Fruit Trees and Textbooks: A Community’s Dual Fight for Growth
By Kudakwashe Pembere Under the blazing Hatcliffe sun on the outskirts of Harare, a resilient community keeps growing against all odds. Among its youngest members is Ruvimbo, a Grade 5 pupil whose dreams take root in both soil and study. For her, a brighter future begins with education. Each day, she walks to school —
Read MorePMI 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
Read MoreRed Cross Restores Dignity to Persons with Disabilities in Binga Through Accessible Toilets
By Michael Gwarisa in Binga For more than a decade, Mrs. Esteri Simwaka from Siansundu Village in Binga has been helping her 13-year-old daughter, Bwime, relieve herself in the backyard or nearby fields. “It was easier when she was younger,” said a teary Mrs. Simwaka. “But now she’s grown and much heavier. I can’t lift
Read MoreThe silent weight of love – a mother’s journey raising a child with disability
Abstract The birth of a child with a disability presents significant psychological challenges for mothers, often resulting in heightened emotional distress, including grief, depression, and anxiety. Mothers raising children with disabilities often bear a profound, yet silent, emotional and physical burden. This article reviews the psychological effects experienced by these mothers, identifies contributing factors, and
Read MorePharmaceutical Industry Stakeholders Warn of ‘Disaster’ After Scrapping Veterinary Product Permits
By Kudakwashe Pembere Scrapping the permit for trading in veterinary products is akin to shooting oneself in the foot, pharmaceutical industry experts have warned. This follows Cabinet’s decision to cancel permits previously issued by the Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ). Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr. Jenfan Muswere announced the decision at a
Read MoreFee Reductions Possible, but Industry Must Brace for Impact, MCAZ Boss says
By Kudakwashe Pembere The Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) has responded to concerns raised by players in the pharmaceutical supply chain by agreeing to review pharmacist licensing fees and consignment verification charges for human and animal health products. Speaking during an Ease of Doing Business stakeholder meeting convened by the Authority, MCAZ Director General
Read MoreCall for stronger regional collaboration to improve adolescent SRHR access
By Kuda Pembere At a time when some East and Southern African (ESA) countries are reviewing their legal frameworks on the age of consent to improve access to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services for adolescents and young people, Zimbabwe National Family Planning Council (ZNFPC) chief executive officer Farai Machinga has called for stronger regional
Read MoreAI Powered Chatbot Shows Promise in Smoking Cessation
WASHINGTON (Oct. 13, 2025) — A pilot study led by researchers at the George Washington University found that people who smoke were open to using a specialized ChatGPT-based chatbot, called BeFreeBot, to help them quit smoking. The research team sought to assess the feasibility and acceptability of the tool among smokers, as well as the tool’s
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