Tag: PSI

HIV+ People With Low CD4 Count Should Consult Before Getting COVID-19 Jab

Michael Gwarisa

PEOPLE living with HIV (PLHIV) who have a low CD4 count and an uncontrolled viral load have been urged to defer getting vaccinated against COVID-19 until after discussing with medical practitioners, a medical and HIV expert has said. By Michael Gwarisa CD4 cells are white blood cells that fight infection and the CD4 count is a measure of how healthy one’s immune system is when living with HIV. People Living with HIV have been listed amongst high-risk populations in the country and have also been afforded priority status under the…

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Zimbabwe Not Yet In The 3rd Wave- Experts

Michael Gwarisa

CONTRARY to widespread reports that a third COVID-19 wave was already in the country, medical and health experts have assured the nation that the nation was nearing the end of a second of a second wave. By Michael Gwarisa   There have been speculation over the past few weeks following the surging of COVID-19 cases in schools, triggering fears that a third wave might probably started in the country. Speaking during a webinar that was organised by the National AIDS Council (NAC), Dr Takunda Sola who is also the Regional…

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Gvt Takes Over Circumcision Program

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[dropcap]T[/dropcap][dropcap]HE[/dropcap] Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC) together with the Population Services International (PSI) have come up with a Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision (VMMC) sustainability transition implementation plan (STIP) that will see government taking over implementation and programing of the project in both scale up and maintenance districts by the year 2021. By Michael Gwarisa Under the new framework, VMMC programing and implementation will move from a vertical heavily partner and donor supported programme to a more locally-owned and managed intervention. The decision comes at the back of a…

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HIV Testing Beams Longevity To People Living With HIV: Rev Kapachawo

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THE old adage which says “the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step’, aptly sums up the journey through which renowned HIV activist and clergyman, Reverend Maxwell Kapachawo walked in his quest to conquer the ravenous HIV/AIDS claiming millions of lives annually. By Kudakwashe Pembere Most of you still remember the famed 2005 Television and Radio advert, “Ini ndiriPastor uyezve ndiri HIV Positive. Ndinosevenza neZinerela. Shoko rangu guru nderekuti HIV haina shasha inogona kubata chero munhu. Mwari vanechekuita nehupenyu hwangu nehwako. Naizvozvo ngativarumbidzei Hallelujah! ….Ngatinamateyi kuti Mwari…

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PSI Gets US$95 Million To Fight HIV In Zimbabwe

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POPULATION Services International (PSI), was recently awarded US$95 million to scale up HIV response as well as reduce the HIV incidence in Zimbabwe. HealthTimes Reporter The grant is coming through under a new program dubbed “Going the Last Mile for HIV Control” which was granted with support from the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) through USAID and the Zimbabwean Ministry of Health and Child Care (MOHCC). PSI Country Representative, Staci Leuschner said,  “the program will work closely with the MOHCC, as well as other USAID health partners and…

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PSI Surpasses 2018 Vmmc Target in Mazowe

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POPULATION Services International (PSI), has registered increased uptake of Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision (Vmmc) services in Mazowe District,  Mashonaland central, at the back of increased community engagements and sensitization programs. By Michael Gwarisa recently in Mvurwi The province is one of the red zones in terms of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) prevalence owing to massive mining activities and tobacco farming which push young people into risky sexual behaviour. Mashonaland Central provincial field manager, Mrs Joy Chikwena said despite having set the highest target for Mazowe, the district had surpassed its…

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PSI Launches Patients Tracking Mobile App

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THE Populations Services International (PSI) has introduced a Mobile Application, dubbed, Connecting with Sara, a platform meant to track and engage with clients through their mobile phones. By Michael Gwarisa The App which is currently being used in Zimbabwe, Tanzania and Mozambique is set to leverage on the swelling numbers of internet and phone usage with latest figures indicating that five billion people across the world have a phone in their pocket. In an article, PSI Senior Program Manager, Global Business Chris Purdy said Sub-Saharan Africa was poised for boom…

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PSI/Global Aid Partner To Provide SRH Services For People With Albinism

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IN a move that set to improve access to health services for people living with albinism, the Population Services International Zimbabwe (PSI) has partnered Global Aid Mission in setting up a clinic which offers comprehensive Sexual Reproductive Health (SRH) services under one roof. By Michael Gwarisa The move follows indications that most people living with the albinism condition and other disabilities shun seeking SRH services such as HIV testing,  HIV treatment and care, ST screening,  among others due to fear of stigma and discrimination in societies and health institutions. Officiating…

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Its High Time Zim Schools Adopt Condoms

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By Michael Gwarisa THERE is a raging debate on whether Zimbabwean schools should allow condoms to be distributed in schools to school going children. A number of campaigns including the Condomize Zimbabwe drive have  made strides in ensuring every sexually active citizen has access to protected sex regardless of race, age, religious or political beliefs. However, powerful sections of the society have been instrumental in blocking the move to avail condoms in schools citing various reasons. Primary and Secondary Education Minister Dr Lazarus Dokora  said Government does not intend to dish…

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