- Africa CDC, UZ Honour Zimbabwe’s Dr Evelyn Mazike With Named Mental Health Short Course
- South Africa Urged to Secure Better Lenacapavir License Terms With Gilead Before Local Manufacturing
- Growing Awareness Slowly Reduces Stigma Around IVF Births in Zimbabwe
- New Global Research Grants Open for Mental Health Nurse Practitioners to Study Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder
- Zimbabwe Expands Fistula Repair Camps as Thousands of Women Await Surgery
FDA Draft Guidance on Flavored Vapes Aims to Protect Youth
Michael Gwarisa In a move likely to curb rising youth vaping in the Global North, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued new draft guidance for flavored electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), establishing the first regulatory framework that emphasises device-level age verification to prevent underage use. Flavored ENDS have long been linked
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Zimbabwe Wraps Up Japan-Supported Kaizen Programme, Reporting Improved Hospital Patient Outcomes
Kuda Pembere A nationwide hospital quality improvement programme, Kaizen, has concluded after four years, with the Health and Child Care Ministry reporting improvements in hospital organisation, service delivery and patient satisfaction. The 5S-Kaizen Total Quality Management (TQM) initiative, which ran from 2022 to 2025, was supported by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in
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Over 120,000 Cape Town Teenagers May Need Asthma Care as Pollen Seasons Lengthen
WATCH HERE: Struggling to Breathe: The Silent Burden of COPD & Asthma Michael Gwarisa in Cape Town, South Africa Health experts have warned of a growing asthma burden among children in Cape Town, South Africa, with data showing that over 17 percent of teenagers in the city have a history of asthma and could still
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Misinformation at the Heart of Clause 11 Deletion – Mushoriwa
Michael Gwarisa The Medical Services Amendment Bill [H.B. 6B, 2024] has returned to the National Assembly weeks after passing through the Senate with key amendments. One of the most controversial changes was the deletion of Clause 11, which sought to simplify access to safe abortion under conditions already permitted by Zimbabwean law. Currently, abortion is
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US Clarifies Type of Health Data Requested in Zimbabwe Talks
Michael Gwarisa A United States official has clarified the nature of the health data Washington had requested from Zimbabwe during negotiations over a proposed US$367 million health cooperation deal that has since collapsed. Two weeks ago, a leaked document from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs directing the Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC) and
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Nedbank embarks on major Edith Opperman Maternity Clinic refurbishment
Staff Reporter Financial institution Nedbank Zimbabwe has started a major infrastructure and medical equipment upgrade at Edith Opperman Maternity Clinic in Mbare to help strengthen maternal and child healthcare services. The refurbishment work includes roof repairs and repainting, interior and exterior wall repairs and painting, ceiling repairs and replacement, brick dressing and general structural
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Parirenyatwa Renovations Pushed to August Due to Equipment Delays
Kuda Pembere The completion of renovations at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals, including Mbuya Nehanda Maternity Hospital and Adlam House, a residence for nursing students, has been pushed to August this year on the back of equipment delivery delays. Adlam House had been earmarked for completion by February 14, while works at Mbuya Nehanda Maternity Hospital
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Zambia Follows Zimbabwe in Rejecting US Health Aid Deal
Michael Gwarisa There appears to be growing pushback among African countries regarding a United States (US) government health aid deal, with Zambia becoming the latest to reject parts of the deal. A Reuters report indicates that Zambia turned down a US$1 billion global health aid package from the United States, citing that the agreement does
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Healthcare Stakeholders Applaud Talks to Regularise Medical and Healthcare Advertising
Michael Gwarisa The Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC) has convened its first consultative meeting with healthcare industry stakeholders to begin developing a Statutory Instrument (SI) to regulate healthcare advertising in Zimbabwe. The meeting brought together a wide range of players from across the healthcare sector, including professional associations representing medical, dental, nursing, pharmaceutical,
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New Pfizer Deal Brings Life-Saving Medicines to Zimbabwe at Not-for-Profit Prices
Kuda Pembere Zimbabwe has joined the Pfizer Accord for a Healthier World in a move set to expand access to patented medicines and vaccines at not-for-profit prices, as Government seeks to close the gap in access to innovative treatment. Pfizer internal data as of September 2025 showed that 15 countries had been activated with Zimbabwe
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Zimbabwe–US Health Deal Collapses, Triggering Wind-Down of US$367m Aid and Raising Fears for HIV Response
Kuda Pembere & Michael Gwarisa Zimbabwe’s health sector faces renewed uncertainty after the collapse of a proposed US$367 million health assistance agreement with the United States, prompting Washington to begin winding down major health interventions in the country. The development follows a directive by President Emmerson Mnangagwa instructing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International
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UK Reports First Successful Birth Using Deceased Woman’s Womb
