Merchant Services Manager (Harare)

Library Technical Assistant

Assistant Binder

Broadcast Technician

Research, Innovation and Industry Linkage Officer (RIILO)

Safety, Health and Environmental (SHE) Officer

Procurement Officer

Intellectual Property Management Officer

Research Officers x2

Business Development Officers x2

Innovation Lead (Engineering)

Innovation Lead (Arts & Creative Industries)

Innovation Manager

Public Health Specialist: Prevention, Care & Treatment (Harare)

Driver (Kariba)

Relief Drivers x8

Finance Officer: Volunteer (Harare)

Business Intelligence Analyst (Harare)

Contact Centre Agent-1 (Harare)

Switchboard Operator (OMAO) (Harare)

Procurement Manager (Bulawayo)

Internal Sales and Marketing Representative (Harare)

Auditor - ICT & Internal Control (Harare)

Legal Officer (Harare)

Freelance Sales/ Marketing Representatives [Kadoma x2, Kwekwe x2, Gweru x2, Chegutu x1 & Zvishavane x1]

Freelance Sales/ Marketing Representatives [Bulawayo x2, Hwange x1, Lupane x1, Gwanda x1, Vicfalls x1 & Beitbridge 1x]

Freelance Sales/ Marketing Representatives [Marondera x1, Murehwa x1, Mutoko x1, Bindura x1, Shamva x1 & Mvurwi x1]

Freelance Sales/ Marketing Representatives [Chinhoyi x2, Banket x1, Kariba x1, Karoi x1& Chirundu x1]

Freelance Sales/ Marketing Representatives [Harare x2, Chitungwiza x1, Norton x1, & Ruwa x1]

Auditor (Harare)

Director General (Harare)

The National Aids Council (NAC) has noted an increase in the number of male sex workers in the Kwekwe District.
NAC co-ordinator for Kwekwe urban, Ms Fadzai Mudondo said there was a need to engage them so that they do not contract sexually transmitted infections and suffer in silence.
She made the remarks while speaking during a stakeholder meeting in Kwekwe recently. The Chronicle cites her as saying:
<blockquote>
We have noticed a significant increase in the male sex workers although they are not willing to open up. Most of them are bisexual and some gay while some prefer women only.
We started engaging some of them with the hope of creating peer educators so that they can get access to our services and even medical services.
Unfortunately, we are not getting a positive response, but we will continue engaging them.
The male sex workers usually target elderly sex-starved women as well as widowed women.
</blockquote>
Ms Mudondo said their female counterparts are forthcoming and by the third quarter of 2022, about 64 female sex workers were accessing pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) ) which can reduce one’s chance of getting HIV from sex or injection drug use.
Regarding the HIV/Aids situation in Kwekwe urban, Ms Mudondo said there was a decline in both prevalence and incidence rates.
Mining towns and their floating population of artisanal miners tend to have higher rates and attract more commercial sex workers.
The Midlands province is rich in mineral resources, a situation that has seen an influx of artisanal miners who are high spenders thereby attracting the attention of commercial sex workers.
According to NAC, Midlands has an estimated 7 000 commercial sex workers with about 2 500 based in Shurugwi, although the cities of Gweru and Kwekwe attract large numbers.
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

