US$13 billion lost to dust and sand storms: AUC’s Commissioner Josefa Sacko

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia 09/12/24 – Around 13 billion dollars of gross domestic product in North Africa and the Middle East is lost to sand and dust storms, African Union Commissioner Josefa Correia Sacko said in Riyadh (Saudi Arabia).   The diplomat made these remarks while speaking at the United Nations Convention Forum (COP16) on combating…

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African sanitary and phytosanitary experts reiterate harmonisation and adoption of good practices

Libreville, Gabon 6/12/24 – Experts in the field of sanitary and phytosanitary issues from the continent reiterated in Libreville (Gabon) the need for harmonisation and the adoption of African standards to deal with the integration of good practices at the global level.   These positions were taken at an African Union coordination and consultative forum…

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59, 000 succumb to rabies annually: Department of Veterinary Services

Harare, 04 December 2024 59, 000 people succumb to rabies across the globe and Africa accounts for 25, 000 annually, with the majority being children and those living in marginalised communities, said a senior Government official. In his address to participants from around the world attending the International Course on the Surveillance and Control of…

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African experts analyse implementation of sanitary and phytosanitary policy framework

Libreville, Gabon 03/12/24 – An African Union coordination and consultative forum on sanitary and phytosanitary policy is being held today in Libreville, Gabon, to analyse the development and accelerate actions to safeguard consumer health and facilitate safe trade on the continent.   Experts in this area will adopt the action matrix of the issues raised…

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Zimbabwe Leads the Charge, Revolutionising Antenatal HIV Care and Inspiring Youth Empowerment

Writes Sirak Gebrehiwot 01 December 2024, Rusape – In the heart of Africa, Zimbabwe stands as a beacon of progress in the global fight against HIV/AIDS. As the nation, led by the Honourable Minister of Health and Child Care Honourable D Mombeshora, commemorated World AIDS Day today in Rusape at the John Cowie Primary School,…

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Parliament of Zimbabwe relaunches TB Caucus

Writes Muchimba Faro   The Deputy Speaker of Zimbabwe’s National Assembly, Honourable Tsitsi Gezi, officially relaunched the Zimbabwe National Tuberculosis Caucus as the guest speaker on Friday at Mandel Training Centre in Harare, renewing the parliamentarians’ willingness to end TB by 2030. Reaffirming Parliament’s commitment by signing the Barcelona Declaration, the Deputy Speaker called for…

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World AIDS Day: MSF to roll out long-acting PrEP in southern Africa

Ahead of World AIDS Day on December 1, Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is preparing to roll out long-acting cabotegravir (CAB-LA) for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in its projects in southern Africa. CAB-LA, administered as an injection every two months, has been described as a potential game-changer in the fight against HIV/AIDS and is one…

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Zimbabwe’s Groundbreaking CATH-LAB Revolutionises Heart Care

…Minimal Invasive Heart Procedures Now Offered Locally Writes Wendy Olivier  Zimbabwe’s healthcare sector has witnessed a major leap forward with the launch of a state-of-the-art Cardiac Catheterisation Laboratory (CATH-LAB), setting new standards for heart disease diagnosis, treatment, and care. Situated at the Trauma Centre, Borrowdale Hospital in Harare, this cutting-edge facility brings hope to many…

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UN interventions result in significant achievement in Zimbabwe’s healthcare infrastructure

The UNDP commissioned the new NatPharm warehouse in Masvingo and 178 pharmacy stores marking a significant achievement in Zimbabwe’s healthcare infrastructure. This project, supported by the Global Fund and UNDP in partnership with the Government of Zimbabwe, is part of the larger Resilient Systems Strengthening for Health (RSSH) initiative aimed at improving healthcare delivery across…

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AFSA Launches New Booklet Showcasing Agroecology Success Stories From Kenya At COP29

Writes Kirubel Tadele   Baku, Azerbaijan – As the second week of COP29 negotiations continues, the Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa (AFSA) launches its latest publication, Agroecology Works: Evidence from Kenya. This booklet offers a deep dive into the transformative power of agroecology through 15 inspiring stories from across ten counties in Kenya, providing a rich…

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AU-IBAR highlights urgent need to address Antimicrobial Resistance

Yesterday, during the opening of the 6th World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW) campaign for Africa in Cameroon, AU-IBAR’s Director Dr. Huyam Salih highlighted the urgent need to address Antimicrobial Resistance (hashtag#AMR)—a growing global threat that knows no borders. Dr. Salih underscored that 60-75% of emerging human pathogens originate from animals, making the responsible use of…

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Honour commitment to eliminate cholera by 2028: CWGH urges government