Sky News has reported a medical breakthrough in the UK: a baby has been born using a womb transplanted from a deceased donor. Experts say this development could expand options for women facing infertility challenges. Doctors involved highlighted the careful ethical and medical safeguards taken during the procedure. While rare, this achievement may pave the
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HIV Response Faces Uncertainty as Zimbabwe Halts US Health Negotiations, Experts Warn
Michael Gwarisa Zimbabwe’s HIV response could face serious disruption following the Government’s decision to halt negotiations on a proposed US$350 million health funding agreement with the United States, public health experts have warned. The proposed agreement was being negotiated between the Government of Zimbabwe and the US Embassy in Harare, acting on behalf of Washington
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Zimbabwe Stakeholders Convene to Craft SI on Healthcare Advertising
Michel Gwarisa The Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC) has called for a consultative stakeholders meeting with players in the healthcare sector to develop a Statutory Instrument (SI) on the advertising of healthcare services, as provided under the Health Professions Act. Currently, Zimbabwean law does not allow health practitioners or medical institutions to advertise
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First Batch of Sugar Tax-Funded Cancer Machines Arrives in Zimbabwe
Kuda Pembere The first batch of cancer treatment equipment acquired under the Sugar Tax programme is now in Zimbabwe, with two machines earmarked for Parirenyatwa and Mpilo hospitals, a top Government official said on Friday. These are low energycancer machines which are currently housed at the National Pharmaceutical Company of Zimbabwe (NatPharm) warehouse, pending completion
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Zimbabwe Launches Revolutionary HIV Prevention Program with Lenacapavir
Watch: Zimbabwe Launches Lenacapavir: New HIV Prevention Injection With 99.9% Protection https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fi5VAmhwaRw Michael Gwarisa In a major step forward for HIV prevention, Zimbabwe has officially launched the rollout of Lenacapavir, a long-acting injectable drug that provides new protection options for communities at high risk of HIV infection. Zimbabwe joins South Africa, Kenya, Zambia, and Eswatini
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Senate Approves Medical Services Amendment Bill After Deleting Clause 11
Michael Gwarisa After days of speculation and heightened public debate, Zimbabwe’s Medical Services Amendment Bill [H.B. 6A, 2025] has passed Parliament, but without the contentious Clause 11, which was formally deleted during the legislative process. The Bill was considered during the Committee Stage in the Parliament of Zimbabwe, where Clauses 1 to 10 were approved
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WHO Member States Advance Key Annex to Pandemic Agreement
Michael Gwarisa After a week of intensive discussions on the draft annex for Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing (PABS), countries around the world have outlined a clear roadmap to implement the pandemic agreement effectively. The PABS framework is an essential part of the WHO Pandemic Agreement. It is designed to ensure fair and timely access
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Guchu Manufacturer Under Fire for Using MCAZ Logo
Michael Gwarisa A daring local manufacturer of a herbal aphrodisiac, known as Hubaba, has come under fire for using the Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) logo without the organisation’s consent. MCAZ is responsible for registering pharmaceutical products and consumables in Zimbabwe. However, a growing trend has emerged where herbal merchants and manufacturers falsely claim
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Zimbabwe Approves Contingency Fund to Strengthen Seasonal Disease Response
Kuda Pembere Zimbabwe’s Cabinet has approved a Contingency Fund for the Ministry of Health and Child Care to bolster its readiness and response to seasonal disease outbreaks. Speaking to journalists during a Post-Cabinet Media Briefing, Information Minister Dr Soda Zhemu explained that the fund aims to improve the Ministry’s capacity to respond swiftly to emerging
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Parirenyatwa Hospital Commissions New Heart Bypass Machine, Boosts Open Heart Surgery in Zimbabwe
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hiEVMblYRrw Michael Gwarisa In a major step toward improving the quality of cardiac care and reducing turnaround times for open heart surgeries in Zimbabwe, Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals has commissioned a new heart bypass machine, also known as a heart lung machine. The brand new Stöckert S5 heart lung machine was procured by the
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Zimbabwe Targets 70-Year Life Expectancy in Ambitious New Health Strategy
Kuda Pembere Zimbabwe has begun developing the National Health Strategy (2026–2030), which will guide the country’s health sector reforms through to the end of the decade. Aligned with the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), the plan focuses on reducing maternal and under-five mortality, strengthening primary health care, and expanding access to essential services. According to
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Trump Signs Historic US$5.88 Billion Package to Expand HIV Funding
Michael Gwarisa United States President Donald Trump signed into law a US$5.88 billion bipartisan spending package on February 3, 2026 that restores and expands American support for global HIV initiatives, according to a statement from the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS). The package represents one of the largest single‑year pledges of U.S. government funding for the
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Zimbabwe’s Lenacapavir Rollout Date Finally Announced
Michael Gwarisa Following weeks of anticipation, the Zimbabwean government has finally announced the dates for the rollout of lenacapavir, an injectable pre-exposure prophylaxis drug. The rollout had initially been scheduled for January 2026. According to The Herald, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Child Care, Dr Aspect Maunganidze, confirmed that the drug
