Author: Catherine Murombedzi

Dr Solanki calls for Government, Private Sector Partnership in the health sector

Catherine Murombedzi

Dr Vivek Solanki, with over 37 years of service in the health sector, was recently honored as the 2023 Zimbabwe Trailblazers Community Distinguished Medical Champion. Dr Solanki in return, honored Dr Johannes Marisa as a game-changer in the medical field. Special mention went to his wife Ana, without whom he would not have been able to build all these hospitals and clinics. His message was centered on private sector partnership with the government. He noted that the government is doing its part, and the private sector needs to step up…

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Rising HIV treatment failure in Zimbabwe: A stitch in time could save nine

Catherine Murombedzi

“Veld fires start from glowing ash: The numbers dismissed today as small,  can offset the gains made in the national HIV response in the near future.” By Catherine Murombedzi (Internews Health Journalism Network, Mercury Phoenix Trust HIV/AIDS 2023 Fellowship) ZIMBABWE should set aside domestic financial resources to deal with the rising number of people living with HIV (PLHIV) resistant to the treatment of first resort, commonly known as the first line treatment. Donors do not fund second and third line treatment drugs, making this a key health priority for the…

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HIV self-testing proves popular …as tailor-made service improves access

Catherine Murombedzi

I have listened to people who are hesitant to get an HIV test, the moment they reach the health facility, they back off, for fear of the unknown. They have consoled themselves that, “It is better not to know, what you don’t know does not kill you.” Catherine Murombedzi How wrong it is, in health issues, what you don’t know has the potential to kill you. With many HIV infected males reporting at health facilities late, what they don’t know can be fatal. Thanks to HIV self-testing kits. For those…

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World pays the price to AMR low risk perception

Catherine Murombedzi
AMR

[pullquote]”Antibiotics are life-saving, but they should only be taken when they have been prescribed by a health worker for bacterial infections.”[/pullquote] By Catherine Murombedzi Misuse, abuse and unnecessary exposure to antibiotics, when they are prescribed and used for conditions that are not caused by bacteria, like colds and flus, allows antibiotic-resistant strains to develop, this was highlighted in a recent webinar by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and experts during the World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW). With antimicrobial resistance now ranked a leading killer among all other diseases and conditions,…

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Coping with diabetes, hypertension, a day at a time……complexity of lifelong medication

Catherine Murombedzi

“Personally, I have been finding it difficult to manage the prescriptions and I have resorted to skipping doses, so that I manage to survive on the little I get to buy the meds. I am sometimes lucky to get handouts to buy insulin from well wishers,” a heartbreaking insight into the life of a diabetic. By Catherine Murombedzi A specialist in diabetes said there is no cure, but medication and the Dos and Dont’s, to manage the diseases with coping mechanisms inorder to lower the risks. “Diabetes mellitus and hypertension…

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