Pindula News

"Male Sex Workers On The Rise In Kwekwe" - National Aids Council

Zimbabwe recorded a slight increase in coronavirus cases in the past week, a Cabinet Minister has said.
Addressing the media during the post-Cabinet briefing on Tuesday, Information, Publicity, and Broadcast Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa said the country recorded a total of 211 new cases during the week compared to 203 recorded the previous week. She said:
<blockquote>
A total of 211 new cases including six deaths were recorded during the week, compared to 203 recorded the previous week.
For the week under review, there were 28 new admissions compared to 30 recorded the previous week.
Cabinet advises that the small spike in the number of new cases and deaths recorded during the week is of concern and calls for the country to remain vigilant.
</blockquote>
Mutsvangwa said the recovery rate is 98 percent with 467 active cases.
On vaccination, she said 6 581 530 people received their first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine while 4 949 555 people were administered with second dose, and 1 274 040 received a third dose. Said Mutsvangwa:
<blockquote>
Members of the public who are not vaccinated are encouraged to take advantage of this blitz to get vaccinated. 
In light of the upcoming festive season, Cabinet resolved on the following strategies in order to ensure that the pandemic is kept under check; that provincial teams strengthen their vaccination programme to protect citizens from severe disease and from death.
Communities and individuals should remain vigilant during this festive season and continue to protect themselves by getting fully vaccinated; washing hands with soap and running water; sanitising hands frequently; maintaining social distancing and avoiding crowded gatherings.
</blockquote>
Mutsvangwa also urged members of the public should continue to wear face masks properly in public transport vehicles and indoor gatherings. | <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/zimbabwe-records-spike-in-covid-19-cases/">Chronicle</a>

Zimbabwe Records Slight Increase In New Coronavirus Cases

Villagers in Chiadzwa’s Mukwada area have called upon the government to assist them “as soon as possible” amid reports that “all nurses have left” a local hospital over the unavailability of electricity.
Bocha Diamond Community Trust chairman Moses Mukwada said 11 villages in the Mukwada ward were affected by the closure of the clinic. He is quoted by <a href="http://www.thestandard.co.zw/standard-people/article/10679/nurses-abandon-clinic">the Standard</a> as saying:
<blockquote>
There has not been electricity for the past two months and all nurses have left the clinic. There is no single nurse except for only one or two caregivers.
</blockquote>
Mukwada said the clinic serviced at least 11 villages as well as the surrounding Mutsago and Chipindirwe areas.
Headman Mukwada also echoed Moses’ sentiments adding:
<blockquote>
We have pregnant women in our area and they need to be assisted as soon as possible, so we are calling upon the government to assist us as soon as possible.
</blockquote>
The cause of the unavailability of electricity at the health institution is not yet known.
Meanwhile, there is a huge power crisis nationwide and the Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA) is implementing a 22-hour-long load-shedding.
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

Villagers Call For Assistance As "All Nurses Have Left" A Local Clinic

Zimbabwe’s medical products regulator, the <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Medicines_Control_Authority_of_Zimbabwe">Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ)</a> has warned against the sale and use of unregistered skin-lightening products better known as bleaching.
 The Authority flagged after finding no supporting guidelines for proper dosages and length of treatment, Health Times reported citing a circular by MCAZ Acting Director General Mr Richard Rukwata. Read the circular:
<blockquote>
The MCAZ warns the public on the dangers associated with the use of skin-lightening products such as oral /injectable Glutathione and injectable Vitamins. To date, there are no published clinical trials that have evaluated the use of oral/injectable Glutathione and injectable Vitamins for skin lightening. There are also no published guidelines for appropriate dosing regimens and duration of treatment. Glutathione and Vitamins are registrable products. The MCAZ has not approved/registered any injectable products or such products for skin lightening. 
Side effects on the use of injectable glutathione for skin lightening include toxic effects on the liver, kidneys, and the nervous system. Furthermore, the side effects may include severe skin reactions such as Stevens Johnson syndrome, hives or allergic reactions, weight gain, losing pigmentation of hair, eye infections and disorders.
Glutathione also affects the production of melanin, the pigment that gives the human skin, hair and eyes their color. Injectable Glutathione is sometimes paired with intravenous Vitamin C, and Vitamin C injection may form kidney stones if the urine is acidic. Large doses of Vitamin C have resulted in hemodialysis in patients with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency. Other potential risks include transmission of infectious agents, such as HIV, hepatitis C and B. This is of particular concern when non-medical practitioners administer these treatments.
The Authority has noted with concern that several beauty salons, wellness and beauty shops are offering all kinds of beauty enhancements, services, and skin treatments. It is alarming that these also offer services such as intravenous drips or infusions using skin lightening agents including Glutathione tablets or injectables combined with injectable vitamins.
It is an offence to sell unregistered medicines without authorisation. As the Authority responsible for protecting public and animal health, MCAZ enforces adherence to the use of registered medicines and will exercise its statutory mandate against perpetrators of these criminal acts. Thus, in order to uphold this mandate, all medicines should be registered by the MCAZ prior to marketing and use. To know which medicines are approved to be sold in Zimbabwe you should visit the MCAZ online register, https://onlineservices.mcaz.co.zw/onlineregister/frmRegistersHome.aspx  where a list of all registered medicines is found.
</blockquote>
The authority is mandated to safeguard public and animal health by ensuring all medicines and medical devices on the market are safe, effective and of good quality.
MCAZ said it will take legal action against offenders who import, sell and administer unregistered medicines in Zimbabwe.
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