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TIME Honours Zimbabwe’s Dr Tariro Makadzange on the TIME100 Health 2026 List
Michael Gwarisa Zimbabwean scientist Dr. Tariro Makadzange has been named to the TIME100 Health 2026 list by TIME, a recognition that signals the growing prominence of Africa-led clinical trials infrastructure. The list spotlights the 100 most influential leaders in health from around the world in 2026. Dr Makadzange is the founder and Chief Executive Officer
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Harare’s Children at Risk: 1,000+ Malnutrition Cases Annually
Kuda Pembere More than 1,000 children under the age of five present with malnutrition at clinics run by the Harare City Council each year, according to Jacob Mafume. Mayor Mafume revealed this on Friday during the launch of a parenting mobile application, Rera-Umtwana (Nurture A Child). He noted that most cases are recorded in peri-urban
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Edinah Masiiwa Launches Book More Than A Role
Michael Gwarisa Renowned feminist and former Women’s Action Group (WAG) Executive Director, Edinah Masiiwa, has launched her book titled More Than A Role. The book was launched in Harare, with the event attracting attendance from various cadres who played a role in Zimbabwe’s feminist movement. In an interview with HealthTimes after the launch, Mrs Masiiwa
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Zimbabwe Makes History as First African Nation to Launch Parenting Mobile App
Kuda Pembere Zimbabwe has become the first African country to roll out a parenting mobile application designed as a one-stop digital resource offering reliable, expert advice on child health, safety and development to families nationwide. The Ministry of Health and Child Care, in partnership with UNICEF and with support from the Embassy of Japan in
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Zimbabwe Integrates Eye Care into Universal Health Coverage
By Michael Gwarisa Minister of Health and Child Care, Dr Douglass Mombeshora, has announced that Zimbabwe now recognises eye health as an integral component of Universal Health Coverage and national development. He made the remarks while addressing a Breakfast Meeting during the recently concluded ECSA Health Community Conference in Mbabane, Eswatini. “Across the ECSA region,
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Rushinga Identified as Source of Zimbabwe’s Latest Cholera Cases
By Michael Gwarisa Health authorities have confirmed that Zimbabwe’s latest cholera cases remain confined to Rushinga, a town bordering Mozambique in Mashonaland Central province. The confirmation comes amid heightened public attention, given Zimbabwe’s history of cholera outbreaks, particularly in high-density suburbs in Harare and smaller towns such as Chegutu, which have previously been affected. Last
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BREAKING: Zimbabwe Records New Cholera Outbreak Amid High Fatality Rate
Michael Gwarisa The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has announced a cholera outbreak in Zimbabwe, with one reported death and five confirmed cases so far. The announcement was made during the Africa CDC weekly virtual press briefing by Professor Yap Boum, Deputy Incident Manager at the Africa CDC. According to the
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AHFoZ 2026 Annual Health Conference Relocates to Johannesburg
Michael Gwarisa The annual All Stakeholders Conference on Health hosted by the Association of Healthcare Funders of Zimbabwe (AHFoZ) will, for the first time, be held outside the country, with Johannesburg, South Africa, confirmed as the host city for the 2026 edition. Traditionally staged at the Elephant Hills Hotel in Victoria Falls, the conference
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South Africa Joins Zimbabwe in Testing Locally Developed HIV Vaccine
Michael Gwarisa In a move expected to reshape the regional HIV response, South Africa has become the second country in sub-Saharan Africa after Zimbabwe to launch trials of a locally developed HIV vaccine. The vaccine trials, which were first launched in Zimbabwe in August 2025, will be conducted at three sites: the Mutala Trust Clinical
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AIDS Levy Raises US$60m in 2025 but Leaves US$140m HIV Funding Gap
Kuda Pembere Amid reduced donor funding and increased calls for domestic resource mobilisation, Zimbabwe’s AIDS levy generated about US$60 million in 2025. Speaking to HealthTimes, National AIDS Council chief executive officer Dr Bernard Madzima said the amount was far below the estimated annual requirement of US$200 million. The Zimbabwe National AIDS Levy is a statutory
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Redan-Supported Blood Drive Raises National Collection Levels
Michael Gwarisa Incentives provided by Redan Petroleum to support Zimbabwe’s national blood bank, the National Blood Service Zimbabwe (NBSZ), have resulted in increased blood collection output and improved yields across the country. The NBSZ launched a nationwide blood collection campaign in partnership with Redan earlier this year to replenish blood stocks after levels dropped to
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PSMAS Launches 2026 Premier Lifestyle Wellness Week to Combat NCDs
Michael Gwarisa In a bid to prevent and manage Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and other chronic conditions, the Premier Service Medical Aid Society (PSMAS) has launched its first Premier Lifestyle Wellness Week across clinics nationwide. The initiative marks the beginning of a series of wellness-focused programs planned throughout the year, forming a key part of the
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Zim Medicinal Cannabis Licences Due for Renewal
By Michael Gwarisa Medicinal cannabis producers in Zimbabwe have been warned to urgently renew their operating licences as permits issued in 2021 reach the end of their five year validity period. The Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe has confirmed that all affected licences will expire this year and has stressed that late applications will not
