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Zimbabwe has recorded 4 500 cholera cases since February, with almost 100 deaths being reported during the period.
In response, the Government has restricted some gatherings, banned cooking at funerals in hotspot areas, and activated diarrhoea surveillance countrywide.
The Harare City Council on Monday said cholera cases had been recorded in five suburbs.
It said three of the five known cases were linked to people who had recently visited Buhera District, which is a cholera hotspot in Manicaland Province.
Harare, which has a population of almost two million people, has gone for days without running water amid fears that cholera could spread fast in the city.
Speaking during a post-Cabinet media briefing on Wednesday, Information Minister Jenfan Muswere said part of the reason behind the cholera outbreak in Harare was the contamination of the city’s main water sources, Lake Chivero and the Manyame Dam. He said:
<blockquote>
The committee [Civil Protection Unit] found out the main challenges affecting the City of Harare are as follows: heavy pollution of water supply dams [Chivero and Manyame] leading to excessive use of water treatment chemicals, aged units constantly breaking down, aged water supply infrastructure leading to a reduction in treatment capacity and high water losses, and failure by the City of Harare to pay for water treatment chemicals to meet the current treatment capacity of 520 megalitres per day.
</blockquote>
According to <a href="https://www.news24.com/news24/africa/news/cholera-spreading-fast-in-zimbabwe-with-funeral-restrictions-calls-to-close-schools-20231004">a report</a>, Cholera is now present in 41 districts across the country’s 10 provinces.
The Ministry of Health and Childcare said as of 3 October, there were 904 laboratory-confirmed cases and 74 hospitalisations with a national recovery rate of 97%.
The cholera outbreak had now spread to more than the 17 traditional cholera hotspot districts of Buhera, Chegutu, Chikomba, Chimanimani, Chipinge, Chitungwiza, Chiredzi, Harare, Gokwe North, Marondera, Mazowe, Shamva, Mutare, Murehwa, Mwenezi, Seke, and Wedza.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Pindula News

Cholera Spreading Fast In Zimbabwe

The Municipality of Chitungwiza’s health department will embark on the fourth round of the polio vaccination campaign during the period 10-13 October 2023.
In a public notice, the local authority said vaccination teams will be moving from house to house, schools, creches and shopping centres and markets vaccinating all eligible children during the four-day period. It said:
<blockquote>
Poliomyelitis (polio) is a highly infectious viral disease caused by poliovirus that largely affects children under 5 years of age.
The virus is transmitted by person-to-person spread mainly through the faecal-oral route or, by contaminated water or and multiplies in the intestine, from where it can affect the nervous system and cause paralysis.
Zimbabwe has been polio-free since 1989, but now the country is at high risk of infection from the Polio virus.
The virus has already been reported in neighbouring high-risk countries, Malawi and Mozambique.
In 2022, the country made a recommendable success in conducting three rounds of a nationwide oral polio vaccination campaign.
According to the recommendation from the World Health Organization, there is a need to conduct at least four rounds of oral polio vaccination for children below the age of 5 years.
Following this recommendation, the Ministry of Health and Child Care will be conducting the fourth round of oral polio vaccination from 10-13 October 2023
Finger Marking NB: A finger mark is an indication that a child is vaccinated with OPV. We are targeting ALL children 0-59 months (below 5 years).
The vaccination teams will be moving from house to house, schools, creches and at shopping centres and markets vaccinating all eligible children.
</blockquote>
Most people who contract the virus do not experience any symptoms, but in some cases, polio can cause mild to severe symptoms, including, fever, sore throat, headache, nausea and vomiting, fatigue, stiffness in the neck and back, muscle weakness or paralysis (usually in the legs), difficulty swallowing or breathing, abnormal reflexes, and muscle pain or tenderness.
There is no cure for polio, but treatment can help manage the symptoms and prevent complications.
The polio vaccine is highly effective in preventing infection and is recommended for all children.
In addition, good hygiene practices, such as washing hands regularly, can help prevent the spread of the virus.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Chitungwiza To Embark On Four-day Polio Vaccination Campaign

The Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) has delisted 10 local pharmaceutical dealers for allegedly promoting the abuse of Histalix cough syrup by youths.
In a statement on Monday, MCAZ announced it had revoked six operating permits for wholesale dealers and licences for four pharmacists.
Histalix is a locally-produced cough mixture containing codeine, an opioid medicine used for the short-term relief of mild to moderate pain.
MCAZ Histalix was being illegally sold in such places as Mbare and Chitungwiza while others were exporting it to Zambia and Mozambique.
The revocation of permits and cancellation of licences, which runs up to March 2025, is part of efforts to fight drug and substance abuse among youths.
In a statement, MCAZ director-general Richard Rukwata said they are working to get unregistered drug manufacturers and counterfeit drugs off the streets.
MCAZ has classified Histalix cough syrup as a prescription-only drug.
In a speech read on his behalf by MCAZ’s head Licensing and Enforcement divisions Caroline Dandira-Samatanga, Rukwata said:
<blockquote>
We aim to prevent the circulation of counterfeit drugs and unregistered substances that can contribute to drug abuse.
In this regard, the authority, has revoked six permits for wholesale dealers and cancelled four persons licences who were promoting abuse of Histalix, a locally-produced cough mixture containing codeine, by illegally selling it at Mbare and places likes Chitungwiza and others were exporting to countries like Zambia and Mozambique.
Drug abuse is a complex issue that affects individuals, families, and communities across Zimbabwe.
</blockquote>
Rukwata said MCAZ has noted that there is an influx of over-the-counter medicine that is being smuggled into the country. He said:
<blockquote>
The authority, however, notes with concern that over-the-counter medicines from other countries are continuously being imported illegally.
MCAZ is working with various stakeholders, including the Police, CID Drugs, National Prosecuting Authority, Zimra and port health officials to educate them on the entry of these drugs through ports of entry or illegal channels.
The authority holds training with these stakeholders on a regular basis and has had five trainings in various provinces this year in Masvingo, Beitbridge, Zvishavane, Victoria Falls and Mutare.
Police regularly confiscate some of these cough syrups, and we assist them in writing statements that have penalties.
</blockquote>
Adept, Bestpharm, Action 24 Medical Supplies and Murity Pharmaceuticals had their permits revoked while the firms’ directors and supervisors were banned from operating.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Medicines Control Authority Revokes Permits For Dealers Promoting Abuse Of Cough Syrup

The City of Harare has recorded five new cases of cholera at a time when the local authority is failing to provide running water for residents.
In a post on its social media pages, the Harare City Council said the confirmed cases were from five residential areas.
It said three of the cases had visited Buhera, Manicaland Province, where there is an outbreak. Reads the statement:
<blockquote>
The City would like to inform residents that it has now 5 confirmed cholera cases in Hopely Zone 5, Stoneridge, Southlands, Granary, and Adbernie Mbare.
Three of the cases had visited Buhera where there is a cholera outbreak while some may have contracted from local sources.
We urge all residents in these affected areas and greater Harare to take necessary precautions to avoid contracting cholera.
</blockquote>
In order to curb the spread of the disease, the local authority encouraged Harare residents to practice the following:
<ul>
<li>Treatment of drinking water regardless of source</li>
<li>Wash hands under running water before eating and after using the toilets</li>
<li>Cook food thoroughly</li>
<li>Avoid handshakes</li>
<li>Avoid eating at gatherings</li>
<li>Avoid food from unlicensed vendors</li>
<li>WASH all fruits before consumption</li>
</ul>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Cholera Spreads In Harare

The Government says it is considering enacting legislation to limit the amounts that medical aid societies can use for overheads from subscriptions made by members.
This will be done to ensure that a large portion of the contributions that they collect go towards providing services for members.
Speaking at the annual Zimbabwe Medical Association Scientific Congress held in Harare on Friday, Harare Provincial Medical Director (PMD), Dr Innocent Hove, said the Government is concerned with medical aid societies’ failure to properly manage their members’ contributions.
Hove, who was representing Health and Childcare Minister Douglas Mombeshora, said:
<blockquote>
Our medical aid societies should ensure that those who run funds do not just take subscriptions without providing a commensurate service.
The same efficiencies they have in collecting money should be cascaded to managing the fund, ensuring internal controls, instituting anti-fraud systems and payment of service providers.
We will be firm about it and we will strengthen our capacity as a Ministry to regulate the industry going forward.
</blockquote>
He also said urgent measures should be taken to address brain drain which is weakening the country’s health delivery system further. Said Hove:
<blockquote>
We are losing millions of dollars in training, and we feel that we should get a portion of that money by retaining our trained and qualified health professionals.
We bear quite a cost to train a nurse and even more to train a medical doctor considering that we need to retain our investment which is our professional.
</blockquote>
As of January 2023, Zimbabwe had lost more than 4 000 doctors and nurses to the UK and other countries since 2021, according to the Health Services Board.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Govt Says Mulling Cap On Medical Aid Overheards

