Day: November 1, 2023

Polio Detected in Zimbabwe Sewages

Michael Gwarisa

Health authorities in Harare, the capital of Zimbabwe have detected a vaccine-derived Poliovirus type 2 (Cvdpv2) circulating in the sewage system in high-density suburbs of Budiriro, Crowbrough, Mbare, and Mufakose. By Michael Gwarisa According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), Vaccine-derived poliovirus is a well-documented strain of poliovirus mutated from the strain originally contained in Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV). OPV contains a live, weakened form of poliovirus that replicates in the intestine for a limited period, thereby developing immunity by building up antibodies. In Harare the poliovirus was detected through…

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India police book Mylan Labs for overpricing COVID-19 drug, Remdesivir

Kuda Pembere

Mylan Laboratories, a global pharmaceutical manufacturing company alongside Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) have been booked on fraud charges after being found by the Economic Offences Wing of Mumbai Police (EOW) inflating prices contrary to the initially agreed prices. By Kuda Pembere According to Indian press reports, the EOW registered a First Information Report (FIR) citing irregularities in the purchase of Remdesivir injections leading to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and the contractor, Mylan, who supplied the injections. Mylan Laboratories was awarded the contract to supply 28,000 vials of Remdesivir. The…

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Organization formed to close maternal and neonatal services access gap

Ntokozo Gudu

An organization has been established to improve access to maternal and neonatal care for vulnerable women through paying for their maternity registration. By Nthokozo Gudu Mother’s Comfort is a registered Private Voluntary Organization based in Harare, whose aim is to improve the quality life of vulnerable women and their children. The organization’s mandate fulfils its motto, “Nurturing moms to be”. Mother’s comfort also intends to provide newborn babies’ essentials which are required upon delivery. In an interview with Mother’s Comfort Managing Director Nyasha Jose Chirenje expressed concern over how women…

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HIV among the elderly, a unique emerging Public Health Concern in Zimbabwe

Michael Gwarisa

Gogo Chiware (78) (Not her real name), lives with her elderly husband in Hatfield, Harare. She has been living with HIV for the past 15 years and she has been on treatment for 13 years now. However, due to her advanced age, she at times forgets to take her Antiretroviral (ARV) medications. By Michael Gwarisa She has a poor support system as her husband who is also living with HIV, is now experiencing dementia and this compounds Gogo Chiware’s woes as there is no one to remind her to take…

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