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WHO Rejects US Claims of COVID-19 Failures After Withdrawal Notice
Michael Gwarisa The World Health Organization (WHO) has strongly rejected claims by the United States that it failed during the COVID-19 pandemic, describing the accusations as untrue and misleading following Washington’s formal notification of withdrawal from the global health body. The response comes days after the United States became the first country to exit the
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Heavy Rains Trigger Cholera Alert in Zimbabwe
Michael Gwarisa The Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC) has issued a Cholera Public Health alert amid growing fears that heavy rains and flash flooding could trigger a new cholera wave. The worst cholera outbreak in Zimbabwe was recorded in 2008, followed by two more outbreaks in 2028 and the most recent one in
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Mpox No Longer a Public Health Emergency in Africa
Michael Gwarisa The Emergency Committee of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has advised that Mpox should no longer be classified as a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security (PHEIC). The decision follows a sustained decline in cases, reduced mortality, improved testing capacity, and epidemiological trends increasingly consistent with endemic transmission
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You Could Get HIV from the Barber Shop, Study Finds
Michael Gwarisa A South African study has concluded that a person could be exposed to blood borne infections during a haircut or shave at a public barber shop, raising renewed concerns about hygiene standards in informal grooming spaces. The study, published in the South African Medical Journal, found that 42 percent of barber clippers were
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Africa Cervical Cancer Diagnostics Still Very Low – Africa CDC
Michael Gwarisa As the world marks Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention has raised concern over the continent’s low diagnostic capacity for cervical cancer, a gap that has contributed to preventable loss of life over many years. Regional data shows that sub-Saharan Africa accounts for about 23 percent of
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US Faces Greater Disease Risk as Global Health Coordination Weakens
Michael Gwarisa A year after the United States withdrew its support from the World Health Organisation (WHO), experts warn the country is now more vulnerable to disease outbreaks and public health emergencies. The US is experiencing one of its most severe influenza seasons in recent years. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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WHO Pushes for Higher Sugar Taxes on Alcohol and Sugary Beverages in Global NCD Fight NCD Fight
By Michael Gwarisa The World Health Organisation has called on governments to sharply increase taxes on alcohol and sugary beverages, warning that weak tax regimes are fuelling the global rise in noncommunicable diseases and placing unsustainable pressure on health systems. WHO Director General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus made the call following the release of the
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Scientists Make Breakthrough Toward Full Cure for HIV
Researchers say they’ve taken a major step toward finding a cure for HIV. As The Guardian reports, scientists at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity in Melbourne found a way to make the HIV virus visible, potentially laying the groundwork for ways to banish it from the body altogether. As detailed in a paper published
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As Schools Open, Harare Health Officials Call for Isolation of Infected Children as HFMD Cases Near 3,000
By Michael Gwarisa The Harare City Health Department has urged parents with children exhibiting symptoms of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD), a viral infection that mainly affects children, to isolate them at home to prevent further spread of the disease. The warning follows indications of a surge in new infections, with an estimated 2,600
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UK Immigration Changes Could Leave Zimbabwean Care Workers Waiting Much Longer for Permanent Residency
By Kudakwashe Pembere Recent UK Home Office data shows that over 21,000 Zimbabweans have been granted Health and Care Worker visas to work in Britain. However, proposed changes to the UK’s immigration rules have drawn strong criticism from opposition MPs and migrant support groups. The changes would increase the time needed to qualify for Indefinite
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Blood Crisis Deepens as Zimbabwe Faces Shortages Across All Blood Groups
By Michael Gwarisa Unlike in previous periods when blood group O was the most affected, Zimbabwe’s blood bank is currently running critically low on stocks across all blood types, a development that could cripple the health sector if the shortages are not addressed in time. The National Blood Service of Zimbabwe (NBSZ) has since launched
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South Africa Pulls Popular Infant Formula From Shelves Over Safety Concerns
By Staff Reporter South Africa’s National Consumer Commission (NCC) has issued an urgent recall of NAN Special Pro HA Infant Formula 800g after a potential food safety risk was identified, raising concerns among parents and caregivers of infants. In a media statement released on January 7, 2026, the NCC said the recall affects NAN Special
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Parliament Moves to Ring-Fence Multiple Taxes for Health Funding
By Michael Gwarisa Members of Parliament from both the Finance and Health portfolio committees are pushing for amendments to the proposed Finance Bill in a bid to ring-fence multiple taxes introduced over the past few years to support Zimbabwe’s healthcare sector. Lawmakers argue that while several health-related levies have been introduced, the absence of enabling
