IN 2013, Regional Economic Communities (RECs) and other development partners under the leadership of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UESCO), initiated a process to develop a regional commitment within the East and Southern Africa region. By Michael Gwarisa In December 2013, the political process to create the commitment was met with success as 20 Member States signed onto the new East and Southern Africa (ESA) Ministerial Commitment. These Governments thus committed themselves to work together for the good of adolescents and young people to deliver comprehensive sexuality…
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WHO Suspends Supply Of Indian Vaccine, Covaxin
THE World Health Organisation (WHO), has with immediate effect, suspended the supply of the Indian manufactured COVAXIN shots following the outcome of an inspection in March 2022, where deficiencies and manufacturing related concerns were identified. By Michael Gwarisa The decision by WHO has also prompted Bharat Biotech, the manufacturer to immediately suspend production of Covaxin, a move that is set to interrupt the vaccination programs for countries relying on Covaxin to carry out immunisations. Countries that had approved the use of COVAXIN include Zimbabwe, Australia, Mauritius, Oman, Philippines, Nepal, Mexico,…
Read MoreNegative COVID-19 Results No longer Mandatory When Entering Zimbabwe
RETURNING Zimbabwean residents and visitors will no longer be mandated to produce a negative PCR certificate, a cabinet minister has announced. By Kudakwashe Pembere In the past, returning residents had to produce a Negative result as well as proof of COVID-19 vaccination in order to gain access into the country. Addressing a post cabinet media briefing on Tuesday, Information, Media and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa said it will not be a prerequisite to produce a negative PCR but a proof of vaccination is still required. Cabinet has resolved that…
Read MoreZimbabwe Gvt Approves Vaccination Of 16 Year Olds Against COVID-19
THE Zimbabwean government through the Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC), has approved the immunization of 16 to 17 years olds with the aim of accelerating the implementation of the national COVID-19 vaccination program. By Michael Gwarisa The developments also come in the midst of indications that the national vaccination coverage has reached 38% against a target of vaccination of at least 60% by 31 December, 2021. In a statement, Health and Child minister, Dr Constantino Chiwenga said the 16-17 years olds will only receive the SINOVAC vaccine. The…
Read MoreZim’s COVID-19 Hospitalizations Decreases Further
THE country has of late been recording a significant drop in the number of COVID-19 new cases which has seen hospitalizations and COVID-19 related bed occupancy decreasing drastically. By Patricia Mashiri Speaking during a cabinet briefing Senator Monica Mutsvangwa, Information and Broadcasting Minister said, “…regarding case management, infection, prevention and control, the number of people in need of hospitalization for COVID-19 continues to fall, with the country’s bed occupancy rate decreasing from 4.62% the previous week to 4.3% during the week under review. Ninety-four (94) new admissions were recorded, with…
Read MoreFull Economy Opening Premised On Vaccination- Mthuli Ncube
THE Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Professor Mtuli Ncube has called on Zimbabweans to get vaccinated for the economy to fully open up. By Patricia Mashiri Speaking during a Zimbabwe’s COVID-19 vaccination program on Zimpapers Television Network, Prof Ncube said there was no reason for Zimbabweans to shun vaccination as government procured millions of vaccine doses towards that cause. Vaccination strategy in Zimbabwe is also an economic recovery strategy. We can only open up the economy safely if everyone is safe, if people will not infect each other. Therefore,…
Read MoreAIDS Levy, International Financing Behind Zim’s AIDS Response Success- UNAIDS
THE Joint United Nations Programme on HIV and AIDS (UNAIDS) says Zimbabwe remains a leader in as far as HIV treatment on African continent at the back of a myriad of factors chief among them being a well-coordinated domestic funding mechanism for HIV/AIDS and support from international partners. By Michael Gwarisa In update on how Inequalities are at the heart of uneven progress in the AIDS response, UNAIDS said progress against HIV has been uneven with other countries struggling to contain the pandemic. The gains made through people-centred approaches within…
Read MoreCOVID-19 Worsens Chronic Poverty In Zimbabwe’s Vulnerable Citizens- Report
LIMITED social protection vehicles and the absence of social safety nets for some venerable groups has exacerbated already existing inequalities and chronic poverty among Zimbabwe’s vulnerable groups. By Michael Gwarisa A new report, the Zimbabwe’s Second Voluntary National Review (VNR) 2021 indicates that the COVID-19 pandemic has affected government’s capacity to effectively address chronic poverty (by helping the poor households) as well as the capacity to mitigate the socio-economic shocks of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the 2019 Labour Force and Child Labour Survey (LFCLS), about 249,000 persons, which is …
Read More#BREAKING: Johnson & Johnson Vaccine Approved In Zimbabwe
THE Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ), has approved the use of Johnson & Johnson vaccine in Zimbabwe in the management and prevention of COVID-19 infections. By Michael Gwarisa In an interview with HealthTimes, MCAZ Projects and Public Relations Officer, Mr Shingai Gwatidzo confirmed the development. MCAZ reviewed the technical documentation and clinical studies conducted and issued Emergency Use Authorisation for Ministry of Health and Child Care to consider adding to the vaccines for use in Zimbabwe,” said Mr Gwatidzo. He added that the EUA is subject to a number…
Read MoreZim Removed From TB high Burden Countries List
THE World Health Organisation (WHO), has removed Zimbabwe from the list of Tuberculosis (TB) high burden countries in its recent global updated list of high burden countries. By Patricia Mashiri The new lists are for 2021–2025 and replace those previously used between 2016 and 2020. Zimbabwe together with other high TB burden countries such as Cambodia, the Russian Federation transitioned out of the list. Speaking to HealthTimes, Dr Charles Sandy, the Deputy Director, TB and HIV Services in the Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC) said there was some…
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