DNA reveals the real killers that brought down Napoleon’s army
By Linda Gedde Napoleon’s march on Moscow remains one of history’s most catastrophic military retreats. As his army withdrew, tens of thousands perished. But what killed them? There was hunger and cold, but also a mysterious illness that was long thought to be typhus. Now, more than two centuries later, DNA from the soldiers’ teeth is rewriting that
Read More
WHO, Africa CDC Commence Countdown to Declare DRC Ebola-Free
By Michael Gwarisa in Durban Just over a month since the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) declared an Ebola outbreak, African health authorities say the situation is now under control, and the outbreak could soon be declared over. On September 4, 2025, the DRC Ministry of Public Health announced an outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD)
Read More
Gambling: The New Mental Health Crisis Stalking Zimbabwe
By Method Moyo (Counselling Psychology Intern) Gambling, while often viewed as a form of entertainment, can lead to addiction and devastating consequences. Take, for example, Tawanda (not his real name), a 32-year-old man from the Makoni area of Chitungwiza, Zimbabwe. Initially a promising professional, Tawanda’s casual gambling evolved into a compulsive behavior fueled by cognitive
Read More
Global Fund Appeals for Support Ahead of 8th Replenishment, Calls for African Ownership of HIV Programs
By Michael Gwarisa in Durban The Global Fund last night took to the platform at the ongoing 4th CPHIA Conference in Durban, South Africa, to call for support towards the 8th Replenishment, aimed at strengthening HIV programs amid shrinking donor support. The Global Fund’s 8th Replenishment is a campaign launched in 2025 to raise 18 billion
Read More
Scientists Converge in Record Numbers as 2025 CPHIA Opens in Durban
By Michael Gwarisa in Durban, South Africa Registration data show that approximately 800 scientists and researchers from various scientific disciplines had registered for participation by the opening day of the 2025 Conference for Public Health in Africa (CPHIA) in Durban, South Africa. The conference runs from October 22 to 25, 2025 under the theme “Moving Towards Self-Reliance to Achieve
Read More
Zimbabwe’s Nutrition Advocacy and Parliamentary Engagement Project Gains Traction
By Michael Gwarisa In a bid to enhance nutrition advocacy and strengthen policymaker engagement on child nutrition and development, Zimbabwe has launched a network of nutrition champions, an initiative that is now gaining momentum and driving greater collaboration across sectors. The programme is being implemented by the Zimbabwe Civil Society Organisations Scaling Up Nutrition Alliance (ZCSOSUNA), with financial
Read More
When the River Found Its Way Into Simwenge, Binga
By Michael Gwarisa Some years ago, a borehole drilling company struck water in Simwenge Village under Chief Siansundu in Binga, sparking celebrations across the community. But the joy was short-lived. The water was hot and salty, likely the result of hitting a natural hot spring. Even after the Zimbabwe Red Cross Society (ZRCS) intervened in 2023
Read More
Oncologists Should Lead the Tobacco Harm Reduction Discourse
By Munyaradzi Blessing Doma A leading French oncologist has called on cancer specialists worldwide to take an active role in Tobacco Harm Reduction and help correct misconceptions about nicotine and its link to cancer. Speaking on the sidelines of the 2025 Technovation Summit in Dubai, Professor David Khayat, an oncologist at Pierre et Marie University in Paris,
Read More
PMI Strengthens Measures to Curb Youth Access to Smoke-Free Products
By Munyaradzi Blessing Doma Philip Morris International (PMI) says it is taking concrete steps to ensure its smoke-free products remain out of reach for minors, reaffirming its commitment to youth access prevention as global concerns around youth vaping grow. Speaking during the 2025 Technovation Summit in Dubai, Tomoko Iida, PMI’s Director of Scientific Engagement for South and
Read More
PMI Chief Calls for Urgent Embrace of Smoke-Free Alternatives to Save Lives
By Munyaradzi Blessing Doma in Dubai Despite years of anti-smoking campaigns and strict tobacco control measures, the global number of smokers remains stubbornly high. According to peer-reviewed data, about 75 percent of those who attempt to quit relapse within six months. This persistent challenge, experts say, underscores the need for alternative solutions such as smoke-free products.
Read More