Writes Community Working Group on Health (CWGH)   The Community Working Group on Health (CWGH) commends the government for taking bold and tangible measures to address major public health challenges through its supreme law, the Constitution, the Public Health Act, and indeed other legal and policy frameworks. There have also been corresponding structural arrangements in…

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Tinubu reappoints Mustapha as DG National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency

Writes Toyin Omozuwa   The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has approved the reappointment of the Director General of the National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA), Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha for a second tenure of 5 years.   His reappointment was conveyed in a letter signed by the…

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Addressing emerging and legacy diseases: Africa needs locally manufactured vaccines

Writes Sakhile Khaweka   Prioritizing local vaccine manufacturing, distribution, and rollout remains crucial to addressing some of the challenges that are faced by the African continent’s health systems. Making sure that vulnerable communities have access to life-saving health innovations is not only going to ensure that millions of people live longer but will also yield…

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NetOne, Salutem Launch Dollar-a-Month Medical Cover

NetOne, Zimbabwe’s state-owned mobile network operator, has partnered with Salutem International Medical Fund to launch an innovative healthcare product aimed at increasing access to primary healthcare services across the country. The Salutem One Health product, accessible through NetOne’s mobile money platform OneMoney, offers essential medical coverage for just US$1 per month. Speaking at the launch…

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Epi App Takes Top Honors at Cimas HIT Healthathon: A New Era in Healthcare Innovation

Writes Kundai Marunya Harare, Zimbabwe – At the Cimas HIT Healthathon 2.0, held yesterday at Borrowdale Office Park, the future of healthcare innovation took center stage with a spotlight on the groundbreaking Epi App, which clinched the grand prize. The event drew nine talented innovators from various tertiary institutions, all eager to showcase their revolutionary…

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Africa needs to develop human capacities and innovative practices to achieve resilient agri-food systems

African Union Commissioner Josefa Correia Sacko reaffirmed in Harare, Zimbabwe, the need to develop human capacities and innovative practices to accelerate the implementation and expansion of successful models to achieve resilient agri-food systems in Africa.   Josefa Sacko, who was speaking at the commemoration of the fifteenth African Day for Food Security and Nutrition and…

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UNDP, Global Fund-Donated Solar Systems to Strengthen Zimbabwe’s Healthcare Infrastructure

In a significant step toward bolstering Zimbabwe’s healthcare system and promoting sustainable energy solutions, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) yesterday officially handed over a state-of-the-art 450 kW solar system to the Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC) and the National Pharmaceutical Company (NatPharm). Additionally, 1,044 solar systems have been installed across health facilities…

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Empowering AGYW through Engaging Faith groups: Youth Aspire Development Trust’s SRHR Initiative in Chitungwiza

In Chitungwiza, the Youth Aspire Development Trust (YADT) has been a beacon of hope and empowerment for adolescent girls and young women (AGYW). With technical support from Gender Links and funding from Amplify Change, YADT has made significant strides in enhancing Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) through strategic engagement with local churches. Engaging…

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Cimas Health Group commits to driving healthcare innovation

Cimas Health Group has launched Healthathon 2.0, a groundbreaking competition designed to foster innovation in the healthcare sector.   The event, which will bring together students, professionals, and innovators, aims to develop innovative solutions to tackle key challenges within the healthcare industry, furthering Cimas’ commitment to improving healthcare delivery through technology and collaboration.   Speaking…

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UN makes strides in implementing strategic health initiatives in Zimbabwe

Over the last decade, the United Nations has made significant strides in the health sector in Zimbabwe, supporting governments and stakeholders to implement strategic health initiatives.   This was revealed by Dr. Ayodele Odusola, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator ad interim, and UNDP Resident Representative at the launch of the Health Workforce Strategy and…

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ZNAN rallies participation in Global Week for Action on Non-communicable Diseases

Jacob Ngwenya, the Director of the Zimbabwe NCDs Action Network (ZNAN) is calling on stakeholders to participate in the Global Week for Action on Non-communicable Diseases.   “The Zimbabwe NCDs Action Network is joining the NCD Alliance and the rest of the NCD movement worldwide in commemorating the Global Week for Action on NCDs scheduled…

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Cimas Health Group CEO urges men to get screened for breast cancer

As October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Cimas Health Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Vuli Ndlovu, has called on men to undergo breast cancer screenings, challenging the misconception that breast cancer only affects women.   Mr Ndlovu made the remarks on Friday when Cimas hosted the Cimas Pink-Tober Breast Cancer Breakfast Meeting at their Borrowdale…

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Empowering Zimbabwe’s Girls: Envisioning the Future on International Day of the Girl Child

Writes Sirak Gebrehiwot   As the world celebrates the International Day of the Girl Child, the theme “Girls’ Vision for the Future” aligns closely with the ambitions and hurdles faced by girls in Zimbabwe. This theme underscores the pressing need for joint efforts and exemplifies a steadfast hope energized by the voices and visions of…

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NetOne’s 5G technology a commitment to transforming Zimbabwe into a middle-income economy

In line with the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) and the Vision 2030 agenda, NetOne on 9 October 2024 launched the 5G technology, reflecting an unwavering commitment to transforming Zimbabwe into a middle-income economy, through technology, innovation, and sustainable development.   In his keynote address during the launch, Honourable Vice President, Colonel (Retired) Kembo C.D….