MCAZ Flags Bleaching Products, To Take Legal Action Against Users And Dealers

Doctors and Nurses for Economic Development (Doctors and Nurses For ED), working in partnership with Bulawayo-based businessman, Brian Samuriwo, are offering free health care services and drugs.
Five doctors, two laboratory scientists, counsellors and 15 nurses from Bulawayo’s central hospitals, under the banner Doctors and Nurses for ED, were offering free health care services at Chigumira Shopping Centre in Luveve suburb last Sunday.
The Deputy National Chairperson for Doctors and Nurses for ED, Dr Isheunesu Makwambeni, said:
<blockquote>
We are providing Voluntary Testing and Counselling (VTC), and general consultations and we have a small pharmacy where we are providing drugs.
This programme is ongoing; we are visiting all the districts in Bulawayo.
We are mainly targeting the elderly with chronic diseases such as hypertension and diabetes. We are also doing HIV testing targeting the youths.
As doctors and nurses for ED, we decided to offer our services for free so that those who cannot afford such services are not denied the right to access health care services.
</blockquote>
One of the beneficiaries of the programme, Gogo Mpofu, who said she was diagnosed with High Blood Pressure and diabetes a few years ago, said:
<blockquote>
I want to thank the sponsors of this programme because most of us as the elderly at times cannot afford to buy medication.
We benefited from free health care services and medication which in some cases is very expensive.
We want to thank the Government, ZANU PF and Mr Brian Samuriwo whom we are told sponsored this programme.
Today I got the tablets for free and I am overwhelmed by this generosity.
</blockquote>
Samuriwo said by assisting the elderly and children under the age of five, he was giving back to the community. | <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/doctors-for-ed-offer-free-health-care-to-senior-citizens/">Chronicle</a>

Doctors And Nurses For ED Offer Free Health Care

Expecting mothers in Bubi District are reportedly avoiding maternity waiting homes in rural clinics due to a shortage of food.
This was revealed during a stakeholder meeting held by the Community Working Group on Health (CWGH) on revitalising primary health care in Zimbabwe towards universal health coverage for the achievement of the national agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals.
The Health Care Committee Chairperson, Nobuhle Ndlovu, said they were facing several challenges that include a critical shortage of ambulances and medication. Said Ndlovu:
<blockquote>
The challenge is that expecting mothers who come to the maternity waiting homes in clinics are complaining of hunger and this has led to some of them opting to stay home so that they could share what they have as a family.
We are facing transport challenges, you find that when a person is sick or a pregnant woman is having complications when giving birth and they call the Inyathi district, they tell us that the ambulance has no diesel hence it is difficult for it to come.
If possible, we are appealing for a local ambulance that will cover local clinics in five or six wards.
The ambulance will be on standby for critical patients who are referred to Inyathi District Hospital.
The other challenge is that of medication, the first treatment that a child has to receive is the Bacille Calmette- Guerin (BCG) which won’t be available.
The mother will stay three days in a hospital after that they go home and are given a date to come back.
When they come back again, they find it unavailable which has seen many children not taking the BCG vaccine.
</blockquote>
| <a href="https://cite.org.zw/hunger-forces-expectant-mothers-to-shun-waiting-homes/">CITE</a>

