a partnership between Ispire Technology Inc., an innovator in vaping technology and precision dosing; Touchpoint World Wide Inc., doing business as Berify (“Berify”), a cutting-edge platform that connects physical products to the digital world while enhancing digital engagement and brand protection; and Chemular International Inc. (“Chemular”),…

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Cuts in Health Aid Threaten Global Health Systems – WHO Warns

Michael Gwarisa

By Staff Reporter The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised alarm over the growing trend of reduced and suspended Official Development Assistance (ODA) for health, warning that such cuts are already weakening health systems in low- and middle-income countries and placing millions of lives at risk. In its latest report titled “The Impact of Suspensions and Reductions in Health ODA on Health Systems,” WHO says the decrease in global health aid has come at a critical time when many countries are still reeling from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic,…

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I Wasn’t Ready to Go Blind’: Zimbabwean Woman Shares Her Glaucoma Battle

Michael Gwarisa

By Michael Gwarisa Sixteen years ago, these words shattered Barbara Manjonjo’s world: “I’m sorry, your condition can’t be corrected with eye spectacles. All you can do now is prepare yourself, you’re going to go blind.” This was her optician delivering the devastating news back in 2009. She was only 37 at the time. Today, she is approaching her 53rd birthday. Never in her life had Barbara imagined that she would one day lose her sight and have to rely on her adolescent daughter to hold her hand as she navigated…

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Zimbabwe Launches High-Level Nutrition Advocacy Initiative to Boost Public Awareness and Policy Engagement

Michael Gwarisa

By Michael Gwarisa In a move set to enhance public awareness and promote domestic financing for nutrition interventions in Zimbabwe, the Zimbabwe Civil Society Organisation for Scaling Up Nutrition (ZCSOSUNA) has launched a High-Level Nutrition Advocacy and Parliamentary Engagement Project. Funded by UNICEF in collaboration with key government ministries and departments, the 12-month project aims to strengthen nutrition advocacy and deepen engagement with policymakers on child nutrition and development. Speaking at the project’s inception meeting in Harare, Mr. Kudakwashe Zombe, ZCSOSUNA National Coordinator, said the initiative will target 140 parliamentarians…

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The Dark Psychology of Prophets: How Narcissistic Leaders Exploit Mental Health to Control Followers

Michael Gwarisa

By Michael Gwarisa Have you ever wondered why a grown man, well-respected in his community, perhaps even holding a doctorate, would roll in the mud and eat grass at the instruction of a self-proclaimed prophet who never finished school? The answer often lies in the psychological forces at play — mental health issues that empower charismatic yet narcissistic religious leaders while disempowering and psychologically entrapping their followers. These leaders often display traits of narcissism, delusion, or sociopathy, while their congregants, whether through trauma bonding, spiritual manipulation, or Stockholm Syndrome, end…

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Why Medical aid societies in Zimbabwe should be regulated by a Health-Focused Authority or body — Not IPEC

Enock Musungwini

By Enock Musungwini, MPH; MBA There are varying definitions and descriptions of what a medical aid is. Medical aid societies, also known as private health insurance companies, are non-profit or for-profit entities that provide health coverage by pooling member contributions to finance medical services. According to Shylet Sanyanga, the AHFoZ CEO, a medical aid is a form of insurance where members pay a monthly fee (called a contribution or premium) in return of financial cover for medical treatment or related medical expenses when the need arises. Medical aid members contribute…

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#Breakin: Pope Francis Dies

Healthtimes

VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Francis, history’s first Latin American pontiff who charmed the world with his humble style and concern for the poor but alienated conservatives with critiques of capitalism and climate change, has died Monday. He was 88. “At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of his Church,″ Cardinal Kevin Ferrell, the Vatican camerlengo, said in an announcement. Francis, who suffered from chronic lung disease and had part of…

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New Morning-After Pill in Zimbabwe Offers Protection Up to 120 Hours After Sex

Michael Gwarisa

By Michael Gwarisa Zimbabwean doctors are already calling it a game-changer. In his own words, Dr. Bernard Madzima, a leading family health expert and current Board Chairperson of Population Services Zimbabwe (PSZ), said, “This pill is changing the game already. This pill can be taken up to 120 hours and still be safe.” He, however, emphasized the need to take the pill within the stipulated 72-hour window for emergency contraceptives. The Back-Up pill, an emergency contraceptive recently introduced by Population Services Zimbabwe—is poised to revolutionize the country’s Sexual and Reproductive…

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Africa CDC to Convene Emergency Meeting to Review Mpox Public Health Status

Michael Gwarisa

By Michael Gwarisa Following a sustained decline in reported Mpox cases across Africa, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) is set to convene an Emergency Consultative Group (ECG) meeting with experts to determine whether Mpox should still be classified as a public health emergency. In August 2024, Africa CDC declared Mpox a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security (PHECS)—the first such declaration since the agency’s inception in 2017. However, recent evidence from contact tracing and screening interventions suggests a notable reduction in Mpox-related morbidity and mortality…

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MCAZ Recalls Captopril Tablets Used for High Blood Pressure and Heart Conditions Over Quality Concerns

Michael Gwarisa

By Michael Gwarisa The Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) has issued a Class II recall of Torrent Captopril 25mg tablets, a widely used medication for high blood pressure (hypertension) and heart failure, due to a detected quality defect that could compromise its safety and effectiveness. The recall affects Batch B520K001, manufactured by Torrent Pharmaceuticals Ltd of India, and is being carried out up to the retail level, including pharmacies, hospitals, and clinics. In an official statement, MCAZ Director Mr. Richard Rukwata confirmed the recall was triggered after the affected…

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