Zim commemorates World Health Day amid calls to end preventable maternal deaths
Michael Gwarisa Zimbabwe marked World Health Day amid renewed calls for stronger commitment to health as a fundamental human right, with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) urging urgent action to end preventable maternal deaths. The commemorations were held under the theme “Together for Health. Stand with Science,” which officials said underscores the need for
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Zimbabwe Spends US$27 Million Sugar Tax Funds on Radiotherapy Equipment
Michael Gwarisa Zimbabwe has spent US$27 million raised through the sugar tax on the first phase of a major cancer equipment procurement programme aimed at transforming diagnosis and treatment services in public hospitals. The latest consignment includes two high-capacity multi-energy radiotherapy machines weighing about 22 tonnes, which are expected to significantly strengthen the country’s cancer
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Zimbabwe to Recruit Nearly 9 000 Health Workers
Kuda Pembere Government has approved the recruitment of 8 785 new health workers as part of efforts to strengthen Zimbabwe’s public health sector and improve service delivery across the country. Treasury is expected to finalise concurrence for the 2026 financial framework this week, paving the way for the Health Services Commission to immediately begin the
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Zimbabwe Commences Ebola Screening, Requests Africa CDC Reagents Ahead Of Potential Spillover
Michael Gwarisa Zimbabwe has begun screening travellers for Ebola at ports of entry and activated its Public Health Emergency Operations Centre at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals as the country intensifies preparedness measures against the deadly outbreak currently affecting the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda. The government has also requested laboratory reagents from the
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Health Minister Dr Mombeshora Appeals for End to Nurses’ Strike
By Kuda Pembere Nurses across Zimbabwe have begun withdrawing services, prompting Health Minister Dr Douglas Mombeshora to call for calm and urge a return to work amid ongoing negotiations. The nurses began their job action on Monday following concerns over transport and fuel hikes, with a US$30 to US$40 salary increment triggering the industrial action.
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Zimbabwe Moves to Tackle Climate-Health Crisis With New Adaptation Plan
By Kuda Pembere Zimbabwe has begun the process of developing a Health National Adaptation Plan (HNAP), a strategic framework aimed at addressing the impact of climate change on the health sector, with completion expected in early 2027. Once finalised, the country is set to become the ninth in Africa with an up-to-date plan integrating climate
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Breathalyser Tests Proposed for Health Workers as Substance Abuse Rises
By Kuda Pembere Zimbabwe is considering introducing breathalyser testing for health workers amid growing concern over drug and substance abuse within the sector. The Health Service Commission (HSC), which oversees the public health workforce, recently convened a workshop to address rising cases of substance misuse among health professionals. The discussions come after Health and Child
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Government Targets Neonatal Mortality Below 12 per 1,000 by 2030
Kuda Pembere Government has reaffirmed its commitment to reducing neonatal mortality to fewer than 12 deaths per 1,000 live births, in line with Zimbabwe’s National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2). The Neonatal Mortality Rate according to the Zimbabwe Demographic Health Survey (ZDHS 2023-24) according to Health and Child Care Minister Dr Douglas Mombeshora is 31 deaths
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UNICEF, Partners Deliver Vehicles and Cold Chain Equipment to Strengthen Zim’s Immunisation Drive
By Kuda Pembere As Zimbabwe works to address maternal health challenges and close the gap on zero-dose children while pushing for universal health coverage, the Health Ministry has taken delivery of immunisation vehicles, emergency response units, oxygen lorries, tricycles and cold chain equipment from UNICEF and its development partners to strengthen service delivery. A total
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SADC Countries Convene in Harare for African Volunteer Health Corps Training
Kuda Pembere At a time when Africa records more than 200 public health emergencies annually, SADC member states and selected countries from East and West Africa have gathered in Zimbabwe for a five-day Southern African capacity building training for the African Volunteer Health Corps (AVoHC). The training facilitated by Africa CDC, seeks to strengthen preparedness
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