Hunger Forces Expectant Mothers To Shun Waiting Homes At Rural Clinics

Ingutsheni Central Hospital, located in Bulawayo, has run out of food provisions and detergents.
According to a letter dated 13 December 2022, and addressed to the Evangelical Fellowship of Zimbabwe (EFZ), the hospital’s chief medical officer, Dr. Manuwere, said they were in a crisis. Part of the letter reads:
<blockquote>
Due to current Budgetary constraints, the Hospital is now besieged with overwhelming problems such as a lack of food provisions, particularly mealie meal and cooking oil of which our stocks are currently fully diminished. .
As from Tuesday, the 13th of December 2022 there will be completely no mealie meal and cooking oil to feed the patients. We are in a crisis.
We are therefore urgently appealing through your office for urgent assistance.
Your urgent assistance in this pertinent matter is most welcome.
</blockquote>
Recent reports had suggested that there was a food crisis and an outbreak of pellagra at Ingutsheni Central Hospital but the authorities flatly denied the reports.

Ingutsheni Hospital Runs Out Of Food Provisions

Zimbabwe’s first locally-trained acupuncturists graduated after completing a four-month-long program held at the TCM and Acupuncture Center at the <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Parirenyatwa_Hospital">Parirenyatwa Hospital</a> in Harare.
The program is comprised of theory and practice and included basic operation of acupuncture and moxibustion, as well as diagnosis and treatment of diseases. 
Acupuncture is a form of alternative medicine and a component of traditional Chinese medicine in which thin needles are inserted into the body to stimulate specific points in the body.
The program was funded by the National Health Commission of the People’s Republic of China and coordinated by the Hunan Provincial Health Commission and the Hunan Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine. 
Zhu Wei, a TCM doctor and instructor of the program, congratulated the students on completing the course, expressing hope that they will apply what they have learned in this training class to practical work. 
Zimbabwe’s Vice President Constantino Chiwenga who doubles as the minister of Health and Child Care said China has offered valuable lessons with regard to the development and promotion of the TCM. Xinhua cites him as saying
<blockquote>
Zimbabwe has drawn lessons from the Chinese experience in the endeavor to integrate traditional medicine into the mainstream of healthcare.
</blockquote>
Since the opening of the TCM and Acupuncture Center in 2021, more than 5 000 people have received medical care free of charge. 
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

Zimbabwe’s First Locally-trained Acupuncturists Graduate

Zimbabwe has a high prevalence rate of obstetric fistula with about 30 women suffering from the medical complication seeking assistance each day.
Obstetric fistula which is regarded as one of the most serious and tragic injuries that are caused by prolonged, obstructed labour without access to timely, high-quality medical treatment is a hole between the birth canal and bladder and/or rectum.
It leaves women leaking urine, faeces or both without control and as a result, leads to medical complications with infection occurring easily.
Takura Kanonge, a local gynaecologist said Manicaland province had a prevalence rate of about 31.8% followed by Harare Metropolitan province with an estimate of 17, 5%. 
He made the remarks on the sidelines of a stakeholders’ dialogue hosted by Amnesty International Zimbabwe in conjunction with Women and Law in Southern Africa. 
Speaking to <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200004916/obstetric-fistula-prevalent-in-zim">NewsDay</a>, Kanonga said only one out of 50 women with the condition manages to get medical attention due to a failing health system. He said:
<blockquote>
Unfortunately estimates are difficult to get in Zimbabwe because we have not done prevalence studies but what I can say is when we go on radio and television, we call out for women with fistula. We tend to have several, about 30 women who are calling in a day for help.
Of all the camps we conducted,  we tend to have more women than we can accommodate at the camp. It shows this problem is prevalent.
</blockquote>
There are some groups of people in Zimbabwe who do not want to deliver babies at medical institutions.
Most of them are members of apostolic sect churches. Several women and girls have died at church shrines while giving birth.
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