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UNICEF Hands Over ICT Devices to Boost Digital Learning in Zimbabwe
By Staff Reporter UNICEF has handed over more than 3,600 information and communication technology devices to the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education in a move aimed at strengthening access to quality digital learning in some of Zimbabwe’s most disadvantaged schools. The handover includes 815 laptops, 708 projectors and 2,112 tablets, which will be distributed
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Prof Smelly Dube’s year of triumph at home and abroad
By Staff Reporter River Valley Group of Companies Chief Executive Ambassador Proffessor Smelly Dube has ended the year 2025 on a high note at home and abroad after clinching the Zimbabwe CEO’s Network top award to complete a sweep of accolades both in Zimbabwe and Africa at large. During the festive season, Prof Dube also
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Zim’s Road Traffic Accidents Surge 99% During Festive Period
By Michael Gwarisa Zimbabwe recorded a 99 percent increase in road traffic accidents during the 2025 festive season, with police attributing the sharp rise to speeding, dangerous overtaking, overloading, tyre bursts and poor vehicle maintenance. According to statistics released by the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), a total of 2,412 road traffic accidents were recorded between
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Harare Clinics Welcome 42 Christmas Babies Amid Festive Cheer
By Staff Reporter Harare recorded 42 babies, a slight decline from what was recorded in 2024 across polyclinics around the city. Announcing the figures through his official Facebook account, Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume expressed delight at the safe arrivals while noting the significance of the day for the newborns and their families. “Forty-two babies were
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Health Ministry Disowns Viral 2026 RGN Orientation Message, Urges Public Caution
By Staff Reporter The Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC) has dismissed as fake and misleading a notice circulating on social media and WhatsApp platforms claiming to announce 2026 Registered General Nurse (RGN) orientation dates. In a statement issued via its official Facebook page, the Ministry warned the public that the message, which directs
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HealthTimes Unveils Interactive New Website Ahead of Its 9th Year
By Staff Reporter As HealthTimes enters its ninth year in 2026, the digital news platform has marked a significant milestone with the launch of its new-look website, designed to meet the evolving demands of readers and align with global digital trends. “We ran on the old theme for 8 years, and the old boy now
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Zimbabwe Receives Mobile Clinics to Boost Health Care in Remote Areas
By Kuda Pembere Zimbabwe has received mobile clinic vans and staff minibuses from Cordaid Zimbabwe, with support from the World Bank, valued at more than US$3 million. The vehicles were procured under the Zimbabwe COVID-19 Response and Essential Health Services Project (ZCREHSP), which was implemented by the Ministry of Health and Child Care between April and
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Zim Launches One Health Strategic Plan
By Kuda Pembere Zimbabwe on Thursday launched its One Health Strategic Plan to guide the country in addressing interconnected environmental, animal and human health threats. The strategy brings together the Ministries of Health and Child Care, Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, and Environment, Climate and Wildlife under a coordinated One Health framework. In a
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24-Year-Old Woman Unable to Swallow Needs US$1,000 for Oesophageal Surgery at Karanda Hospital
By Michael Gwarisa A 24-year-old woman, Gamuchirai B. Chirendo, who can no longer swallow due to a narrowed oesophagus, is seeking US$1,000 for surgery at Karanda Hospital to restore her ability to eat. Her condition worsened in 2023 after giving birth, leading to surgery at Karanda Hospital and the insertion of a feeding tube to sustain her nutrition. She suffers from an
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Candlelight Ceremony Brings 16 Days of Activism to a Close as WCoZ, Hivos Reflect on Gender Justice
By Patricia Mashiri The Women’s Coalition of Zimbabwe (WCoZ) and Hivos have concluded the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence with a candlelight ceremony that brought together persons with disabilities and representatives from various organisations working with vulnerable groups. Aligned with this year’s theme, “Unite to end digital violence against all women and girls,”
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Senate urged to fast-track abortion law amendment to protect minors
By Staff Reporter Girls’ rights activists have urged the Senate to urgently pass proposed amendments to Zimbabwe’s Termination of Pregnancy Act, arguing that the changes are necessary to protect adolescent girls from unsafe abortions and to bring the law into line with the Constitution. The call was made on Tuesday by a coalition of organisations
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Calls Mount to Amend ZYC Act to Protect Youth-Led Organizations
By Kuda Pembere Citing the heavy-handed provisions of the Private Voluntary Organizations (PVO) Act, youth organizations in the development programming space have urged the government to review the Zimbabwe Youth Council Act. Some youth-led organizations especially Youth Associations and Community Based Organizations (CBOs) have been operating under Zimbabwe Youth Council (ZYC) registration, but the introduction of
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Manatsa Gaka Appointed CIMAS Chief Marketing Officer