Dr. Johannes Marisa, a medical practitioner, educationist, and public health expert, says he is concerned about the increasing number of young children, some as young as 10 years old, turning to drugs. He says the global issue of drug abuse has resulted in a significant loss of lives.
Marisa says there are over 190 million drug users worldwide, with the problem particularly affecting young adults below the age of 30. He quotes Roser (2018) who asserts that illicit drug use directly and indirectly causes over 750,000 deaths annually, including 166,000 deaths from drug overdoses. Opioids are identified as the primary cause of overdoses among illicit drugs. We present an extract from his article first published by the <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/thestandard/standard-people/article/200017373/health-talk-drug-abuse-a-cause-for-concern">Standard</a>:
<blockquote>
Contributors to drug abuse
So many reasons have been given for abusing drugs. Drugs of abuse are usually psychoactive that are used by people for treatment of various health problems.
Curiosity and peer pressure, especially among school children and young adults: Being asked to drink or smoke by friends is one of the strongest predictors of substance abuse in adolescents, even outweighing parenting styles or parental drinking behaviour.
Family dynamics: Maladaptive family dynamics can contribute to substance abuse. Unhealthy attachment styles and dysfunctional family roles can contribute immensely to drug abuse and your early relationships can have a long-lasting impact on your psyche and how you relate to others throughout your life.
Trauma: The link between trauma and substance abuse is strong. Types of trauma that can contribute to drug addiction include assault, rape, sexual abuse, natural disasters and witnessing traumatic events.
Substance use by caregivers: Growing up in an environment where there was heavy alcohol drinking or smoking can predict problem drinking later in life
Genetic factors: Studies done to show the link between genetics and addiction show heritability of the problem at 30-70%
Mental health: Substance abuse and mental health issues often go hand in hand. About half of people with mental health disorders will have substance abuse in their lifestyle. Mental health issues can lead to drug abuse
</blockquote>
<h3>Drug Categories:</h3>
– Depressants: Cause depression of brain faculties (e.g., sleeping pills, heroin). 
– Stimulants: Induce brain stimulation and increased activity (e.g., amphetamines, cocaine, nicotine). 
– Hallucinogens: Cause hallucinations and dissociation (e.g., ecstasy, mescaline).
<h3>Effects of Drug Abuse:</h3>
– Transmissible Infections: High risk of viral transmission through needle sharing. 
– Social Neglect: Drug abusers may face social neglect and increased suicide rates. 
– Academic Decline: Drug abuse leads to school abandonment and decreased academic performance. 
– Increased Accidents: Drug use by drivers contributes to accidents and loss of lives.
<h3>Measures to Address Drug Abuse:</h3>
– Counselling: Provide comprehensive counselling on the dangers of drug abuse. 
– Engage Youth: Keep youth actively involved in tasks, activities, and sports. 
– Talent Identification: Identify and nurture talents within the community to divert focus from drugs.
Dr. Marisa emphasizes the need for law enforcement to take action against drug suppliers with strong deterrent sentences. Drug abuse is causing harm to our communities, and it is alarming that drug suppliers are openly known and unpunished. We must unite against drug abuse as it negatively impacts the lives of our children. If your child’s behaviour has suddenly changed, be vigilant and suspicious of possible drug abuse. Together, we can combat this issue and protect our children’s well-being.
Dr Johannes Marisa can be reached at doctormarisa@gmail.com
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Public Health Expert Dr. Marisa Concerned About Rising Drug Use Among Children

An artisanal miner from Inyathi in Bubi District, Matabeleland North Province is lucky to be alive after doctors at Mpilo Central Hospital successfully removed a spear lodged in his skull.
Ishmael Tshabalala was stabbed during a fight and had to be ferried to the hospital with the spear stuck in his skull.
Dr Garikai Mwale, a specialist neurosurgeon at the hospital who was among the doctors who conducted a surgical operation to remove the spear, told the <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/doctors-save-speared-mans-life/">Chronicle</a> that Tshabalala was lucky to be alive. He said:
<blockquote>
The patient had a penetrating skull injury coming from the front and going out to the side. It passed through the bone, and the brain and went to the other side.
The patient sustained a serious injury but fortunately, when he came to the hospital he was fully conscious.
We managed to operate on the patient. The spear also encroached onto one of the bigger veins, one of the sinuses but we managed to control the bleeding.
Severe force was used to penetrate bone in two places and he is very fortunate to be alive.
He is fortunate in that the weapon missed all the major blood vessels in the brain.
</blockquote>
Dr Mwale expressed concern over the high number of victims of violent crime the hospital has to attend to. He said:
<blockquote>
Doctors who work at the weekends usually attend to many cases of individuals injured from assaults by weapons such as knobkerries or stabbing by knives. This is quite a big problem.
When Mr Tshabalala came we were supposed to attend to a patient with a brain tumor but we had to postpone the surgical operation to attend to Mr Tshabalala since his case was an emergency.
</blockquote>
Mpilo Central Hospital chief executive officer Dr. Narcacius Dzvanga blamed widespread drug and alcohol abuse for violent crime.
Chronicle reported sources as saying Tshabalala and his assailant were fighting over a woman.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Doctors Successfully Remove Spear Stuck In An Artisanal Miner's Skull

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has appointed Dr. Agnes Mahomva as Public Health Advisor to the President and Cabinet, which is a newly created post.
In 2019, Mnangagwa appointed Mahomva as the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Health and Child Care and later created a new post for her, Chief Coordinator of COVID-19 Response in the Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC).
In a statement, the Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Martin Rushwaya said:
<blockquote>
His Excellency the President has appointed Dr. Agnes Mahomva to the newly created post of Public Health Advisor to the President and Cabinet, with immediate effect.
Dr. Mahomva played a critical advisory and coordinating role during the COVID-19 Pandemic where she ensured that there was an evidence-based and well-coordinated division of labour between and among Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAS) and other significant entities including communities and the private sector.
This resulted in the successful management and containment of the national COVID-19 pandemic as documented in the 2021 and 2022 National COVID-19 pandemic response Intra Action Review (IAR) reports and the 2023 comprehensive National COVID-19 pandemic response video documentary.
The decision has been necessitated by the need to strengthen public health promotion efforts and enhance the country’s response to public health emergencies in view of the fact that public health issues span beyond the mandate of the Ministry responsible for health.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Mnangagwa Creates Another New Post For Agnes Mahomva

VIVAT Health Solutions, a healthcare solutions provider, on Saturday held its second edition of “Mountain Hiking Experience” at Matobo National Park.
More than 200 people attended the event which is meant to foster healthy habits.
Speaking at the event, VIVAT Health Solutions group managing director Thembelihle Mloyi-Ncube urged people to regularly undergo cancer screening to avoid late detection of the disease. She was quoted by the <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/southerneye/local/article/200017161/go-for-regular-cancer-screening">Southern Eye</a> as saying:
<blockquote>
Today, we just came together to celebrate our health and to say: “Look, let’s go hiking together and let’s have fun.”
We believe that a good life (is only possible) if you have good health.
So we always talk about doing your preventative tests. Do your screening checks every year, please do your screening.
The cancers are increasing, so do general checks to avoid late detection of deadly medical conditions and diseases.
</blockquote>
The healthcare solutions provider held the event through its flagship medical aid scheme Bon Vie.
The event was sponsored by Zibuko Capital, Pacific Cigarette Company, Nyaradzo Group, Spar and Exide, among others.
Hikers were treated to free medical services including HIV tests.
Mloyi-Ncube said the first hiking event was held in 2022 and was attended by 90 people. It was held at Domboshava Hills, Mashonaland East province.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for nearly 10 million deaths in 2020, or nearly one in six deaths.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

"Go For Regular Cancer Screening"