"Prevalence Of Childbirth Injuries Very High In Zimbabwe" - Gynaecologist

Visitors to Zimbabwe during the festive season will still be subjected to an on-site COVID-19 test if they cannot produce a vaccination card with all three jabs, a government official has said.
Speaking to State media, the Chief Coordinator for the National Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic in the Office of the President and Cabinet, Agnes Mahomva, said:
<blockquote>
As Government, we continue to strengthen our responses, we are very aware that as we go into the festive season a lot of visitors and returning residents are coming for holidays and visiting, so quite clearly some of those measures mean that we have to strengthen how we are responding at our ports of entry.
That still remains the latest Statutory Instrument-vaccination at ports of entry. 
The SI specifically states that one must be fully vaccinated, as well you do have to be tested if one is entering the country, it has not changed at all.
Port Health officers and teams are working flat out to strengthen the flow of clients as they come back into the country to ensure that people are not crowded in one place, are cleared fast enough and are supported and helped in whatever help they need. It is really important.
</blockquote>
Mahomva implored people who are not yet vaccinated to get the jabs to avoid severe illness in the event that they contract the novel coronavirus. She said:
<blockquote>
Everybody is aware, if you are fully vaccinated, your chances of getting severely ill and actually dying from COVID-19 are actually less so we are saying to everyone who is out there and has not been vaccinated, please go ahead and get vaccinated, it is for your protection, it is not about just adhering to Government rules but for your protection.
</blockquote>
She said all the COVID-19 protocols remain the same throughout the country where people have to continue face masking, sanitising, and hand washing. Said Mahomva:
<blockquote>
Wearing masks is still very much on. I know everybody is talking about other countries stopping and so on.
We have never been guided by what other countries do, we are guided by the science that we know protects our citizens and we encourage masking up during this festive season.
We know people gather to celebrate and this is where COVID-19 transmission is very high. So, people must protect themselves even on public transport.
</blockquote>
| <a href="https://www.sundaynews.co.zw/additional-staff-deployed-at-borders-authorities-ready-for-festive-season-traffic/">The Sunday News</a>

Unvaccinated Travellers To Zim During Festive Season To Be Tested For Coronavirus

Parliament has said the ZWL$474.7 billion (11.2%) of the ZWL$4.5 trillion 2023 national budget allocated to the Ministry of Health and Childcare is inadequate.
Presenting the report by the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Health and Child Care on the 2023 health budget, acting chairperson of the committee Nicola Watson said:
<blockquote>
This implies that the health sector will continue to significantly rely on out-of-pocket expenditures and donor assistance.
This is not sustainable given the low disposable incomes among the public and the unpredictability of donor support.
</blockquote>
Watson said the 11.2% allocation towards health was below the 15% budget allocation stipulated by the Abuja Declaration.
In 2001, the African Union (AU) member states signed the Abuja Declaration, thereby pledging to allocate at least 15% of their national budgets each year to improve their healthcare systems. Said, Watson:
<blockquote>
All the hospitals across the country were grossly underfunded in the 2023 national budget.
Central hospitals received $113.4 billion, while provincial hospitals received $35.02 billion.
This level of financing will leave them incapacitated to deliver services.
It is of concern that there is gross under-investment in medicines. It is now normal for patients to buy basic medicines like painkillers; and the lack of medical supplies at hospitals has seen the mushrooming of pharmacies that are fleecing patients of their hard-earned cash.
The 2023 national budget is grossly inadequate to address the massive brain drain.
</blockquote>
The committee also accused the government of failing to adequately remunerate health workers resulting in brain drain. It said:
<blockquote>
Health workers continue to earn salaries in local currency, yet they pay for expenses in United States dollars.
Family health was allocated $12.09 billion and this constitutes only 37% of its bid.
This is grossly inadequate given the level of maternal deaths and health needs at hospitals.
</blockquote>
| <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200004754/health-sector-faces-doom-mps">NewsDay</a>

