Category: NON COMMUNICABLE DISEASES

Cancer Association of Zimbabwe Warns Against Oral Sex-Linked Cancer Risks

Michael Gwarisa

By Michael Gwarisa The Cancer Association of Zimbabwe (CAZ) has cautioned young people against engaging in risky oral sex, warning that it increases the risk of transmitting the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) just like any unprotected sex activity, which causes cancer. This warning comes in the wake of research by global oncologists showing a rise in oral cancers linked to oral sex, particularly among individuals with multiple sexual partners in the United Kingdom and the United States. Since the mid-2000s, cases of oropharyngeal cancer, a specific type of oral cancer, have…

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The intrinsic role of nutrition during breast cancer treatment

Caroline Chiimba

By Caroline Chiimba Breast cancer is a disease that affects millions of women and a percentage of men globally, and the role of nutrition in breast cancer treatment cannot be understated. A healthy diet can play a crucial role in supporting the body’s immune system, managing side effects of treatment, and promoting overall well-being during and after treatment. While the Breast cancer awareness month is coming to an end, the fight against cancer continues. Ruvimbo Danda, a renowned dietitian cited that cancer treatment can negatively affect one’s health due to…

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Don’t Ignore the Childhood Cancer Red Flags: Listen To Your Child

Michael Gwarisa

By Michael Gwarisa September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month where the childhood cancer community comes together to show their support for the children, young people, and families who have been affected by childhood cancer. In Zimbabwe, Childhood cancers continue to affect children and according to the Zimbabwe Cancer Registry, common childhood cancers in the country include Acute Leukaemia also known as Blood cancer, CNS tumours or brain and spinal cord tumors, Wilm’s Tumor which affects the kidneys also known as nephroblastoma. There is also Retinoblastoma or cancer of the eye…

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Choosing the Right Chair for Elderly and Disabled Individuals

Healthtimes

By Staff Reporter As people age or live with disabilities, daily activities can become increasingly challenging. A simple task like sitting down or getting up from a chair can become a struggle, making the choice of seating an essential aspect of maintaining independence and comfort. Whether it’s a disability chair, a mobility chair, or a specialized office chair for disabled persons, the right chair can significantly improve quality of life. Here’s why selecting the appropriate chair is so important and what options are available for elderly and disabled individuals. Understanding…

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Zim scientists discover cancer cure

Kuda Pembere

By Kudakwashe Pembere As the search for a cancer cure is under way across the globe, a team of Zimbabwean born scientists say they discovered compounds  using artificial intelligence, mathematical modelling and machine learning. The algorithm targets cancer cells without interfering the normal healthy cells. These scientists are working alongside the University of Witwatersrand and the University of Johannesburg. The lead scientist for this project is Harare Institute of Public Health (HIPH) chairperson and Head of the Mathematics School at the University of Witwatersrand Professor Simon Mukwembi working with the…

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Gvt Bans Long Distance Traveling For Kombis to Curb Road Accidents

Michael Gwarisa

By Michael Gwarisa Commuter Omnibuses or Kombis will no longer be allowed to ferry passengers beyond 60 Kilometres as part of efforts to reduce the growing scourge and burden of road traffic accidents. Under the new radius-based restrictions being implemented by the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure Development, Kombis’ travel distance has been reduced from 120 km to 60 km. In a statement, the Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Honorable Felix Mhona, said the new restrictions were effective immediately. As the Ministry endeavors to mitigate against road traffic crashes…

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Junk and processed Foods Driving Non-Communicable Diseases in Zimbabwe’s Young People

Michael Gwarisa

By Michael Gwarisa Zimbabwe is experiencing a surge in Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) linked to poor lifestyles and consumption of unhealthy diets, the Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC) has warned. Recent data from the annual Obesity Atlas shows that 2.9 million Zimbabwean children will be having high Body Mass Index (BMI) by year 2035 and the number of children who had high BMI in 2020 was 1,155,173. This according to the report will likely trigger an increase in stroke related health complications, diabetes linked to BMI among other conditions.…

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Childhood Cancer International president hails KidzCan, ACCZ partnership

Kuda Pembere

By Kuda Pembere Visiting Childhood Cancer International president Mr Rodney Wong on Wednesday commended the partnership between the Apostolic Christian Council of Zimbabwe (ACCZ) and KidzCan noting it will have a great impact on the lives of children in early diagnosis, and treatment of cancer. At a time when the apostolic church is most of the time perceived to be against the seeking of medical services, ACCZ and KidzCan last week signed a memorandum of understanding for the sensitization of apostolic sect members on the importance of seeking cancer services for children.…

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Over 750 young doctors benefit from Merck Foundation’s Nationwide Diabetes and Hypertension Blue Point program

Kuda Pembere

By Kuda Pembere With African countries having fewer specialist doctors in hypertension, cardiology and endocrinology, the partnership between Africa’s first ladies, the Ministries of Health, medical societies as well as the academia and the Merck Foundation under the “Nationwide Diabetes and Hypertension Blue Point program” banner have given over 750 scholarships to young doctors. The young doctors will be practicing specialties namely Hypertension, Cardiology, Diabetes and Endocrinology. This Merck Foundation said this in a statement to commemorate World Hypertension Day. “At Merck Foundation we mark “World Hypertension Day” by improving…

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Zimbabwe Makes Inroads In Addressing Severe NCDs Through The PEN-Plus Strategy

Michael Gwarisa

By Michael Gwarisa According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) data, more than 560 000 avoidable deaths occur annually among the world’s poorest children and young adults with nearly 100 000 of these deaths being caused by only four conditions namely Type 1 diabetes mellitus, sickle cell disease, rheumatic and congenital heart disease. Just like most countries in the Sub-Saharan Africa region, Zimbabwe is experiencing a huge burden in Severe Non-Communicable Diseases which, unlike ordinary NCDs, do not get much public health attention despite them accounting for several deaths every…

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