By Staff Reporter Cimas Health Group has appointed Manatsa Gaka as its substantive Chief Marketing Officer in a move aimed at taking the brand to new heights. Manatsa, a Chartered Marketer (CIM UK, MCIM), brings over 15 years of leadership experience spanning financial services, FMCG, and the development sector. Through its official media platforms, Cimas
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Crucial Week: Committee to Rule on Whether Mpox Remains a Public Health Emergency
By Michael Gwarisa Sixteen months after the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) declared Mpox a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security (PHECS), the Emergency Consultative Group (ECG) is set to meet this week to decide whether the outbreak should be lifted as a PHECS or maintained. This follows months of surveillance
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Chinese Construction Firms in Zimbabwe Accused of Endangering Workers’ Health and Safety
By Michael Gwarisa Workers’ trade union organisations in Zimbabwe have accused Chinese construction companies operating in the country of exposing employees to hazardous working conditions and violating basic occupational health and safety requirements. The concerns were raised during the signing of the Decent Work Pledge for Construction Industry Employees held in Harare. The event was
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AI-Generated Deepfakes and Ghost Accounts Fuel Tech Based Gender Based Violence in Zimbabwe
By Michael Gwarisa Zimbabwe is recording a sharp rise in technology driven gender based violence as new digital tools, including artificial intelligence-generated deepfakes and anonymous social media accounts, make it increasingly difficult to trace perpetrators. The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Cybersecurity and Forensics Laboratory has warned that technology-facilitated GBV is now one of the fastest-growing
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UNAIDS Welcomes Landmark US–Kenya Health Pact to Accelerate Fight Against AIDS
UNAIDS has welcomed the signing of a landmark five-year Health Framework for Cooperation between the United States Government and the Government of Kenya, describing it as a major boost to global efforts to end AIDS and strengthen health systems. The agreement was signed in Washington DC on 4 December 2025 by US Secretary of State
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Sweden Closes Embassy In Zimbabwe
By Staff Reporter The Government of Sweden has announced that it has decided to phase out its bilateral development cooperation strategy with Zimbabwe in an orderly and responsible manner by 31 August 2026. In a statement released on its official social media platforms, the Swedish government said the decision was taken within a broader context
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Why Reforming the Termination of Pregnancy Act Can No Longer Wait
I have been closely following recent developments on access to safe abortion for women and girls in Zimbabwe. As I reflect on the Women’s Action Group’s (WAG) campaign on safe abortion in the early 1990s, I am encouraged by how far the country has come on this issue. When WAG advocated for access to safe abortion
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Community Health Equity Fund Launched in Hopely as Nation Prepares for Insurance Scheme
At a time when out of pocket health spending is high for many urban residents in Harare, the City of Harare on Wednesday officially launched the Community Health Equity Fund (CHEF) in Hopely. The launch at Tariro Clinic comes six years after President Emmerson Mnangagwa opened the facility. Officiating at the event, Health and Child Care
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Zimbabwe Strengthens National HIV Response Ahead of World AIDS Day Commemorations
By Michael Gwarisa Zimbabwe has launched preparations for this year’s World AIDS Day commemorations, marking the beginning of a national week dedicated to reflection, mobilization and renewed commitment to ending HIV as a public health threat by 2030. The commemorations, set for Umzingwane in Matabeleland South, come at a time when the country is intensifying efforts
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Funding Cuts Push Zimbabwe to Consider Reusable Circumcision Kits
By Michael Gwarisa Zimbabwe is exploring the use of reusable circumcision kits to sustain voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) services amid declining international funding and the gradual withdrawal of donor support. VMMC has been a key HIV prevention tool in Zimbabwe, credited with significantly reducing new HIV infections since the program’s launch in 2009. At its peak
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US Unveils $65 Million Bridge Plan to Sustain Zimbabwe’s HIV Respons
By Michael Gwarisa The United States Department of State, through the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), has unveiled a new HIV and AIDS support fund worth US$65.1 million for Zimbabwe. The initiative, known as The Bridge Plan, will run for the next six months, with renewal contingent on the Government of Zimbabwe meeting
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Zimbabwean Innovators Win Cimas Healthathon with Epilepsy Monitoring App
By Michael Gwarisa Two young Zimbabweans have embarked on a mission to transform the nation’s healthcare landscape with a new digital tool, the Epi App. The innovation aims to provide real-time monitoring for epilepsy patients, potentially reducing the life-altering risks associated with the disorder. The mobile application, developed by Munashe Dube, a Bioengineering student at the
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Cimas Launches Health Media Awards to Mark 80th Anniversary
By Michael Gwarisa Cimas Health Group has launched the Cimas@80 Media Awards to celebrate its 80th anniversary and honour the critical role journalists play in shaping a healthier Zimbabwean society. Speaking at the launch in Harare, Cimas Chief Executive Officer Mr. Vulindlela Ndlovu said the awards, which run in partnership with the Zimbabwe Union of Journalists (ZUJ), are aimed at
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Report Exposes Gaps in Zimbabwe’s Devolution Implementation