A cholera outbreak has hit Buhera, Manicaland Province, while in Harare, one cholera case has been confirmed in Hopley Zone 5.
Speaking on Tuesday, during a post-Cabinet media briefing, Information Minister Jenfan Muswere said that the Government has taken measures to contain the outbreak in Buhera. He said:
<blockquote>
The Minister of Health also presented a report on preventive measures with respect to reported cases of cholera in Buhera.
Cabinet would like to inform the nation that the government has instituted a number of measures to contain the reported Buhera incidents such as mobilising equipment for borehole drilling, advocacy and activation of the district Department of Civil Protection.
The nation will be kept abreast of developments on the matter.
</blockquote>
Meanwhile, City of Harare Epidemiologist Dr Michael Vere revealed that one confirmed cholera case has been recorded in Hopley Zone 5.
Dr Vere said the city’s health department is now carrying out investigations on the cause of the case.
He urged residents to continue taking preventive measures to avoid contracting the disease.
Dr Vere reiterated that prevention remains better than cure and implored residents to drink treated water regardless of source and wash their hands under running water. He said:
<blockquote>
It is important for residents to consider the food they eat, by avoiding food from unlicensed vendors and eating at gatherings, as this can lead to cholera.
</blockquote>
He urged residents with any signs and symptoms of diarrhoea to report to the nearest council clinic.
Cholera is a bacterial disease causing severe diarrhoea and dehydration, usually spread in water.
<h2>Causes</h2>
Cholera is caused by a bacteria called Vibrio cholerae which produces a toxin that affects the cells lining the small intestine, leading to severe diarrhea and dehydration.
The bacteria is spread through contaminated water or food, particularly in areas with poor sanitation and inadequate access to clean water.
<h2>Cholera Symptoms</h2>
Cholera symptoms typically appear within a few hours to five days after infection and can range from mild to severe.
The most common symptom is a sudden onset of diarrhea which is often described as “rice-water” stools because of its pale, milky appearance with flecks of mucous and sometimes blood.
The other cholera symptoms are:
<ul>
<li>nausea and vomiting</li>
<li>dehydration (characterized by dry mouth and throat, feeling dizzy when standing up, decreased urine output, or dark-colored urine)</li>
<li>muscle cramps and weakness</li>
<li>rapid heart rate</li>
<li>low blood pressure</li>
</ul>
Cholera can also lead to shock, seizures, and even death if left untreated.
<h2>Prevention</h2>
Measures to prevent cholera include the following:
<ul>
<li>Washing of hands frequently with soap and clean water, especially after using the toilet or before eating.</li>
<li>Ensuring that drinking water is safe and free of contamination. Boiling water for at least one minute or using water filters or purification tablets is highly recommended.</li>
<li>Avoid raw or undercooked seafood, fruits, and vegetables that may have come into contact with contaminated water. People should stick to cooked foods that are served hot.</li>
<li>Surfaces that may have come into contact with contaminated water, such as kitchen counters and utensils should be sanitised.</li>
<li>Getting vaccinated against cholera can help prevent the disease.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Treatment</h2>
The most important aspect of treating cholera is to replace fluids and electrolytes lost through diarrhea and vomiting.
This can be done through oral rehydration therapy (ORT) or intravenous fluids in severe cases.
Cholera can also be treated by using antibiotics which shorten the duration and severity of cholera symptoms, as well as decrease the amount of bacteria shed in stool.
Zinc has been shown to reduce the duration and severity of diarrhea in children with cholera and other causes of acute diarrhea.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Cholera Outbreak Hits Buhera, One Case Recorded In Harare

Calvin Moyo, a 21-year-old Zimbabwean man often referred to as “giant” due to his unusual height, has been admitted to Ingutsheni Psychiatric Central Hospital in Bulawayo.
Calvin’s mother, Sifiso Moyo, told <a href="https://www.sundaynews.co.zw/giant-admitted-to-ingutsheni/">The Sunday News</a> that he has been getting aggressive and hallucinating and there are fears that he may harm those around him. Said Moyo:
<blockquote>
Calvin is getting worse, it looks like this has now affected his mental well-being, we took him to Mpilo Central Hospital where he was referred to Ingutsheni Hospital.
He is not well at all, the doctors told us that there are some drugs he was supposed to get for the fits that he experiences and that he should have started taking them in February but because he could not get them, he keeps getting the fits and this may have caused the challenges he is experiencing now. There is hope that if he gets them, he will be better.
On Tuesday he was violent and wanted to beat up people, he had started on Monday night, he did not sleep at all and was saying there were people who were beating him up and trying to remove his intestines from his stomach.
He was no longer coherent and kept getting worse. He even started to attack people. He was especially violent with little children as he was saying they were the ones who were “hurting” him.
</blockquote>
Moyo is now seeking financial assistance to buy Calvin’s medication which was prescribed by the doctor who volunteered to treat him and assess his condition.
She said Calvin was told to buy medication which must be taken twice weekly for three months which costs US$68 for a month’s supply and US$1 494 for another drug supply for three months. Said Moyo:
<blockquote>
I need funds to source the medication for the fits and I have run out of money, I paid for some of the things that were needed when he initially went to the hospital last week and now, I have run out of money, the little that I had that was for purchasing the wares I sell, was all used up and now I have nothing.
</blockquote>
In August, Calvin fell into a fire and suffered serious burns while he was in Esiphezini and had to be admitted to Mpilo Central Hospital.
The Sunday News reported that Calvin was born a normal child and only started growing excessively at about 16 years after completing his Ordinary Levels.
“Giant” now stands at over 2.1 metres tall, 130kg in weight, and wears a size 23 shoe.
Those willing to assist, please contact Ms. Sifiso Moyo on 0782852897 or The Sunday News.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Zimbabwean "Giant" Admitted To A Mental Institution

More than 4 000 girls aged between 10 and 14 years fell pregnant and were booked to deliver babies at health institutions in Zimbabwe between 2019 and 2021.
This was revealed in the National Assessment on Adolescent Pregnancies in Zimbabwe report based on a study by the Ministry of Health and Child Care in conjunction with UNICEF and UNESCO. <a href="https://www.sundaymail.co.zw/over-4-000-girls-below-14-give-birth">Part of the report reads</a>:
<blockquote>
An estimated 1 706 946 ANC (antenatal care) bookings were made in 1 560 health care facilities captured in the DHIS (Demographic and Health Survey) platform across the study period (four years, January 2019 to December 2022).
Of these 0,2 percent (4 070) were among the age groups 10-14 years; 21 percent (355 962) among 15-19 years; 28 percent (473 475) among the 20-24 years; 21 percent (357 328) among the 25-29 and 30 percent (516 111) above 30 years.
2021 had the highest number of pregnant adolescent girls aged 10-14 years.
21 percent of ANC booking from 2019-2022 were among adolescents aged 10-19 years.
</blockquote>
The report attributes the increasing incidences of pregnancy among adolescents to the closure of schools and a reported rise in cases of domestic violence due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to the report, a total of 1 532 maternal deaths were recorded and of these, 376 (25 percent) were among adolescents and young women under 24 years between 2019 and 2021.
Some of the pregnant adolescent girls were testing positive for HIV upon booking at antenatal clinics. Says the report:
<blockquote>
Of the estimated 50 957 pregnant women newly testing HIV positive, 0,1 percent were among adolescents aged 10-14 years.
About 0,2 percent of adolescents aged 10-14 years old tested HIV positive in 2021, compared to 0,04 percent in 2019; 0,1 percent in 2020; and 0,04 percent in 2022.
</blockquote>
The study also found that 30 percent of adolescent girls were sexually active, with about 31 percent (134) reported having had forced intercourse in their first sexual encounter.
The report revealed that approximately 75 percent (315) of the first sexual encounter was with boyfriends, only 23 percent (97) with husbands, 1,5 percent (10) with strangers, 0,8 percent (6) with relatives, and 0,1 percent (2) with casual partners.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Over 4 000 Girls Below 14 Fell Pregnant Between 2019 And 2021

A truck carrying 30 000 litres of creosote termite poison travelling from South Africa recently overturned and spilled the poison into Murare River, a tributary of Odzi River.
The accident has caused a major environmental hazard in Nyanyadzi’s Gudyanga area and surrounding communities.
The pesticide contaminated the water and subsequently killed livestock, fish and other aquatic animals.
Following the accident, the Environment Management Agency (EMA) issued a warning to the public to avoid using water from the river for drinking, irrigation, or recreation.
EMA Manicaland provincial environment manager, Kingstone Chitotombe told <a href="https://www.manicapost.co.zw/30k-litres-of-termite-poison-spill-into-river/">The Manica Post</a> that it will take several weeks to decontaminate the river and declare the water safe. He said:
<blockquote>
After pumping out the contaminated water, we scooped the contaminated soil into lined ponds and treated the soil.
After treatment, we diverted the river flow so that it took a different route from the contaminated area.
We bypassed the former river flow so that we minimise further contamination, and so far the water is flowing well and we are almost complete with the clean-up.
We are currently monitoring the river channel as well as the water quality.
We are also monitoring the area where we disposed of the contaminated water to see whether it will be affected or not.
</blockquote>
Another EMA official, Alfinos Rugara told The Manica Post that they used a tipper, a hazardous material response truck and excavators to scoop the contaminated water from the river bed. He said:
<blockquote>
At least 30 000 litres of creosote oil spilled into Murare River when the truck was involved in an accident at Murare Bridge recently.
We acted immediately because Murare River feeds into Odzi River which also feeds into Save River. We issued warnings to the community to stop using the water.
We ended up excavating and draining water from the river because we found that once the creosote oil gets into the water, it separates into three components.
A part of the oil sticks to the river bed, another part remains on top of the water, while another component dissolves into the water.
We managed to scoop the river surface until we removed the level that had oil and put it in the lined points.
</blockquote>
Three boreholes in the area were temporarily closed as they were close to the contaminated river.
Villagers who spoke to The Manica Post said the poison killed some goats and thousands of fish, while their cattle now look sickly after drinking the poisoned water.
According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, Creosote is derived from the distillation of tar from wood or coal and is used as a wood preservative.
Pesticide products containing creosote as the active ingredient are used to protect wood used outdoors (such as railroad ties and utility poles) against termites, fungi, mites and other pests.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

