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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Gender, environment, and climate change are deeply interconnected

The impact of climate change and environmental degradation has the effect of regressing gender equality gains achieved over the years and reinforcing vulnerabilities through disruption of livelihoods, increasing food insecurity, and compounding water and energy challenges.   This emerged at this year’s edition of the Zimbabwe National Gender Forum held in Gwanda last Friday which…

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UK-Based Zimbabwean Nurse Champions Diabetes Awareness on Social Media

In an era where social media has become a powerful tool for education and advocacy, Setfree Mafukidze, a Zimbabwean nurse based in the UK, is making a significant impact by using digital platforms to raise awareness about diabetes. With a growing following, Mafukidze has reached thousands of people in Zimbabwe and beyond, helping many receive…

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COVID-19 pandemic highlights need for Public Health Investment: Minister Chombo

Writes Elvis Dumba  Cairo, Egypt – The COVID-19 pandemic has taught Zimbabwe the crucial need for public health investment, Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Hon. Marian Chombo, revealed at the ongoing Pharmoconex Conference in Egypt. The conference, one of Africa’s largest events for the medical manufacturing industry, brings together pharmaceutical industries from…

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2024 Africa Food Systems Forum sets out roadmap for improving agricultural production and productivity

The 2024 Africa Food Systems Forum has emerged as a mechanism for the implementation of various initiatives and a tool for action in pursuit of achieving improved agricultural production and productivity and attaining food and nutrition security on the continent.   This was revealed by Dr. Agnes Kalibata, the President of the Alliance for a…

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Better nutrition is a story that can change a lifetime: GAIN Executive Director

Dr. Lawrence Haddad, the Executive Director of the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) has said nutrition is a story that can change a lifetime.   Speaking on the progress of food systems in Africa during the launch of the Africa Agriculture Status Report (AASR), Dr. Haddad said stakeholders on the continent have lots of…

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UNDP and Ministry of Health Celebrate Landmark Handover of NatPharm Warehouse in Masvingo

In a significant stride towards improving healthcare delivery in Zimbabwe, the Ministry of Health and Child Care, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), today commissioned the newly completed NatPharm warehouse in Masvingo. The state-of-the-art facility, which was funded by the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB, and Malaria (Global Fund), is expected…

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Cimas Health Group Showcases Mobile Clinic at Zimbabwe Agricultural Show

The country’s largest private medical aid society, and health and wellness service provider, Cimas Health Group continues to embrace innovative models to improve ways of service delivery in the health sector.   In a groundbreaking development, Cimas recently acquired a mobile clinic, a customised motor vehicle that will be staffed by a combination of health…

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NetOne showcases Telemedicine at Zimbabwe Agricultural Show

Leading telecommunications giant, NetOne, showcased its recently launched service as it unveiled its cutting-edge Telemedicine product at the prestigious Zimbabwe Agricultural Show.   To fully execute the innovative offering which is the brainchild of the First Lady of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Dr Auxilia Mnangangwa, NetOne in partnership with ZimSmart, represents this significant step forward…

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Chronic diseases require comprehensive management strategies beyond medical treatments

Chronic diseases present significant challenges to individual well-being, necessitating comprehensive management strategies that extend beyond medical treatments.   This was said by Ms. Elsie Whacha, a licensed Clinical Social Worker at Island Hospice and Healthcare who has over five years of social work experience in her presentation at the Pain Symposium organised by the Zimbabwe…

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ZAS 2024: Kutsaga reaffirms excellence in sustainable conservation practices

The Tobacco Research Board (TRB) trading as Kutsaga has once again demonstrated its commitment to sustainability and innovation, emerging as the Best Organisation Exhibiting Sustainable Conservation Practices at the prestigious Zimbabwe Agricultural Show 2024. This accolade reaffirms Kutsaga’s expanded mandate in leading the way in sustainable agricultural practices, showcasing its dedication to environmental stewardship and…

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Hurungwe East MP Chenjerai Kangausaru launches anti-drugs campaign through sports

Writes Nhau Mangirazi   Hurungwe East Member of Parliament Chenjerai Kangausaru launched anti anti-drug campaign through a sports gala at Tengwe Country Club recently.   The three-day sports extravaganza saw 13 soccer teams and seven netball teams battling it out from the constituency’s seven wards. The competition was held under the Dan and Erita Maendaenda…

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Myths and misconceptions are barriers to contraceptive use among adolescents

Liapeng Raliengoane   LESOTHO, Thaba Tseka – Leaning against the hospital wall, a heavily pregnant Lineo* (not her real name) emotionally recounts how a myth about contraceptives deceived her.   The Lesotho Demographic and Health Survey (2014 LDHS) states that the contraceptive prevalence rate is 60% in Lesotho.   Lineo* is one of the many…

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Community applauds menstrual health dialogue

Liapeng Raliengoane LESOTHO, Quthing – Following the dialogue on menstrual health held by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA Lesotho) in collaboration with the Ministry of Health Lesotho in Mphaki Tšitsong, to capacitate the community on menstrual health and hygiene, the community applauded the discussion.   This community dialogue went under the theme “Addressing negative…

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NetOne’s CSR Initiative Empowers Chikomba District in the Fight Against Drug Abuse

NetOne’s impactful initiative in Chikomba District shines as a beacon of hope in the global fight against drug abuse. Through the donation of sports kits and collaboration with Dr. Tatenda Mavetera, the Minister of ICTPCS, this program is more than just a response to the pressing issue of substance misuse; it is a commitment to…

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Non-state actors champion domestication of SADC SRHR commitments

Non-state actors (NSAs) are routing for the amplification of youth voices for a healthy democratic future and championing youth-led social accountability monitoring for the domestication of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR) commitments.   These were the recommendations by Lloyd Dembure, the Southern Africa HIV and AIDS Information Dissemination…

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Accountable management of resources critical to meeting RISDP’s goals

Socially accountable management and use of available resources are critical to meeting the Southern African Development Community (SADC)’s Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan 2020-2030 (RISDP), a Non-state Actors (NSA) dialogue in Harare has heard.   This came to the fore today at the dialogue running in Harare from 14 to 15 August 2024 that is…

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Youthful Sizolwenkosi Mazolo in value addition of fruits and vegetables

Sizolwenkosi Mazolo, Founder and Owner of Homegrown Pvt Ltd is a pioneering entrepreneur dedicated to revolutionizing the way people produce, consume, and preserve food. With a passion for sustainable agriculture and reducing food waste, Sizolwenkosi established Homegrown to specialize in the value addition of fruits and vegetables through innovative freezing, canning, and drying techniques. Homegrown’s…

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Southern Africa Youth Forum: Consolidate educational policy and legal frameworks for youth empowerment

Her Excellency Boemo Ndu Sekgoma, the Secretary General of the SADC Parliamentary Forum (SADC-PF), who is also the Patron of the Southern Africa Youth Forum has called for the the consolidation of policy and legal frameworks to empower the youth through innovative education, in line with the theme of the African Union for this year….

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