Two Generations, One Battle: Global Fund’s Role in Zimbabwe’s ARV Success
By Michael Gwarisa When Otilia Tasikasni learned she was HIV positive in 1991, she believed her life was over. The diagnosis then was not just a medical statement; it was a countdown. Doctors told her she had only two or three years to live, and every day felt like borrowed time. “At one point, all
Read MoreZimbabwe Faces Fertility Decline as Global Childbearing Crisis Deepens
By Michael Gwarisa Zimbabwe is experiencing a demographic shift in terms of fertility rate, in line with global trends, as more people struggle to achieve their reproductive goals. According to the 2024 State of the World Population (SWP) report by UNFPA, the world is undergoing a fertility crisis where individuals are increasingly unable to have
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Future of ZIMPHIA Survey Uncertain as US Freezes Research Support
By Michael Gwarisa Zimbabwe’s prospects of conducting its third Population-based HIV Impact Assessment (ZIMPHIA), a crucial household-based national HIV survey, are hanging in the balance amid indications of potential funding cuts from the United States to global scientific research initiatives. Zimbabwe has already hosted two ZIMPHIA surveys—the first in 2015/2016 and the second in 2020.
Read MoreZimbabwe Records Over 600 Dog Bites in One Week
By Michael Gwarisa The Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC) has raised alarm over the increasing number of dog bites, with a significant proportion of these bites attributed to unvaccinated dogs. According to the Weekly Disease Surveillance Report for the week ending January 5, 2025, a total of 635 dog bite cases were reported,
Read MoreEmpowering Midwives Through E-Learning: New Training Program Bridges Zimbabwe’s Healthcare Skills Gap
By Michael Gwarisa For the past nine years, Mutsa Katsidzira, 33, a nurse at Sally Mugabe Hospital in Harare, has practiced as a nurse. Although she finds her job fulfilling, she has always dreamed of a career in midwifery, where she could help pregnant women deliver safely. Zimbabwe’s healthcare sector has faced significant setbacks over
Read MoreZimbabwe Adolescent Health and Well-being Symposium becomes of age
By Michael Gwarisa Adolescents and young people from various parts of Zimbabwe convened at Manna Safari Lodge in Harare to deliberate on various issues of young people’s health and well-being. Some of the key topics that were covered include improving access to adolescent-friendly health services, addressing mental health and wellbeing, promoting sexual and reproductive health
Read MoreCAB-LA Enjoys High Continuity Rates Among PrEP Users In Zimbabwe
By Michael Gwarisa The recently introduced long-acting cabotegravir (CAB-LA) for HIV prevention has seen more users returning to get the second dose post their first jab, with data showing that the injectable drug has recorded a continuity rate over 90% since roll out in April, 2024. Currently, the Injectable PrEP is being administered in PrEP
Read MoreThe Daring Five: Zim Female Riders Break Glass Ceiling In Male-Dominated Specimen Transportation Industry
By Michael Gwarisa in Shamva She probably has the most beautiful smile in Shamva, but don’t let that fool you. Rosemary Sibanda is a goal-getter, confident, bold and aiming for greater heights in her career as a rider working under Zimbabwe’s Integrated Specimen Transportation System (IST). Being caregivers, women find it difficult to penetrate male-dominated
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The Daring Five: Zim Female Riders Break Glass Ceiling In Male-Dominated Specimen Transportation Industry
By Michael Gwarisa in Shamva She probably has the most beautiful smile in Shamva, but don’t let that fool you. Rosemary Sibanda is a goal-getter, confident, bold and aiming for greater heights in her career as a rider working under Zimbabwe’s Integrated Specimen Transportation System (IST). Being caregivers, women find it difficult to penetrate male-dominated fields, and in
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