30 000 Litres Of Termite Poison Spill Into River

The Health Professions Authority (HPA) has implored members of the public to go to registered healthcare facilities and avoid risking their lives by going to backyard facilities.
In an interview with <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/use-registered-medical-facilities-public-advised/">The Herald</a> at the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show (ZAS), HPA public relations manager Tariro Manamike said the rights of patients are enshrined in the Patients’ Charter. She said:
<blockquote>
As HPA, we are responsible for regulating all health institutions and health professionals in the country and we are encouraging our people to go to registered healthcare facilities.
We seek to promote high standards of the healthcare delivery system in Zimbabwe and how we do this is through the regulation and coordination of activities of all health professionals, health profession councils and healthcare institutions in an ethical, efficient and professional manner.
We have what is known as the Patients’ Charter which is a document that enshrines the rights of the patient when they go to health institutions.
As we move about as HPA governed by the Health Professions Act, it requires that HPA conducts inspections of all health institutions throughout the country and as we are conducting these inspections, this is when we are approving or closing down health institutions that do not meet the minimum requirements.
As our inspectors are moving around across the country we are looking at registration and inspections of the hospitals as well as renewal processes.
</blockquote>
She said members of the public who are aggrieved by the service offered at any health institution should report to HPA so that the matter is investigated.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Health Professions Authority Urges The Public To Use Registered Medical Facilities

ZANU PF has given the green light for public hospital doctors and nurses to enroll at the Herbert Chitepo School of Ideology to be taught the ideals of the country’s liberation struggle.
In a letter seen by Pindula News and date-stamped 24 August 2023, addressed to senior executives, the Secretary for Health and Child Care, Air Commodore Jasper Chimedza said:
<blockquote>
It is noted that some members of staff have requested to be trained in Ideology at the Chitepo School of Ideology.
In view of the above, you are please requested to liaise with the Chitepo School of Ideology regarding training logistics and update this office.
</blockquote>
The <a href="https://www.csoi.online/">Chitepo School of Ideology</a> is named after Herbet Wiltshire Pfumaindini Chitepo, the ZANU Chairman and Chairman of Dare reChimurenga who was assassinated in Zambia on 18 March 1975. 
It is under Chitepo’s stewardship that ZANU sought to propagate its Ideological foundations and bring about clarity in the Party cadreship about the philosophical underpinnings upon which an independent Zimbabwe would be built.
The Chitepo School of Ideology is the ZANU PF Party School that was first established during the Liberation Struggle to promote social cohesion between the Freedom Fighters and the general masses in the fight against the oppression of the white colonial system.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Doctors, Nurses To Undergo ZANU PF Ideological Orientation

The Harare City Council has officially declared the end of the cholera outbreak in the capital as no new cases have been reported for the past 25 days. The outbreak, which began in February, resulted in 19 deaths and infected 3,880 individuals nationwide.
Harare City Council director of health services Dr Prosper Chonzi said:
<blockquote>
Since last month, we have not recorded any admission at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals or Beatrice Infectious Diseases Hospital from the cholera hotspot areas.
We are glad to announce that the outbreak is now over in the city; the national recovery rate also currently stands at 98 percent. We have lost 19 people to cholera.
</blockquote>
The council attributes the containment of the outbreak to improved water supplies, sanitation, hygiene practices, and other factors. Additionally, a mass vaccination program has been implemented to combat the disease.
However, Harare is currently facing a <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2023/08/07/harare-city-issues-mumps-mahumunya-alert/">mumps outbreak</a>, with nearly 100 cases reported, primarily in the northern suburbs. This outbreak has been linked to vaccine hesitancy, as some parents and guardians have been reluctant to have their children vaccinated during the mass inoculation campaigns conducted by health authorities. Added Dr Chonzi:
<blockquote>
People in those areas no longer have confidence in vaccination programmes that are carried out at public health institutions, hence their children who have been infected were not vaccinated.
We do not accept such behaviour as it puts children at risk.
</blockquote>

<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2023/08/07/harare-city-issues-mumps-mahumunya-alert/">Harare City Issues Mumps (Mahumunya) Alert</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2023/08/07/what-you-may-need-to-know-about-mumps-mahumunya-amatitiyane/">What You May Need To Know About Mumps/Mahumunya/Amatitiyane</a></li>
</ul>
Mumps, a viral infection affecting the parotid glands, can be easily prevented through vaccination. The Harare City Council emphasizes the importance of vaccination and expresses concern over the risks posed to unvaccinated children. The measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine (MMRV) is readily available at no cost in public clinics.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Harare City Council Declares End Of Cholera Outbreak

President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Wednesday morning commissioned medical equipment and vehicles at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals. These resources, including radiology equipment, dental chairs, virtual hospital equipment, electromedical equipment, and various vehicles, will enhance medical services and improve lives, according to the President’s social media post after the event. These are as follows:
<h3>Radiology:</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) 1. An MRI is a non-invasive medical imaging technique that uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to produce highly detailed images of the internal structures of the body, aiding in diagnosis and treatment planning for various medical conditions. It costs around US$80 000. Parirenyatwa didn’t have any working MRI prior to the commissioning.</li>
</ul>
<img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-261946" decoding="async" height="810" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px" src="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Medical-Equipment-1.jpeg" srcset="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Medical-Equipment-1.jpeg 1080w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Medical-Equipment-1-300x225.jpeg 300w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Medical-Equipment-1-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Medical-Equipment-1-768x576.jpeg 768w" width="1080"/>
<h3>Oral health:</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Dental chairs 77</li>
<li>Dental autoclaves 53</li>
<li>Dental X-ray machines 21</li>
</ul>
<h3>Virtual hospital equipment:</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Finger pulse oximeters 10 000</li>
<li>Digital bp machines 4000</li>
<li>Glucometers 1400</li>
</ul>
<h3>Electromedical equipment:</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Patient monitors and stands 66</li>
<li>Infusion pumps 25</li>
<li>Syringe pumps 6</li>
</ul>
<h3>Vehicles:</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>28 Buses for staff</li>
<li>42 Isuzu trucks for medicines</li>
<li>36 Ambulances</li>
</ul>
<img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-261944" decoding="async" height="810" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px" src="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/medical-equipment-2.jpeg" srcset="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/medical-equipment-2.jpeg 1080w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/medical-equipment-2-300x225.jpeg 300w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/medical-equipment-2-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/medical-equipment-2-768x576.jpeg 768w" width="1080"/>
The timing of this development, just 14 days before Zimbabwe’s harmonised elections, sparked mixed reactions. Some dismissed it as a campaign strategy, pointing out the longstanding challenges in Zimbabwe’s health sector. However, others applauded the government’s efforts, considering it a significant step forward. Suggestions were made to further strengthen the Radiology Department and allocate more resources to diagnostic equipment and consumables to combat treatable cancers. One commentator emphasised the need to reallocate funds from unnecessary expenditures to prioritise diagnostic capabilities and save lives.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

President Mnangagwa Commissions Medical Equipment, Ambulances At Parirenyatwa

<div class="js-section js-section--overview">
Harare City, the capital of Zimbabwe has issued a mumps (mahumunya / amatitiyane) alert throwing some members of the public into panic mode. We provide a few things you may need to know about this disease
<h3 id="what-is-mumps-">What is mumps</h3>
Mumps, caused by the mumps virus, presents with mild symptoms and prominently swollen salivary glands. The introduction of the mumps vaccine reduced cases, but outbreaks still occur, particularly in close-contact settings like college campuses. Vaccination is crucial to safeguard children, as waning immunity can lead to infection despite prior vaccination. Full vaccination remains the best protection against mumps.
 
