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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Where Zimbabwe Stands in the Fight Against HIV
Michael Gwarisa In 1985, Zimbabwe recorded its first confirmed case of HIV, marking the start of a national epidemic. By the mid-1980s, cases were rising rapidly, particularly in Hurungwe District, where formal surveillance began in 1986. By the end of the decade, nearly 10 percent of Zimbabwe’s adult population had already been infected. Nearly four
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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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Who Should Not Take Lenacapavir? Key Health Conditions to Consider Before the Rollout
By Michael Gwarisa As Zimbabwe prepares to roll out Lenacapavir, an injectable pre-exposure prophylaxis drug, anticipation is growing among people waiting for their turn. The initial consignment consists of just 2,000 doses, meaning distribution will focus on groups classified as high risk. Despite its high efficacy, Dr Owen Mugurungi, Director of AIDS, TB and Malaria
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Lenacapavir Doses Now In Zimbabwe, But Experts Urge Caution
Michael Gwarisa As Zimbabwe takes delivery of its first doses of Lenacapavir, the new long-acting injectable for HIV prevention, public health experts are urging citizens to understand that this is not a replacement for existing prevention methods, but rather a powerful addition to the country’s combination prevention approach. The announcement came during a Continuing Medical
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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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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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National AIDS Council, City Fathers Hold Indaba to Tackle Emerging Vices Driving HIV Risk
By Michael Gwarisa in Mazowe The National AIDS Council convened a one day sensitisation indaba with councillors from the City of Harare in Mazowe, Mashonaland Central, as part of efforts to strengthen the HIV and AIDS response amid emerging social and health challenges. The meeting brought together city fathers, government officials and health stakeholders to deliberate
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When Santa Brings Joy at Christmas, Injiva Bring Infections and Unintended Pregnancies: The Hidden HIV Threat Facing Mat South Girls
By Michael Gwarisa in Mat South In most parts of Matabeleland South, the festive season does not only bring tinsel and holiday cheer. It brings something far more complicated. Bottle store owners and shopkeepers prepare for football tournaments that turn their businesses into instant profit zones, while a quieter and more vulnerable anticipation grows among young
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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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