Feed and Fodder can generate USD25 billion for Zim

Kuda Pembere

By Kudakwashe Pembere Zimbabwe for years has been neglecting the viability of the feed and fodder value chain which has the capacity to generate US$25 billion over the next five years. This amounts to an estimated US$5 billion economic sub-sector. Feed and fodder is an important component in the growth of the livestock sector. This was said by Zimbabwe’s Feed and Fdder Multistakeholder Platform vice chairperson Mrs Tendai Marecha in an interview following the Africa Union InterAfrica Bureau of Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) Resilient African Feed and Fodder Systems (RAFFS) meeting…

Read More

MCAZ Recalls Defective Batch of YAZ Plus Contraceptives Over Quality

Michael Gwarisa

By Staff Reporter  The Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) has announced a Class II recall of a batch of YAZ Plus contraceptive tablets due to a quality defect that could compromise their efficacy and pose risks to patients. The recall affects YAZ PLUS TABLETS, REG. NO.: 2022/21.2.1/6235, BATCH: WEW961J, manufactured by Bayer (Pty) Ltd. South Africa. According to MCAZ, the defective packs contain an incorrect configuration of tablets: 24 light orange hormone-free tablets and 4 pink hormone tablets, instead of the required 24 pink hormone tablets and 4 light…

Read More

Conflicting Sugar Tax Figures Spark Debate Over Transparency and Utilization

Kuda Pembere

By Kudakwashe Pembere The implementation of the sugar tax introduced last year by Finance Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube has raised concerns about the authenticity and transparency of the tax collection figures. In his 2023 budget presentation, Professor Ncube proposed a sugar tax on sweetened beverages, sparking mixed reactions across sectors. Initially set at US$0.002 per gram, the levy faced strong opposition from industry players, who cited potential negative impacts on business viability and job security. As a result, the tax was reduced to US$0.001 per gram in February 2024. Government…

Read More

Delta launches campaign against alcohol and substance abuse

Kuda Pembere

By Kudakwashe Pembere Delta launches Delta Beverages launched a challenge dubbed ‘Above the influence’ which saw university students compete for top honours for the best innovation. The challenge is a partnership between Delta Beverages, The Boost Fellowship, and University students from 11 Institutions in the country that presented innovative solutions to combat alcohol abuse. The program is backed by a USD$6000 prize fund. Speaking at the event, Delta non-executive director, Emma Fundira highlighted the company’s long-lasting commitment to responsible drinking. “Delta has been involved in promoting responsible alcohol consumption for…

Read More

2025 Budget Should Prioritise Post Abortion Care

Edinah Masiyiwa

By Edinah Masiyiwa As the country undergoes the budgeting process for the year 2025, it is time for the Zimbabwe Ministry of Health and Child Welfare to prioritise women’s access to maternal health services. The focus especially should be put on comprehensive abortion care guidelines as it greatly contributes to a reduction of maternal mortality. This article will focus on the importance of having a well-funded post-abortion care programme. Zimbabwe has the highest contraception prevalence rate in sub – Saharan Africa but also one of the highest maternal mortality ratios…

Read More

Zimbabwe’s INTEGRATE Program Marks Milestone: Over 150,000 Circumcisions Achieved in HIV Prevention Push

Michael Gwarisa

By Michael Gwarisa Over 150,000 men and boys have undergone circumcision under the INTEGRATE-Catalyzing Integrated Sustainable Subnational HIV Biomedical Prevention Program, an initiative aimed at enhancing decentralized biomedical HIV prevention services in Zimbabwe. The program, implemented by the Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC) with technical support from Population Services International (PSI) and Population Solutions for Health (PSH), was catalyzed by funding from the Gates Foundation. Launched in November 2020, the INTEGRATE project was designed to run for four years and is set to conclude by the end of…

Read More

Zimbabwe’s First Bereavement Suite for Grieving Mothers Opens at Parirenyatwa Hospital

Michael Gwarisa

By Michael Gwarisa In a groundbreaking effort to provide mental health support and comfort to parents grieving the loss of a child at birth, a local mental health organization, Someone Always Listens To You (S.A.L.T), has refurbished and established a grieving room at the Mbuya Nehanda Maternity Wing of Parirenyatwa Hospital. According to Zimbabwean mental health statistics, one in four women may experience mental health challenges related to pregnancy and childbirth. Despite this, mental health services in the country remain severely underdeveloped. Officiating at the handover event for the bereavement…

Read More

Don’t sit on the toilet for more than 10 minutes, doctors warn

Healthtimes

  CNN  —  Let’s be honest — people have a habit of bringing their phones to the bathroom. I’ve been guilty of it myself, and chances are that someone is on the toilet reading this article right now. A three-minute trip to the loo can easily turn into 15 minutes of reading, scrolling and posting. It might seem a harmless way to pass the time when you’re going number two. However, experts warn that what they call prolonged sitting on the toilet can harm your health. It’s even been connected…

Read More

MSF Secures CAB LA Doses For Zimbabwe and Three Other African Countries

Michael Gwarisa

By Michael Gwarisa Doctors Without Borders (MSF) has secured a limited supply of long-acting injectable cabotegravir (CAB-LA), a groundbreaking HIV prevention medication, following months of negotiations with Viiv, its sole manufacturer. The initial rollout is set to begin later this year in Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Malawi, and Eswatini. To prepare for this rollout, MSF conducted a four-day training workshop for clinicians, nurses, and future implementers. The training aimed to build capacity among healthcare workers to effectively administer CAB-LA and integrate it into HIV prevention efforts. Dr. Gerald Hangaika, from MSF’s Mbare…

Read More