</div>
<div class="js-section js-section--symptoms-and-causes">
<h3 id="what-are-the-symptoms-of-mumps-">What are the symptoms of mumps?</h3>
Initial mumps symptoms are typically mild, and some individuals may be asymptomatic, unaware of their infection. Symptoms do not manifest immediately, as the incubation period ranges from seven to 25 days. Common mild symptoms include:
<ul>
<li style="list-style-type: none;">
<ul>
<li>Fever</li>
<li>Headache</li>
<li>Muscle aches</li>
<li>Fatigue</li>
<li>Loss of appetite</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
Later symptoms:
<ul>
<li>Painful swelling of parotid glands (parotitis)
<ul>
<li>Swelling occurs on one or both sides of the face</li>
<li>“Chipmunk cheeks” appearance with puffy cheeks and swollen jaw</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
Note:
<ul>
<li>Parotitis can be caused by various viruses and bacteria, not just the mumps virus.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
Rare but severe symptoms (seek immediate medical attention):
<ul>
<li>High fever</li>
<li>Stiff neck</li>
<li>Severe headache</li>
<li>Confusion</li>
<li>Stomach pain</li>
<li>Vomiting</li>
<li>Seizures</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
Complications (rare, more common in adolescents and adults):
<ul>
<li>Organ involvement (brain, pancreas, testicles, ovaries)</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="what-causes-mumps-">What causes mumps?</h3>
The mumps virus, which is a type of paramyxovirus, causes mumps. The virus spreads from person to person through direct contact with infected saliva or through respiratory droplets from the infected person’s nose, mouth or throat. The infected person can spread the mumps virus by:
<ul>
<li>Sneezing, coughing or talking.</li>
<li>Sharing objects containing infected saliva, such as toys, cups and utensils.</li>
<li>Playing sports, dancing, kissing or participating in other activities involving close contact with others.</li>
</ul>
Some groups of people are at a higher risk of getting mumps. These groups include:
<ul>
<li>People with weakened immune systems.</li>
<li>People who <a href="https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/12569-vaccinations--traveling-abroad" rel="noopener" target="_blank">travel internationally</a>.</li>
<li>People who aren’t vaccinated against the virus.</li>
<li>People living in close quarters, such as college campuses</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="is-mumps-contagious-">Is mumps contagious?</h3>
Mumps is highly contagious, with infectiousness starting a few days before gland swelling and lasting five days after. To prevent transmission, affected individuals, including asymptomatic cases, should minimize contact and avoid school or childcare.
To diagnose mumps, healthcare providers may use a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test. This involves collecting a mucus sample from the cheek or throat and examining it for the mumps virus. Additionally, a blood test may be conducted to confirm or rule out mumps and other potential causes of salivary gland swelling.
</div>
<div class="js-section js-section--management-and-treatment">
<h3 id="how-is-mumps-treated-">How is mumps treated?</h3>
There’s no specific treatment for mumps. The disease must run its course and usually goes away on its own within a couple of weeks. Mumps treatment focuses on alleviating your child’s symptoms to make them as comfortable as possible. The following steps can help manage symptoms:
<ul>
<li>Drink plenty of fluids.</li>
<li>Gargle warm salt water.</li>
<li>Eat soft, easy-to-chew foods.</li>
<li>Avoid acidic foods that make your mouth water.</li>
<li>Suck on an ice pop to soothe a sore throat.</li>
<li>Place ice or heat packs on swollen glands.</li>
<li>Take non-aspirin medications such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen to reduce fever and help with pain.</li>
</ul>
Don’t give your child aspirin. 
</div>
<div class="js-section js-section--prevention">
<h3 class="js-health-article__section-title" id="prevention">PREVENTION</h3>
Mumps is preventable through the mumps vaccine, typically administered as part of the MMR vaccine. Outbreaks still occur in close-contact settings. Most children recover fully within a few weeks. Severe complications include arthritis, deafness, encephalitis, meningitis, oophoritis, orchitis, pancreatitis, and thyroiditis. Mumps during pregnancy carries rare risks. Minimize contact if your child has mumps, and consult healthcare providers for guidance on transmission, complications, vaccine safety, and symptom relief measures.
</div>
<div class="js-section js-section--living-with">
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>
</div>

What You May Need To Know About Mumps/Mahumunya/Amatitiyane

Harare City’s Director of Health Services, Dr. Prosper Chonzi, has officially declared an outbreak of Mumps (Mahumunya) in the capital. The outbreak has been observed for the past two weeks. The city has issued an alert, urging parents to closely monitor their children and bring them to city health clinics if any symptoms are noticed.
In a notice addressed to community members, residents’ associations, stakeholders, and partners, Dr. Chonzi requests their assistance in spreading the message and mobilizing affected individuals to visit council health centres. The signs of Mumps include fever, swelling of salivary glands, pain while chewing or swallowing, general body weakness, and swelling of testicles in boys. Contact details for further inquiries are provided. The letter concludes with the City of Harare’s vision to achieve a world-class city status by 2025. Chonzi said:
<blockquote>
<h3>RE: MUMPS ALERT</h3>
I refer to the above.
Harare Metropolitan Province has reported Mumps (Mahumunya) cases in our health centres and community (schools). We, therefore, request through your wider networks to communicate with parents and guardians referencing this letter to mobilise them to bring forward all children and adults who got infected or are currently infected with mumps to visit their council health centres and cite this letter to their health care providers.
<h4>Signs of Mumps (Mahumunya)</h4>
1. Fever and swelling of salivary glands (areas on cheeks. under cheeks and below cheeks) lasting more than 2 days without apparent cause.
<h4>Other signs and symptoms </h4>
i. Pain on chewing or swallowing 
ii. General body weakness 
iii. Loss of appetite
 iv. Swelling of testicles for boys.
For further clarification or details please contact the undersigned Health Services Director or Dr. M. Vere (Epidemiologist) 0788 841 542 or Mr. I. P. Makwara (Principal Health Promotion Officer) 0775 633 472 or Matron P. Chitando (Nurse Manager) on 0772 335 839. 
</blockquote>
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Harare City Issues Mumps (Mahumunya) Alert

The Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals (PGH) in Zimbabwe says it is taking steps to address a recent water crisis and sewer blockage that affected the facility.
Reports on social media had suggested that the hospital had cancelled all elective theatre lists for all disciplines and specialities of surgery due to a lack of water, while patients at the Annex were reportedly discharged due to dysfunctional toilets caused by blocked sewer. However, the Head of public relations for PGH, Linos Dhire, confirmed that the situation was under control, with the hospital experiencing unexpected pipe bursts that affected a few areas of the hospital in terms of water availability and coincidental sewer blockage at their Mental Health Hospital. He said:
<blockquote>
We have had an unexpected pipe burst which has affected a few areas of the hospital in terms of water availability. We also had a coincidental sewer blockage at our Mental Health Hospital.
Both issues will be sorted out this weekend as the needed materials have already been procured. In the meantime, emergencies have been prioritized as usual in theatres and Annexe. The rest of the mega Health Institution is functioning as usual.
</blockquote>
Dhire added that normal service will soon be restored, and hospital authorities are working to return the situation to normalcy.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Parirenyatwa Hospital Speaks On Water Crisis, Sewer Blockage