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SRHR key in achieving health equity: Parliament

The launch of the Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) initiative by the Southern African Development Community Parliamentary Forum (SADC PF) demonstrates a commitment to promoting health equality and equity in pursuit of fostering economic growth and upholding human rights.   In his keynote address, Hon. Advocate Jacob Francis Nzwidamilimo Mudenda, the Speaker of…

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SONA 2024: Zimbabwe makes strides in sustainable development

Zimbabwe has made considerable progress in advancing sustainable development despite several challenges affecting the southern African nation, President Emmerson Mnangagwa said in his 2024 State of the Nation Address (SONA) at the new Parliament Building in Harare today.   “Our commitment to enhance the well-being of the people of our motherland, Zimbabwe by entrenching unity,…

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Catholics raising funds for chef Webster Mahawa’s Heart Surgery

Writes Bothwell Munetsi   The Catholic community is coming together to support one of its own beloved Chef, Webster Mahawa. After years of dedicating his life to nourishing the bodies of thousands of believers, Webster now requires urgent financial assistance to undergo critical heart surgery.   Diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy in July 2021, Webster’s heart…

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Water at the core of community resilience in the face of El-Nino-induced drought

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Zimbabwe has said access to safe water and improved sanitation and hygiene services are key to ensuring children’s rights to health, nutrition, education, and protection. As Zimbabwe faces the El Nino-induced drought, the UN agency is calling on the Government and partners to prioritise investment in water, sanitation, and…

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Contraception promoting scientific and safer means of child spacing

The World Contraception Day, running under the global theme, “Contraception – It’s Your Life, It’s Your Responsibility,” underscores the importance of raising awareness of the benefits of contraception to individuals and the country at large not as a child-bearing barrier but as a scientific and safer means of child spacing.   These were the sentiments…

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National Sanitary and Phytosanitary systems promoting food and nutrition security

National Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) systems play an important role in ensuring food and nutrition security through protecting human, animal, and plant health; supporting economic development; promoting environmental sustainability; ensuring compliance with international standards; and building public trust and confidence in agrifood systems.   This came to the fore during a Workshop on the Validation…

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Workshop validates SPS Communication strategy, action plan and corporate branding

A workshop to develop a robust and targeted communications strategy for the African Union (AU) Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Programme in Africa is underway in Lusaka, Zambia with a view of outlining clear guidelines and approaches for communicating key messages, advocacy, and awareness creation among key audiences.   In welcome remarks read by Chiluba Mwape,…

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Abandon harmful cultural, religious practices to curb HIV: Traditional leaders

Writes Admore Mbonda  Traditional leaders in Mashonaland Central are playing a leading role in fighting new HIV infections by urging their subjects to quit harmful traditional and religious practices. With eight administrative districts, Mashonaland Central has an estimated 110,000 people living with HIV, 70% of them being children. Chief Bushu, born Gracious Mukanwa, of Shamva…

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Zimbabwe to harness benefits of IAEA Scientific Forum in promoting food security

Zimbabwe’s Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Dr. Anxious Masuka has said lessons from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Scientific Forum 2024, themed ‘Atoms4Food: Better Agriculture for a Better Life’, should be harnessed to promote food and nutrition security in the country. He revealed that in a panel discussion of a…

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Residents have to be widely consulted on prepaid water meters: HRT

THE Harare Residents’ Trust (HRT) has said it has been closely following the debate on the possible introduction of prepaid water meters in Harare. The local authorities, with the backing of some international financial institutions, have been warming up to the idea, but they have not done enough to ensure the consistent provision of safe,…

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Zimbabwe’s Climate Challenge: A Catalyst for Economic Reinvention

Writes Dr Ayodele Odusola, UNDP Zimbabwe Resident Representative   Zimbabwe stands at a pivotal moment in its development journey, facing the dual challenge of climate change and economic transformation. The recent Zimbabwe Economic Development Conference (ZEDCON) in Victoria Falls underscored the urgency of addressing these intertwined issues, highlighting both the vulnerabilities we face and the…

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