All Hospitals "Grossly Underfunded In The 2023 National Budget" - MPs

Seke District, in Mashonaland East Province, has a quarterly uptake of 200 000 male condoms while female condoms have a range of 5 000 to 10 000, a National AIDS Council (NAC) official has said.
Speaking to <a href="https://healthtimes.co.zw/2022/12/07/seke-district-uses-200-000-condoms-every-three-months/">Health Times</a> in a recent interview, NAC District AIDS Coordinator (DAC) for Seke District Florence Nyandoro said:
<blockquote>
Our quarterly average uptake for male condoms is 200 000 and the female condoms are in the range of 5 000 and 10 000.
What happens is that the awareness on female condoms came way later than that of male condoms.
Otherwise, awareness on the female condom is increasing which has resulted in the improved use of the female condom.
We are telling our community cadres to promote the female condom as much as they do the male condom.
We are hoping with time, the uptake of the female condom will be as high.
</blockquote>
Nyandoro also said they have noted that in discordant couples, males would take female condoms for their partners. She said:
<blockquote>
The other commendable thing we have observed is females are also taking male condoms.
There are very few cases in discordant couples where males take the female condom for their partners. This is very interesting.
We are encouraging and promoting the use of condoms because of their dual protection against STIs and HIV.
</blockquote>
A discordant couple is a couple in which one partner has a sexually transmitted disease (STD), such as HIV, while the other partner does not.
Nyandoro also dismissed as false claims that some condoms are small because they are manufactured in China. She said:
<blockquote>
That condoms here in Zimbabwe are too small as being made in China is misinformation and a myth.
Alongside our partners, we tell communities that there is no truth in that. Condoms are manufactured in a one size fits all technique.
There is no such thing as condoms being small and unusable. We don’t encourage such mindsets.
If we give people accurate information, this promotes the usage of condoms thus protecting people from unwanted pregnancies, STIs and HIV.
</blockquote>
Nyandoro discouraged the use of herbal sex-enhancement drugs, saying people should seek medical advice.

Seke District Uses 200 000 Condoms Every Three Months

Nurses at the Roman Catholic Church-run Mater-Dei Hospital in Bulawayo are reported to be on strike after they received an annual bonus of US$10.
<blockquote>
CITE’s <a href="https://cite.org.zw/author/senzeni/">Senzeni Ncube</a> reported sources as saying some nurses are not coming to work while those who report for duty are not working. Said the source:
The situation is dire at Mater Dei due to meagre salaries, registered general nurses got US$10 on top of bond salaries which is ZWL$83 000.
Some nurses are not reporting for duty while those who are reporting are staging seat-in demonstrations.
A general worker or nurse aide earns more than nurses because they are related to the administration.
</blockquote>
The nurses appealed to the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) to intervene and also to Zimbabweans to boycott the private hospital. Said a nurse:
<blockquote>
We are appealing for the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) to conduct an immediate audit and encourage all lovely Zimbabweans to shun getting treatment at Mater Dei as it is a center of traumatizing employees.
How can one get treated at a hospital where staff is demoralised?
Meals are hectic, cabbage and chunks on a daily basis, and boiled stuff which even a pig cannot consume.
Even though the food is highly subsidized, it’s not a proper meal.
</blockquote>
Contacted for a comment, the Mater Dei administrator, Sister Maureen Jameson told CITE that they don’t discuss internal affairs, such as salaries, with outsiders.