By Michael Gwarisa A new study has revealed that Zimbabwe’s devolution programme, though enshrined in the 2013 Constitution, has had limited impact on improving public service delivery, particularly for women and girls. The report, titled A Critical Analysis of the Impact of Devolution on Public Service Provision in Zimbabwe: A Gendered Perspective on Access, Quality, and Affordability in
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Cimas Health Group Set to Host Third Edition of Pedal to W3llness Cycling Event
By Staff Reporter Cimas Health Group has announced September 27, 2025, as the date for the third edition of its flagship cycling event, Pedal to W3llness, an initiative aimed at promoting cardiovascular fitness and healthy living among Zimbabweans. The event, organised through the health group’s wellness division iGo, will take place at Borrowdale Office Park in Harare,
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Cimas Health Group Backs Life-Saving Paediatric Heart Surgeries
By Staff Reporter As Zimbabwe pushes for greater private sector involvement in public healthcare revitalisation, leading healthcare provider Cimas Health Group has once again stepped up to support a critical national health intervention — the recently concluded Egypt–Zimbabwe Paediatric Cardiac Surgery Mission, also known as Open Heart Camp 2. Held at Parirenyatwa Hospital, the week-long surgical
Read MoreZimbabwe Fails to Immunise 34,000 Children Every Year
By Michael Gwarisa Zimbabwe is falling behind in its efforts to fully immunise every child, with approximately 34,000 children going without basic vaccinations each year. This alarming statistic, contained in the latest World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF Estimates of National Immunization Coverage (WUENIC) report released on July 15, 2025, highlights the persistent vulnerability of Zimbabwe’s
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STIs Time-Bomb for Zimbabwe: Majority of STI carriers are asymptomatic and undiagnosed
By Michael Gwarisa The burden of Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STIs) in Zimbabwe has been increasing over the past few years amidst indications that the majority of infected persons do not show any symptoms and could be spreading the STIs unknowingly. According to official data from the Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC), the number of
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Broken Clinics, Broken Promises: The Cost of Delayed Devolution
Broken Clinics, Broken Promises: The Cost of Delayed Devolution June 22, 2025 Michael Gwarisa By Kuda Pembere In Zimbabwe, the issue of healthcare spending remains a thorny one. While much of the attention tends to focus on the Ministry of Health and Child Care, a closer look reveals that local authorities—both urban and rural—are grappling with the
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A 75-Seater Bus of Newborns Crashes Every 12 Hours in Zimbabwe. We Must Hit the Brakes
By Michael Gwarisa Every twelve hours in Zimbabwe, an unimaginable tragedy unfolds. A fully loaded 75-seater bus carrying newborn babies crashes, leaving no survivors. The nation would demand answers, declare emergencies, and mobilize every resource to prevent another disaster. Yet this exact horror plays out in silence daily. According to the 2023-24 Zimbabwe Demographic and Health
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Africa CDC Urges Media to Champion Health Security at Journalist Workshop in Addis Ababa
By Michael Gwarisa in Ethiopia ADDIS ABABA: The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has urged African journalists to play a more active role in combating disease outbreaks and the growing threat of health misinformation, as the second continental media roundtable workshop opened today in Addis Ababa. In his opening remarks, Dr. Raji Tajudeen,
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Zimbabwe Launches High-Level Nutrition Advocacy Initiative to Boost Public Awareness and Policy Engagement
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
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Number of Licensed Cannabis Producers Sharply Drops from 60 to Five
By Kudakwashe Pembere The number of licensed producers of cannabis for medicinal and scientific use in Zimbabwe has shrunk from 60 to about 10, following the renewal of license fees. The decline follows several failed attempts at license arbitrage, a Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) top official said on Tuesday. Since the issuance of the
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Health Portfolio Committee to Address Sanitary Wear Petition Next Week
By Michael Gwarisa For many schoolgirls in rural Zimbabwe, menstruation is more than just a biological process, it is a barrier to education. Rumbidzai Magwere, a schoolgirl from Mvurwi, knows this all too well. “There are no pads in our school. Sometimes my period starts while I’m in class, and I am unprepared. It is embarrassing
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Cimas Health Group Partners Smilestar, a United Kingdom-Based Dental Organisation
By Staff Reporter In a successful partnership aimed at improving oral healthcare access for underserved communities, Smilestar, a UK-based charity dental organization, joined forces with Cimas Health Group, Zimbabwe’s longest-established private medical aid society. Together, they conducted a two-week dental outreach program in Matabeleland North, offering essential services to remote populations. The outreach, which concluded on
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Cimas Haemodialysis Centre Achieves Over 90% Patient Recovery Rate
By Michael Gwarisa The Cimas Haemodialysis Centre has reported an impressive patient recovery rate of over 90%, reaffirming its commitment to providing high-quality renal care. Specializing in the treatment of kidney-related conditions, the clinic attributes this success to state-of-the-art equipment, highly trained medical professionals, and personalized treatment plans. This milestone underscores Cimas’ dedication to improving healthcare
