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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Despite January Target, Zimbabwe Yet to Launch Lenacapavir PrEP Programme Rollout
Michael Gwarisa Zimbabwe has delayed the rollout of Lenacapavir, a long-acting injectable PrEP drug for HIV prevention, as the Ministry of Health awaits ministerial approval to announce official launch dates. The delay has sparked questions from communities and advocates eager to access the new HIV prevention option. Speaking to HealthTimes, Dr Owen Mugurungi confirmed that
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World Cancer Day: CWGH urges ring-fencing of Sugar Tax funds
Kuda Pembere The Community Working Group on Health (CWGH) has used World Cancer Day to raise fresh concerns over the management of Zimbabwe’s Sugar Tax, calling for urgent ring-fencing to protect funding for cancer treatment. Zimbabwe introduced the Sugar Tax to help finance cancer treatment. Last month, Health and Child Care Minister Dr Douglas Mombeshora
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ZNASP IV Review Shows HIV Gains Amid Lingering Inequalities
Kuda Pembere Zimbabwe made significant gains in its HIV response under the National HIV and AIDS Strategic Plan IV (ZNASP IV 2021–2025), including achieving the 95-95-95 targets for adults and reducing new infections and AIDS-related deaths, but persistent inequalities across age, sex, geography and population groups continue to undermine progress. This emerged during the ZNASP
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BAZ flags viral explicit online content, cites child protection laws
Kuda Pembere The Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe (BAZ) has raised alarm over the spread of explicit digital content on social media platforms, warning that creators whose material is accessible in Zimbabwe remain subject to national broadcasting and censorship laws. In a press statement, the Authority said it was acting after noting with “serious concern” the
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Study Finds Ultra-Processed Foods Use Tobacco Industry Tactics to Drive Overconsumption
Michael Gwarisa As governments intensify efforts to address rising chronic disease rates, a new study published in The Milbank Quarterly argues that ultra-processed food manufacturers are using strategies long associated with the tobacco industry to drive overconsumption and dependency. The article examines how the design, marketing, and distribution of ultra-processed foods, commonly known as UPFs,
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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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Africa CDC Urges Southern Africa to Strengthen Cholera Response
Michael Gwarisa Southern African countries are being urged to strengthen cross-border cooperation as the region faces growing cholera threats. Fragile health systems, combined with recurrent natural disasters such as cyclones and floods, are exposing communities to heightened vulnerabilities, making coordinated action more critical than ever. Speaking during the weekly Africa CDC Virtual Press Briefing, Professor
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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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