The UK government has announced that individuals intending to travel to the country from Zimbabwe for more than 6 months need to undergo tuberculosis (TB) testing.
The test must be carried out by a <a class="MarkdownLink_linkifiedLink__KxC9G">Home Office</a>-approved clinic, and an International Organisation for Migration (<a class="MarkdownLink_linkifiedLink__KxC9G">IOM) medical</a> certificate confirming the individual is free from TB must be obtained.
<div class="address">
<div class="adr org fn">
<blockquote>
Harare Migration Health Assessment Centre (MHAC) 
10 Duthie Road, Alexandra Park 
Harare
</blockquote>
</div>
</div>
<blockquote>
Telephone:
<ul>
<li>+263 086 8800 7618</li>
<li>+263 086 7700 9828</li>
</ul>
Mobile: +263 772 125 094
Email: <a class="govuk-link" href="mailto:HarareMHAC@iom.int">hararemhac@iom.int</a>
</blockquote>
To book a tuberculosis (TB) test appointment, individuals can visit the <a class="govuk-link" href="http://register-uktb.iom.int/uktbdp-register/login.jsp" rel="external">IOM website</a> and complete the online booking process. If a “NULL” message is received, the appointment is invalid, and the booking process must be repeated. For children under the age of 10, a copy of their passport must be emailed to the provided address to book their appointment. Operating hours are from 8 am to 5 pm, Monday to Thursday, and 8 am to 1:30 pm on Friday, with closure on <a class="MarkdownLink_linkifiedLink__KxC9G">national holidays</a>.
The UK government said it will not accept a <a class="MarkdownLink_linkifiedLink__KxC9G">TB test</a> certificate from an unapproved clinic. However, a <a class="MarkdownLink_linkifiedLink__KxC9G">TB test certificate</a> is not required for <a class="MarkdownLink_linkifiedLink__KxC9G">diplomatic passport holders</a> travelling on official business, those who qualify for an exempt visa, or those applying for a certificate of entitlement.
<h3 id="attending-the-clinic">Attending the clinic</h3>
To book a tuberculosis (TB) test appointment, individuals should contact the clinic and specify that the test is required for a UK visa application. Appointments can typically be scheduled within a few days, but during <a class="MarkdownLink_linkifiedLink__KxC9G">peak season</a>, such as the UK student visa season from July to October, <a class="MarkdownLink_linkifiedLink__KxC9G">wait times</a> may be up to 10 days. The <a class="govuk-link" href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/tuberculosis-tb-screening-for-the-uk-leaflet">test for TB</a> involves a chest x-ray, and if the result is unclear, a <a class="MarkdownLink_linkifiedLink__KxC9G">sputum sample</a> may also be requested. Upon receiving a <a class="MarkdownLink_linkifiedLink__KxC9G">negative test result</a>, a certificate will be issued, which is valid for 6 months from the date of the x-ray. This certificate should be submitted with the <a class="MarkdownLink_linkifiedLink__KxC9G">UK visa application</a>.
<h3 id="what-you-should-bring-with-you">What you should bring with you</h3>
To undergo a tuberculosis (TB) test, individuals must provide proof of identification that includes a photograph, such as a passport, and two passport-sized photographs. <a class="MarkdownLink_linkifiedLink__KxC9G">Refugee applicants</a> must provide UNHCR/MHA registration documents. If individuals have had TB in the past or have any other <a class="MarkdownLink_linkifiedLink__KxC9G">lung disease</a>, they should provide details of previous screenings, <a class="MarkdownLink_linkifiedLink__KxC9G">medical notes</a>, and x-ray results if possible.
<h3 id="test-fees">Test fees</h3>
Individuals must pay the clinic directly for the cost of TB testing, which is separate from the visa application fee. The fee for the TB test is 165 USD for individuals aged 11 years and above, and 75 USD for those under 11 years of age. For further information, please contact the clinic. It is important to note that the test fee does not cover the cost of any necessary treatment if an individual is diagnosed with TB.
<h3 id="payment">Payment</h3>
Payment must be made in the name of the visa applicant before the examination in US dollars (USD) in cash or bank transfer to:
<div class="address">
<div class="adr org fn">
Bank name: Stanbic Bank Zimbabwe Limited 
Account name: International Organization for Migration (IOM) 
Account number: 9140006530167 (USD) 
Branch: Minerva
</div>
</div>
<h3 id="step-by-step-procedures">Step-by-step procedures</h3>
The medical examination for visa applicants will take place from Monday to Friday, except on public holidays and UN-recognized international holidays. Applicants must present themselves to the clinic with the required identification documents. The initial examination involves a counselling session and consent signing for all applicants. Applicants below 11 years of age will undergo a medical examination by a physician, and those 11 years and above will have a chest x-ray before being reviewed by a doctor. Additional sputum cultures may be required in case of abnormal X-ray findings. A TB clearance certificate is valid for 6 months. If applicants fail to return within 7 days for sputum collection, they will not receive a clearance certificate.
Read more information on <a class="govuk-link" href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/tuberculosis-tb-screening-for-the-uk-leaflet">TB screening requirements</a> for people applying for a UK visa in countries where TB is common.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

TB Testing Mandatory For Long-Term Travel from Zimbabwe To UK

The Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC) in Zimbabwe, with support from the World Health Organisation (WHO) Zimbabwe has launched a project aimed at addressing the country’s significant challenges in meeting the mental health (MH) care needs of its population.
Zimbabwe has only two psychiatric hospitals and one psychiatrist for every one million people, leaving the vast majority of the population with limited access to MH care, including the 67.8% living in rural areas, <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/health/article/200014226/zim-struggling-with-mental-health-who">NewsDay</a> reported. The concentration of MH resources in major cities and hospitals makes the integration of MH care at the primary healthcare level crucial.
To address the urgent need for expanded MH services at the PHC level, the Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC) in Zimbabwe, with support from the World Health Organisation (WHO) Zimbabwe, officially launched the FRIENDZ project on Wednesday. The goal of the project is to scale up the assessment and management of priority mental, neurological, and substance abuse disorders, extending from community to primary and tertiary healthcare levels in Zimbabwe. The ambitious goal is to reach over one million people by 2025 with quality MH services. Speaking at the launch, Patience Maunganidze, MoHCC deputy director for mental health said:
<blockquote>
Through this programme, we will train health workers at the PHC level to provide quality mental health services, ensuring no one is left behind.
</blockquote>
The FRIENDZ project is being implemented in Mashonaland East, Mashonaland Central, Harare, and Matabeleland North provinces over a three-year period. It is part of the Zimbabwe Special Initiative for Mental Health and is implemented in partnership with WHO and Friendship Bench. Friendship bench director Dixon Chibanda said the FRIENDZ project would enhance access to quality MH services. Chibanda said:
<blockquote>
The FRIENDZ project will allow us to increase access to community-based MH services, reaching deep into marginalised communities to serve those who often do not get access to such services.
</blockquote>
The project has received support from Grand Challenges Canada, which has committed US$820,000. The funds are allocated under the WHO Special Initiative for Mental Health, supported by Norad and USAid, with a total budget of US$2.1 million.
Jean-Marie Dangou, WHO Zimbabwe country representative, expressed excitement about integrating the WHO Mental Health Gap Action Programme and Friendship Bench Problem Solving Therapy within the FRIENDZ project framework. He said:
<blockquote>
Universal health coverage cannot be achieved without MH. Therefore, we are steadfast in our commitment to assist Zimbabwe in fortifying its MH services. 
</blockquote>
Following the successful launch, the programme will shift its focus to capacity building for health workers in the four identified provinces. The programme is aimed at low and middle-income countries.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Zimbabwe, WHO Launch Project To Improve Mental Health Care

The Government has accused several pharmacies and other traders of engaging in “forward pricing” and speculation in violation of exchange control directives as well as standing government policy guidelines with respect to pricing and the use of the Zimbabwe dollar.
In a statement released on Tuesday, 11 July, the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development, said the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) is conducting investigations to identify the culprits.
It said (FIU) has established that some pharmacies are using parallel market exchange rates ranging from between ZWL$8 500.00 to ZWL$11 000.00 against the USD, in complete violation of Government Policy and the country’s anti-money laundering regulations.
The Ministry said measures have since been instituted against the culprits that will result in the suspension and/or cancellation of the trading licenses of the pharmacies. The pharmacies are:
<figure class="wp-block-table alignwide is-style-stripes">
<table style="width: 94.09%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 31.3609%;">Name of Company</td>
<td style="width: 14.9901%;">Location</td>
<td style="width: 90.7298%;">Observed Violation</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 31.3609%;">Blessed Pharmacy</td>
<td style="width: 14.9901%;">Chegutu</td>
<td style="width: 90.7298%;">Using exchange rate ZWL 10 000.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 31.3609%;">Global Pharmacy</td>
<td style="width: 14.9901%;">Kadoma</td>
<td style="width: 90.7298%;">Using exchange rate ZWL 000.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 31.3609%;">Leecare Pharmacy</td>
<td style="width: 14.9901%;">Kadoma</td>
<td style="width: 90.7298%;">Using exchange rate ZWL 10 000.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 31.3609%;">Pineal Pharmacy</td>
<td style="width: 14.9901%;">Kadoma</td>
<td style="width: 90.7298%;">Using exchange rate ZWL 10 000.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 31.3609%;">Greenwood Pharmacy</td>
<td style="width: 14.9901%;">Kwekwe</td>
<td style="width: 90.7298%;">Accepting USD only</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"></figcaption></figure>
<figure class="wp-block-table alignwide is-style-stripes">
<table style="width: 94.3202%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 36.9403%;">Name of compamy</td>
<td style="width: 12.3134%;">Location</td>
<td style="width: 80.2239%;">Observed Violation</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 36.9403%;">Apex Pharmacist Pharmacy</td>
<td style="width: 12.3134%;">Gweru</td>
<td style="width: 80.2239%;">Using exchange rate ZWL 9 500.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 36.9403%;">Siegmed Pharmacy</td>
<td style="width: 12.3134%;">Gweru</td>
<td style="width: 80.2239%;">Using exchange rate ZWL 10000.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 36.9403%;">Booties Pharmacy</td>
<td style="width: 12.3134%;">Gweru</td>
<td style="width: 80.2239%;">Accepting USD only</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 36.9403%;">Mediplus Pharmacy</td>
<td style="width: 12.3134%;">Rusape</td>
<td style="width: 80.2239%;">Using exchange rate ZWL 10 000.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 36.9403%;">Greenview Pharmacy</td>
<td style="width: 12.3134%;">Rusape</td>
<td style="width: 80.2239%;">Using exchange rate ZWL 11 000.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 36.9403%;">Kaizen Pharmacy</td>
<td style="width: 12.3134%;">Rusape</td>
<td style="width: 80.2239%;">Using exchange rate ZWL 10 000.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 36.9403%;">Necta Care Pharmacy</td>
<td style="width: 12.3134%;">Mutare</td>
<td style="width: 80.2239%;">Using exchange rate ZWL 8 500.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 36.9403%;">Lancaster Pharmacy</td>
<td style="width: 12.3134%;">Mutare</td>
<td style="width: 80.2239%;">Using exchange rate ZWL 9 000.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 36.9403%;">Murapi Pharmacy</td>
<td style="width: 12.3134%;">Mutare</td>
<td style="width: 80.2239%;">Using exchange rate ZWL 9 000.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 36.9403%;">Grey Pharmacy</td>
<td style="width: 12.3134%;">Mutare</td>
<td style="width: 80.2239%;">Using exchange rate ZWL 10 000.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 36.9403%;">Central Pharmacy</td>
<td style="width: 12.3134%;">Mutare</td>
<td style="width: 80.2239%;">Using exchange rate ZWL 11 000.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 36.9403%;">Manica Pharmacy</td>
<td style="width: 12.3134%;">Mutare</td>
<td style="width: 80.2239%;">Using exchange rate ZWL 10 000.00</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</figure>
The Ministry added that the Government remains committed to the broad use of local currency for domestic transactions and stern measures will be taken against service providers who continue to violate provisions.
It urged the transacting public to resist all forms of unfair pricing by retailers and to immediately report violations to the Financial Intelligence Unit.
<img alt="Image" decoding="async" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F0w1R-8aQAISxjN?format=jpg&amp;name=4096x4096"/><img alt="Image" decoding="async" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F0w1SUhaEAEETD0?format=jpg&amp;name=4096x4096"/>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Pharmacies Charging Above Official Exchange Rate Set To Lose Licences

The Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC) has warned pharmacies to stop selling or dispensing antibiotics to patients without prescriptions.
<a href="https://healthtimes.co.zw/2023/07/11/ministry-of-health-reads-riot-act-to-pharmacies-dispensing-antibiotics-without-prescriptions/">Health Times</a> reported on Tuesday that scientific data has affirmed that Antibiotic dispensing without prescriptions is a major determinant of the emergence of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR).
The Government is now in the process of drafting a policy to regulate the “irrational” dispensing of Antibiotics.
Speaking at the Inaugural Joint Community Pharmacies Association (CPA) and Pharmaceutical Wholesalers Association (PWA) Joint Conference in Harare, Health and Child Care Deputy Minister, John Mangwiro said:
<blockquote>
Let me remind you that you have a critical role to play in combating Antimicrobial Resistance to preserve the ammunition we have in fighting infection.
We continue to hear of the use of antibiotics irrationally and unabated issuing of antibiotics without prescriptions…
A professional should be able to guard against the unwarranted use and dispensing of Antibiotics without a prescription.
Professionalism must be restored. If we don’t do that, we will be exposing patients to harm.
The Ministry will soon be embarking on an Antimicrobial policy that will promote and streamline access to the use of antibiotics.
I urge you to remain professional in the discharge of your roles and responsibilities as we endeavor to attain an upper-middle-income status by 2030.
</blockquote>
He also called on pharmacies to play an active role in the surveillance of disease outbreaks.
However, pharmacy players who attended the inaugural conference complained of a harsh operating environment and called for dialogue between pharmacists and regulators.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Govt Warns Pharmacies Against Dispensing Antibiotics Without Prescriptions

The Solar for Health initiative, implemented by the Health and Child Care Ministry in partnership with the UNDP, has improved healthcare delivery in Zimbabwe, according to health caregivers.
David Masara, the nurse-in-charge at Budiriro Polyclinic, said the power cuts which had a devastating impact on Zimbabwe’s healthcare sector are now a thing of the past following the implementation of the Solar for Health initiative. Masara told <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200013712/perennial-power-cuts-choke-health-delivery-system">NewsDay</a> that the Solar for Health initiative provides backup power to over 1,000 health facilities in Zimbabwe, enabling efficient operations and reducing maternal mortality. Masara is quoted as saying:
<blockquote>
The issue of lack of power is no longer an issue at all. Pregnant women can deliver their babies in stable conditions after the installation of the solar system.
</blockquote>
In rural areas, solar systems have become the only source of power. 
The Health and Child Care Ministry, in partnership with the UNDP and largely funded by the Global Fund, is implementing the Solar for Health program in Zimbabwe. Thousands of Zimbabweans now receive reliable health services due to the initiative. Emmanuel Boadi, the Global Fund project manager, pledged continued assistance to ensure uninterrupted power supply and to mobilize resources for solar power connectivity in health facilities. Boadi also expressed the desire to assist the Ministry of Health and Child Care in developing a sustainability plan for the initiative.
Onward Tendaupenyu, a local medical officer, said the Solar for Health intervention has enabled more cases to be attended to at Chivi district hospital, reducing referrals. Caesarean sections can now be performed, improving maternal health. The intervention has addressed maternal health challenges and reduced nighttime emergencies. He said:
<blockquote>
We are now saving on 100 litres of fuel and over $100 for staff allowances per week. We are also doing evacuation of retained products after miscarriage, and appendicitis operations among other things requiring uninterrupted power service.
</blockquote>
Andrew Muza, the Acting Matabeleland South Provincial Medical Director, said the Solar for Health intervention significantly aided health service delivery. Currently, 117 health facilities have solar backup through the UNDP and its partners, resulting in improved patient care quality. He said:
<blockquote>
We now have 24/7 service provision and other systems depending on power like the expanded programme on immunisation  and the electronic health record  system have also been connected making it easier to do our duties.
</blockquote>
Edwin Sibanda, the health department director at Bulawayo City Council, said the Solar for Health program has reduced the burden on power supply, crucial for most health services. Power cuts have worsened, endangering patients and making healthcare delivery difficult.
The Solar for Health initiative has extended healthcare facility hours and improved the recruitment and retention of healthcare workers in remote settings, ensuring effective healthcare. At Mhandamabwe rural health centre, the installed solar system provided an uninterrupted power supply, reducing challenges, according to nurse-in-charge Petunia Tshuma. She said:
<blockquote>
Prior to the intervention, we relied on solar lamps and torches in the event that we ran out of the normal back-up. Our challenges have lessened as we are no longer having problems in storing our medicines and we no longer meet obstacles in doing our duties during the night.
</blockquote>
Itai Rusike, the Executive Director of the Community Working Group on Health, suggested solar energy is efficient for rural health centres. It can assist with cold chain management, reduce maternal mortality, and motivate health workers by powering electrical gadgets. The government should partner with development partners, NGOs, and the private sector to invest in solar energy in clinics.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Ministry Of Health, UNDP Solar Project Improves Healthcare Delivery

A team of local doctors and specialists recently conducted two successful open-heart surgeries at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals.
The team comprised three cardiothoracic surgeons, six anesthetists, two perfusionists, three student doctors, six theatre nurses, two laboratory specialists and six other specialists.
Open heart surgery is an operation to repair a fault or damage in the heart and requires the surgeon to open the chest to access the heart.
<a href="https://www.sundaymail.co.zw/two-open-heart-surgeries-at-parirenyatwa">The Sunday Mail</a> reported that 29-year-old Blessing Bonda, who suffered from a rheumatic heart condition, was the first to undergo a six-hour-long operation a fortnight ago.
Last week, the team performed a second operation on another patient, who chose to remain anonymous, in three-and-a-half hours.
The last open-heart surgery in Zimbabwe was conducted in October 2018 and since then, patients have had to travel to India, Italy and South Africa for the procedure.
Cardiovascular and thoracic surgeon Dr. Simukayi Machawira, who was part of the team of specialists, said that they will begin operating on at least one patient weekly.
An estimated 700 people are on the waiting list for open-heart surgeries in the country.
Parirenyatwa Hospital is the only hospital that provides open-heart surgeries in Zimbabwe.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Doctors Perform Two Open-heart Surgeries At Parirenyatwa Hospital

