World Cancer Day 2026: Africa Should Emulate Sweden’s Proven Blueprint to Reduce Smoking-Related Cancer
Joseph Magero Due to declining smoking rates, Sweden has the lowest mortality from all cancers among men in the EU and an overall cancer incidence that is 41% lower than the EU average, offering a stark contrast to Africa. Across Africa, smoking-related diseases continue to place a heavy burden on public health systems, with cancer
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Ethiopia declares end of first-ever Marburg virus disease outbreak
Own Correspondent The Government of Ethiopia has officially declared the end of its first-ever outbreak of Marburg virus disease (MVD) following the completion of enhanced surveillance and the mandatory follow-up period, with no new confirmed cases reported for consecutive 42 days. The outbreak, first confirmed on 14 November 2025 in the South Ethiopia Region, was
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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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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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Zimbabwe’s Deadliest Epidemic Is on the Roads: A Call to Save Lives in 2026
By Dr Grant Murewanhema Road traffic accidents have become a problem of major public health concern in Zimbabwe over the past few years, competing or surpassing some of the serious diseases in claiming the lives of people. More often than not, they claim the lives of young and able-bodied people with the potential to contribute
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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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Hand Foot and Mouth Disease Is Not a Zoonotic Disease
By Michael Gwarisa Health authorities in Harare have confirmed a sharp rise in cases of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) since October 2025, emphasizing that the illness is not a zoonotic disease, meaning it cannot be transmitted from animals to humans. “The disease apparently is different from what we find in cattle, the foot
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Restless leg syndrome may increase Parkinson’s disease risk, study finds
According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and StrokeTrusted Source, restless leg syndrome “is a neurological condition that causes an irresistible urge to move the legs.” The condition impacts 7-10%Trusted Source of people in the U.S. The relationship between Parkinson’s disease and restless leg syndrome is an area of ongoing research. A study recently published in JAMA Network OpenTrusted Source found
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Harare Records 161 Percent Spike in Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease Cases
By Kuda Pembere The City of Harare has reported a sharp rise in Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) cases in children, with infections now reaching a cumulative 1 500 cases since the first case was recorded. As of November 20, the city had reported 575 cases, meaning current infections represent a 161 percent increase. “Yes,
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Zim Screens 22 271 Women for Cervical Cancer Under NDS1
By Kuda Pembere With the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) nearing its end this year, 22,271 women were screened for cervical cancer under its health pillar. This was revealed by Information, Media and Broadcasting Services Minister Honourable Jenfan Muswere during a post-Cabinet media briefing on Tuesday. Cervical cancer remains a major public health challenge in Zimbabwe,
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