Health Brief Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals, in collaboration with Hunan Provincial People’s Hospital of China, is set to conduct a free cataract surgery camp under the “China-Aid Bright Journey 2” initiative. The program, aimed at restoring vision for Zimbabwean citizens in need, will take place at Sekuru Kaguvi Eye Hospital in Harare from February 24 to March 1, 2025. Screening for eligible patients commenced on February 12, and those qualifying for the procedure will receive comprehensive care from experienced medical professionals. The initiative offers hope to adults struggling with cataract-related…
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HIV infections could jump over 6 times if US support is dropped and not replaced, UNAIDS chief says
The head of the U.N. AIDS agency said Monday the number of new HIV infections could jump more than six times by 2029 if American support of the biggest AIDS program is dropped, warning that millions of people could die and more resistant strains of the disease could emerge. In an interview with The Associated Press, UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima said HIV infections have been falling in recent years, with just 1.3 million new cases recorded in 2023, a 60% decline since the virus peaked in 1995. But since…
Read MoreUnited States Permits Distribution of H.I.V. Medications to Resume For Now
The Trump administration on Tuesday issued a waiver for lifesaving medicines and medical services, offering a reprieve for a worldwide H.I.V. treatment program that was halted last week. The waiver, announced by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, seemed to allow for the distribution of H.I.V. medications, but whether the waiver extended to preventive drugs or other services offered by the program, the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, was not immediately clear. Still, PEPFAR’s future remains in jeopardy, with potential consequences for more than 20 million people — including 500,000…
Read More#NEWSINBRIEF: Zim Nurses Now Required to Submit Tax Clearance for Registration, Renewal
By Staff Reporter The Nurses Council of Zimbabwe (NCZ) has announced that all nurses must produce a valid tax clearance certificate as part of their registration and renewal process. This directive aligns with Public Notice 92 of 2024, issued by the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) on December 5, 2024. In a statement, the NCZ emphasized that health institutions and organizations are required to submit a list of their ZIMRA tax-cleared personnel to the council as a prerequisite for renewal. The NCZ further clarified that no practicing certificates will be issued…
Read MoreTanzania Declares Marburg Outbreak: Africa CDC Mobilizes Immediate Response
Tanzania has declared a Marburg virus disease (MVD) outbreak after confirming one case and identifying 25 suspected cases in the Kagera Region of Northwestern Tanzania. The Marburg virus, a highly infectious and often fatal disease, is similar to Ebola and is transmitted to humans from fruit bats and monkeys. This outbreak marks the nation’s second encounter with the deadly virus, following the outbreak in Bukoba District of Kagera Region in March 2023, which resulted in nine cases and six deaths. In response to this urgent threat, the Africa CDC is…
Read MoreCDC Pilots Tool That Can Predict Diseases Outbreak Ahead Of Time
Can we predict the ebb and flow of infectious disease the way meteorologists predict the weather? The federal government has bet big on the concept with a new nationwide network called Insight Net, which links academic disease modelers with public health practitioners. The network comprises 13 research consortia with participants in 24 states and is funded with up to $262 million from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Insight Net members are piloting analytical techniques that combine novel data sources to guide surveillance and inform decision-making during outbreaks. The…
Read MoreScientists discover how many times men should have sex per year to greatly reduce risk of heart disease
Start having sex for your heart, not your penis For the benefit of your heart, you might need to start getting more active in the bedroom, according to new research. Taking care of our bodies is crucial and necessary for everyone, but not everyone ties that into sexual frequency. A recent study has suggested men should be having quite a lot of sex to help significantly reduce the risk of heart disease in later life. Expert scientists from China, concluded that men who engage in sexual activity more often are…
Read MoreSecond Woman May Be Cured of HIV After Stem Cell Transplant
By Liz Highleyman An eighth person appears to be cured of HIV after receiving a stem cell transplant for cancer treatment, according to a case report presented at the HIV Drug Therapy meeting in Glasgow. The woman, who was treated in France, received a stem cell transplant for leukemia in July 2020 from a donor with a rare mutation that prevents the virus from entering cells. Although she stopped antiretroviral treatment a year ago, she has not yet experienced viral rebound. The risky transplant procedure is only appropriate for HIV-positive…
Read More2024 Top 15 Outstanding Health Champions in Zimbabwe
As the year concludes, and as has become our custom, we recognize individuals and organizations whose efforts have advanced access to healthcare in Zimbabwe. Despite challenges such as the exodus of skilled healthcare workers due to poor working conditions, the country’s healthcare sector is still in safe and capable hands of the remaining foot soldiers at the front-line of Zimbabwe’s healthcare. Amid these difficulties, heroes have emerged, tirelessly working to ensure access to quality healthcare services. In 2024, we honor medical professionals, nurses, civil society leaders, and development partners whose…
Read MoreChild Marriages in Zimbabwe: Breaking the Chains of Poverty and Lost Potential
By Edward Makuzva In rural Zimbabwe, child marriage remains a deeply entrenched issue, robbing countless young girls of their education and futures. Despite ongoing efforts to combat this harmful tradition, thousands of girls are still being married off before completing their education. This alarming practice is not just a violation of human rights but also a significant barrier to personal development and national progress. In many Zimbabwean communities, girls as young as 12 are forced into marriage due to economic hardships, societal pressures, or outdated cultural norms. Once married, these…
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