Abortion services for adolescents a must
By Edinah Masiyiwa Now that the 68th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women has ended, it is time to reflect and act on the recommendations that were made, as we endeavor to improve access to Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) for women and girls. In reviewing the theme “Social
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Becoming a Nurse Practitioner: What To Expect
Nurse practitioners play a pivotal role in healthcare, offering a blend of nursing and healthcare services to patients across various settings. Depending on state laws, they can diagnose and treat medical conditions, prescribe medications, and even lead their clinics. For those contemplating this rewarding career, understanding the educational requirements, licensure, day-to-day responsibilities, and potential for
Read MoreMaking 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 MoreTo protect everyone’s health, protect everyone’s rights
By Jane KALWEO This Friday1 March 1is Zero Discrimination Day, established ten years ago by UNAIDS to protect the rights of everyone and build healthier societies. The evidence is clear: only by protecting everyone’s rights, can we protect everyone’s health. There is much to celebrate. Zimbabwe is one of the few countries in sub-Saharan Africa
Read MorePower of Movement building in protecting women and girls against unsafe abortion: Op Ed
Mildred Mushunje, PhD The struggle for the recognition of women’s rights is one that has been fraught with backlash, including those arising out of patriarchal privileges and misogynistic ideals. Various movements including Feminist movements have risen to challenge these ideals. The movements have been multiverse and varied but they generally have the goal of addressing
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Join the Conversation! HIFA Launches Alcohol Use Disorders Working Group Discussions
Enock Musungwini, MPH; MBA According to the World Health Organization, alcohol consumption contributes to 3 million deaths each year globally as well as to the disabilities and poor health of millions of people. Furthermore, harmful use of alcohol is responsible for 5.1% of the global burden of disease. Against this background, we are calling all
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