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Zimbabwe Resumes Pediatric Heart Surgeries After Five-Year Hiatus
By Kuda Pembere Amid an annual caseload of 4,500 Zimbabwean children born with heart diseases, the country has resumed open-heart surgeries after a five-year hiatus, with a week-long medical camp at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals. With the last medical camp for open-heart surgeries conducted in 2018, the Gift of Life International and local surgeons are now operating on
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CIMAS Health Group Expands Service Provision Into Tertiary Care
June 17, 2024 Michael Gwarisa By Staff Reporter Cimas Health Group Chief Executive Officer Mr Vuli Ndlovu has said the year 2023 was a busy one as they moved ahead valiantly with the healthcare strategy rollout expanding their service provision scope from primary care into tertiary care. Mr Ndlovu made the remarks on Thursday in his address
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Zim among African countries to roll out Dapivirine Ring
By Staff Reporter Having sold over 113 000 dapivirine rings under the ‘DapiRing’ brand as of September this year, Zimbabwe having approved it, is among the African countries set to roll the product out. The dapivirine vaginal ring, an alternative HIV prevention method for women will be rolled out to fill this yawning gap where adolescent girls
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Zim Global Fund Indaba Spotlights Triple Threat Of HIV,TB and NCDs
By Michael Gwarisa ZIMBABWE is currently meeting other African countries in Harare for the Global Fund Regional workshop to support countries with integrating NCDs and mental health into their funding request proposals to the Global Fund. The three day meeting is being attended by delegates from Ministries of Health from the African region, partners, and People
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Zimbabwe Red Cross Deploys Support Team And Assistance To Floods Affected Areas
THE Zimbabwe Red Cross Society, ZRCS, has deployed surge support and started assessments in Mashonaland West, Mashonaland East, Mashonaland Central and Manicaland Provinces, while also distributing response materials to worst affected areas with the support of Danish Red Cross and Finish Red Cross. Own Correspondent Part of the response also includes offering first aid to the
Read MoreLocal NGO Sets Up Breastfeeding Room At Parliament
By Michael Gwarisa IN a move that is likely to bring convenience to breastfeeding female legislators and parliament employees as well as boost nutritional needs for babies, the Zimbabwe Civil Society Organisations Scaling Up Nutrition Alliance (ZCSOSUNA) is in the process of finalizing the setting up of a lactation room inside the Zimbabwe Parliament premises. By
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Provide Food Basket Instead To Avert COVID-19 Induced Malnutrition- Gvt Told
By Michael Gwarisa THE Zimbabwe Civil Society Organisations Scaling Up Nutrition (ZCSOSUNA) has called on government to replace the current ZW$200 food assistance cash transfer assistance being given to vulnerable households with a nutritious food basket in a bit to avert a spike in Severe Acute Malnutrition cases. Briefing Journalists this morning, ZCSOSUNA National Coordinator, Mr Kudakwashe Zombe said
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Mushambadope Appointed CIMAS MD
MR Martin Mushambadope has been appointed CIMAS Medical Aid managing director. He fills in the gap left by the late Mr Washington Madziwadondo.who passed on in a tragic accident in March this year. “Cimas is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Martin Mushambadope as the Managing Director of Cimas Medical Aid. He comes to
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Cimas Opens Lafarge Manresa Clinic
CIMAS has opened a state of the art clinic at Lafarge Cement Zimbabwe’s Manresa factory to cater for the public health needs of Lafarge employees and the surrounding community. By Kudakwashe Pembere Officiating the event on behalf of CIMAS Chairperson Mr Luke Ngwerume, Mr Bart Mswaka said the clinic was open to members and non members and is one of
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2018 Budget A Sign Of Misplaced Priorities- Chimedza
By Michael Gwarisa GUTU South legislator Dr Paul Chimedza says the 2018 budget as sexy as it might sound is a vivid sign of misplaced priorities by government judging by the budgetary allocations and failure by the budget to meet the 15% Abuja declaration allocation target to the health sector. The cry comes at the back of
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PSI Surpasses 2018 Vmmc Target in Mazowe
By Michael Gwarisa recently in Mvurwi POPULATION Services International (PSI), has registered increased uptake of Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision (Vmmc) services in Mazowe District, Mashonaland central, at the back of increased community engagements and sensitization programs. The province is one of the red zones in terms of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) prevalence owing to massive mining activities and
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Health Sector Funding Increases By 45% In 2018 Budget
By Michael Gwarisa Funding to the health sector has increased by 45%, from $281 million that was allocated in 2017 to $408 million for the 2018 period. Presenting the 2018 National Budget statement, Finance and Economic Development Minister, Hon Patrick Chinamasa said Government is currently implementing high impact measures whose key focus is strengthening service delivery, including
Read MoreParliament To Boycott 2018 Budget Unless It Meets Abuja Target
By Kudakwashe Pembere The Parliamentary Portfolio committee on Health says it will not entertain a flimsy allocation of funds to the health sector in the forthcoming 2018 budget presentation unless the 15% Abuja target is met. This was said by Matabeleland North senator Sibusisiwe Budha-Masara at the Pre-budget review workshop organized by the Community Working Group on Health
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