Making abortion safe: Reflections from SRHR Champions from Zimbabwe:
By Mildred Mushunje (PhD) Introduction Access to safe abortion remains a contenscious issue for activists keen to see the liberalisation of abortion in Zimbabwe. Currently, the 1977 Termination of Pregnancy Act allows for an abortion under the restricted circumstances of rape, incest and health (ToP, 1977). There are various advocacy efforts underway in the country
Read MoreLeveraging Private Sector to Reduce Unsafe Abortions
Dr Munyaradzi Murwira Due to the restrictive abortion laws in Zimbabwe, both medical and non-medical individuals clandestinely perform most of the abortions. Legal and administrative barriers coupled with stigma among both women and health service providers, and fear of social repercussions as well as risking imprisonment are barriers to access legal abortion in Zimbabwe. The
Read MoreKey highlights of Zimbabwe’s CAC guidelines and next steps
By Memory Pamella Kadau Introduction Zimbabwe’s recently updated and adopted Comprehensive Abortion Care (CAC) Guidelines. However, the legal framework remains the biggest stumbling block to access to safe abortion under the Termination of Pregnancy (ToP) Act. The article focuses on key aspects of the CAC guidelines, such as consent and counselling, medical eligibility for post-abortion
Read MoreOp-ed for International Women’s Day: “Inspire Inclusion: Combating HIV, Advancing Rights”
By Jane KALWEO The world is significantly off course in meeting the gender targets set by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). At the current pace, it will take an estimated 300 years to eradicate child marriage, 140 years to achieve equal representation of women in positions of power and leadership in the workplace, and 47
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Why Zimbabwe Needs a Multidisciplinary and Inclusive Public Health Association
By: Enock Musungwini, MPH, MBA Public health associations play a crucial role in advocating for measures to improve the health and well-being of populations. They work collaboratively with governments, civil society organizations, and various stakeholders to address national and global health challenges. Unfortunately, Zimbabwe lacks a multidisciplinary public health association, which is a significant weakness
Read MoreWomen Organisations Should Prioritize Self-Care Programmes
By Edinha Masiyiwa In my 20 years of experience promoting and defending women’s rights, I have observed that many women, including myself, work without resting. It was only recently in December 2023 when I enrolled in a “How Women Lead” fellowship programme that I reflected on how much I have focused on work without paying
Read MoreHope on the Horizon for Zimbabwe as health Ministry Signs Comprehensive abortion Care Guidelines
By Edinah Masiyiwa The Acting Chief Director for Public Health, Dr W Nyamayaro, has signed off on the National Comprehensive Abortion Care (CA) Guidelines for Zimbabwe after more than a year waiting period. These guidelines follow the World Health Organisation’s Post Abortion Care Guidelines of 2022. These guidelines will go a long way in saving
Read MoreReducing Unsafe Abortions through Family Planning
By Dr Munyaradzi Murwira Background According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), family planning (FP) and comprehensive abortion care are part of primary health care (PHC), and the availability of these services is essential for achieving universal health coverage (UHC). However, lack of access to these services remains a big challenge across the world. Health
Read MoreChallenging Online Post-Abortion Stigma in Zimbabwe: Advocating for Compassion
By Memory Pamella Kadau Introduction The discourse surrounding abortion remains a contentious and divisive topic worldwide, and Zimbabwe is no exception to the complexities that surround it. Recognising that the decision to undergo an abortion is deeply personal and multifaceted, individuals navigate this choice for various reasons. The subject is often marred by misinformation, disinformation,
Read MoreTo end the AIDS pandemic, let communities lead
By Jane Kalweo – UNAIDS Country Director, Zimbabwe Zimbabwe has a fantastic opportunity. It can end the AIDS pandemic by 2030, by letting communities lead. Communities of people living with HIV or at risk of HIV are the drivers of progress in the AIDS response. They connect people to public health services, build trust, innovate,
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