Zimbabwe has recorded a cumulative 3 017 suspected cases of cholera, with Manicaland having recorded the highest number at 1 251, followed by Harare with 1 121.
This was said by the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Monica Mutsvangwa, during a post-cabinet media briefing on Thursday. Said Mutsvangwa:
<blockquote>
The nation is informed that as of 24 June 2023, Zimbabwe’s cumulative suspected cases had reached 3 017, with 2 910 recoveries, 19 confirmed deaths, and 52 suspected deaths.
The case fatality rate (CFR) for all deaths, confirmed and suspected, was 2.4%.
All provinces have reported cholera suspected cases, with Manicaland having recorded the highest number at 1 251, followed by Harare with 1 121 and Matabeleland South Province with 277.
Cholera-confirmed deaths have been recorded in Manicaland (12), Harare (3), Mashonaland Central (2), and Mashonaland West and Masvingo with one case each.
Regarding the regional situation, a cumulative 154 317 suspected cholera cases and 2 747 deaths have been reported in the African Region.
</blockquote>
She also said the Government will take measures to address the water, sanitation challenges which are fuelling the cholera outbreak.
Cholera is a bacterial disease causing severe diarrhoea and dehydration, usually spread in water.
<h2>Causes</h2>
Cholera is caused by a bacteria called Vibrio cholerae which produces a toxin that affects the cells lining the small intestine, leading to severe diarrhea and dehydration.
The bacteria is spread through contaminated water or food, particularly in areas with poor sanitation and inadequate access to clean water.
<h2>Cholera Symptoms</h2>
Cholera symptoms typically appear within a few hours to five days after infection and can range from mild to severe.
The most common symptom is a sudden onset of diarrhea which is often described as “rice-water” stools because of its pale, milky appearance with flecks of mucous and sometimes blood.
The other cholera symptoms are:
<ul>
<li>nausea and vomiting</li>
<li>dehydration (characterized by dry mouth and throat, feeling dizzy when standing up, decreased urine output, or dark-colored urine)</li>
<li>muscle cramps and weakness</li>
<li>rapid heart rate</li>
<li>low blood pressure</li>
</ul>
Cholera can also lead to shock, seizures, and even death if left untreated.
<h2>Prevention</h2>
Measures to prevent cholera include the following:
<ul>
<li>Washing of hands frequently with soap and clean water, especially after using the toilet or before eating.</li>
<li>Ensuring that drinking water is safe and free of contamination. Boiling water for at least one minute or using water filters or purification tablets is highly recommended.</li>
<li>Avoid raw or undercooked seafood, fruits, and vegetables that may have come into contact with contaminated water. People should stick to cooked foods that are served hot.</li>
<li>Surfaces that may have come into contact with contaminated water, such as kitchen counters and utensils should be sanitised.</li>
<li>Getting vaccinated against cholera can help prevent the disease.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Treatment</h2>
The most important aspect of treating cholera is to replace fluids and electrolytes lost through diarrhea and vomiting.
This can be done through oral rehydration therapy (ORT) or intravenous fluids in severe cases.
Cholera can also be treated by using antibiotics which shorten the duration and severity of cholera symptoms, as well as decrease the amount of bacteria shed in stool.
Zinc has been shown to reduce the duration and severity of diarrhea in children with cholera and other causes of acute diarrhea.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Zimbabwe Records 3 017 Suspected Cholera Cases, 52 deaths

Premier Service Medical Aid Society (PSMAS) cardholders are now able to access medical services at various hospitals and clinics following government intervention. As a result, 98 out of 121 PSMAS health facilities across the country are now offering full medical services, allowing the medical aid society to focus on providing health services to its clients, <a href="https://zbcnews.co.zw/2023/06/29/psmas-scraps-off-co-payments-for-members/">ZBC News</a> reported.
The government intervened in May and took over PSMAS debts, providing a cash injection that led to the reopening of health facilities across the country. PSMAS has resolved to no longer collect co-payments from members beginning July 1st, to ensure universal access to healthcare services.
Premier Services Medical Investments -Executive Director for Health Services Dr Margaret Maulana said plans are already underway to upgrade the services offered in line with the government’s goal of ensuring universal access to healthcare services. Maulana said:
<blockquote>
We have got 121 units across the country and out of those we have currently managed to open 98. The services are from medical clinics, hospitals, radiology units EMRAS units renal units. The society has also since made a decision to make sure that the burden in terms of barrier access to access services is addressed and we have resolved that from the first of July we are no longer going to be collecting co-payments from members.
We want to acknowledge that whatever happened in the past is regrettable that we could no longer service them whilst they were still contributing as members. In the future, we will make sure this does not happen again. On the part of the government, it made sure that we are uploaded and we are supported from the time we opened on the second of May to date.
</blockquote>
If PSMAS, the largest health insurance in Zimbabwe, resumes normal operations and provides healthcare services to Zimbabweans it will be contributing towards the attainment of goals and objectives stated in the country’s National Health Strategy. The government has also provided over US$40,000 to restock pharmacies, which are said to have improved the availability of drugs. 
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

PSMAS Cardholders Now Able To Access Medical Services At Health Institutions

An organisation representing widows in Zimbabwe, Circle of Comfort, on Friday implored the Government and the private sector to capacitate widows with employment and education opportunities, reported <a href="https://healthtimes.co.zw/2023/06/26/zim-widows-call-for-opportunities-in-private-sector/">Health Times</a>.
Circle of Comfort founder Maurine Ngwenya said this will keep them busy to prevent depression and other mental health disorders associated with being widowed.
Speaking at an event marking International Widows Day on Friday, Ngwenya said widows should be afforded employment opportunities and the chance to further their education. She said:
<blockquote>
We want industrial opportunities. We want the government to assist us on the issue of pensions, and estates.
We want opportunities where factories are open for widows to work. We also want these widows to further their education at universities.
Some need capacitation workshops on what to do with what their husbands left them.
There are times when widows get mentally disturbed and not to endure such is through the grace of God.
If the government makes the Widows’ day a public holiday to recognize the widows.
We need to be recognized and celebrated because taking care of children after the passing of their father is heroic.
We endure the challenges of relatives taking all the deceased’s estate, alongside even being stripped of our dignity.
We see from way back, widows did not have support. Once the husband dies, one would be left alone, and disadvantaged, the support system collapsed, and no one to understand her. It is like being buried with your husband.
</blockquote>
Priscilla Kusema-Muchenje a member of the group said the Government should drop the taxing of estates that widows would have inherited upon the death of their husbands.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Zimbabwean Widows Plead For Opportunities In Private Sector

The Zimbabwe Red Cross Society (ZRCS) is implementing an Africa CDC Saving Lives and Livelihoods project whose main thrust is social mobilisation for COVID-19 vaccine demand and uptake.
The project, which is being implemented in Mashonaland West and Midlands provinces, is facilitated by the Health and Child Care Ministry.
The project is being supported by the Africa CDC Saving Lives and Livelihoods in partnership with MasterCard Foundation.
Esther Chitaya of Denhere village (Ward 4) in Zvimba district told <a href="https://www.thestandard.co.zw/news/article/200013207/fresh-covid-19-vaccination-drive-targets-rural-folk">The Standard</a> that people in her community, who have received the first dose, had been hesitant to get the second dose due to misconceptions and myths about the origins of COVID-19. She said:
<blockquote>
I got my first dose at Matanhire shopping centre during a mobile vaccination programme and I never turned up for the second dose.
Just recently, we had people from the Red Cross and Health Ministry moving around our village telling us about the importance of vaccination and warning us that COVID-19 was not over.
It was after this awareness drive that you find me and my colleagues here at the clinic to get the vaccination.
I have realised the importance of being vaccinated and I want to urge others to do so.
I think what the government is doing is essential because they are protecting us from future disasters.
We saw people dying of COVID-19 and we can’t afford to lose more just because they are not vaccinated.
</blockquote>
Tivaudze Mushangwe (19), who was getting his first COVID-19 jab at Nyabira clinic in Zvimba District, urged the Government to incorporate COVID-19 services into other health services programmes.
Zimbabwe Red Cross Society secretary-general Elias Hwenga said:
<blockquote>
You would realise that the main thrust of this project is social mobilisation for COVID-19 vaccine demand and uptake.
I am happy that our teams and village health workers have got the training and are getting into the communities.
</blockquote>
Africa CDC Saving Lives and Livelihood Programme national coordinator Charles Ibeneme said:
<blockquote>
The Saving Lives and Livelihoods initiative is a partnership between the MasterCard Foundation and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) designed to save the lives and livelihoods of millions of people in Africa and hasten the economic recovery of the continent in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The initiative is acquiring vaccines for more than 65 million people, supporting the delivery of vaccinations to millions more across the continent, including Zimbabwe, laying the groundwork for vaccine manufacturing in Africa through a focus on human capital development and strengthening the Africa CDC.
</blockquote>
He said during the 10-month implementation of the project they would train village health workers, ZRCS volunteers and influential people in communities with the aim of mobilising people to be vaccinated against COVID-19. Said Ibemene:
<blockquote>
By being closer to the people we would lessen the burden on villagers.
We want the COVID-19 service to get to the last mile, we want villagers to access the service.
</blockquote>
On 05 May 2023, the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared an end to COVID-19 as a public health emergency more than three years after its original declaration.
WHO, however, stressed that it does not mean the disease is no longer a global threat.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

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