Nurses At Mater-Dei Hospital Down Tools Over US$10 Bonus

The government has said COVID-19 remains under control in the country with the recovery rate now at 98 per cent and active cases down to 493.
Addressing the media after Tuesday’s cabinet meeting, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Monica Mutsvangwa, said:
<blockquote>
The nation is advised that, as of 4 December 2022, the country’s cumulative cases since the outbreak of COVID-19 in 2020 stood at 259 356, with 253 241 recoveries and 5 622 cumulative deaths.
The recovery rate was 98%, with 493 active cases having been reported. The scientific indicators show that the pandemic remains under control. The country, nonetheless, should remain vigilant against COVID-19.
</blockquote>
Mutsvangwa said the government will strengthen the enforcement of COVID-19 regulations during the Christmas and New Year period in all provinces. She said:
<blockquote>
Enforcement of COVID-19 regulations will also be strengthened, especially during the festive season.
Regarding the national vaccination programme, Cabinet wishes to inform the nation that, as at 4 December 2022, a total of 6 574 434 first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine had been administered, while 4 924 009 people had received their second dose, and 1 253 395 their third dose. This translates to national coverage of 58.5%.
</blockquote>
She also said the Ministry of Health and Child Care will soon introduce a vaccination plan and electronic register.
Mutsvangwa said this will enable teams to easily identify and follow up with those who have not yet received their second or third dose. She added:
<blockquote>
This approach will not only help to increase the COVID-19 vaccine uptake but will also strengthen the under-five-year-old Expanded Programme on Immunisation.
</blockquote>
The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that at least 90% of the world’s population now has some immunity to SARS-CoV-2 (the coronavirus that causes COVID-19), due to prior infection or vaccination.

COVID-19 Pandemic Remains Under Control - Govt

The Red Cross Society of Zimbabwe has repaired an old and abandoned building in Karoi and converted it into a clinic.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, Red Cross secretary-general Elias Hwenga said they intend to build more health centres across the country. He said:
<blockquote>
Our aim is to get more land to build more spacious health facilities including a maternity wing for the communities.
We have taken this stance of establishing health centres around the country to mitigate challenges being faced in the health sector.
We are determined to complement the efforts of our public authorities to ensure that health service is helping communities.
</blockquote>
Before the commissioning of the clinic by the Red Cross Society of Zimbabwe, Hurungwe District had 37 clinics, including 32 from outlying rural clinics for the public and four under the uniformed forces.
Speaking at the same occasion, Mashonaland West provincial medical director Gift Masocha warned health workers to desist from soliciting bribes from patients. Said Masocha:
<blockquote>
Let me make it clear that no patient must pay any extra money to an official at our public health facilities.
It is a criminal offence for any official to be paid any personal money. Once you pay what is required officially, you must get the services.
</blockquote>
He also encouraged patients who feel that they are “ill-treated” by medical staff to report to higher authorities. | <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200004472/red-cross-society-converts-old-building-into-clinic">NewsDay</a>

Red Cross Society Converts Abandoned Building Into Clinic

The City of Harare’s Health Department in conjunction with the Ministry of Health and Childcare is currently conducting the second round of Polio vaccination.
The blitz, which commenced on 1 December and will end on 4 December 2022, is targetting children under the age of five including the newly born.
Philomina Chitando, who is the City of Harare’s head of Nursing Services said the vaccines will be administered at all council clinics, shopping centers, and marketplaces. Said Chitando:
<blockquote>
This blitz is the second round of the same campaign. We are going around in communities in Harare and we also have mobile teams at bus termini, schools, creches, and markets who are carrying out this exercise.
We have 400 people providing door-to-door services, vaccinating children under the age of five including the newly born.
Children who got vaccinated for polio during the first round of the blitz in October should also come for their second doses.
</blockquote>
The first round of the polio vaccination campaign ran between October 27 and October 30.
Polio oral vaccine is free for every child and Zimbabwe has been polio-free since 1989.
<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/polio/what-is-polio/index.htm#:~:text=Updated%20August%2011%2C%202022,move%20parts%20of%20the%20body).">According to CDC</a> polio, or poliomyelitis, is a disabling and life-threatening disease caused by the poliovirus.
The virus spreads from person to person and can infect a person’s spinal cord, causing paralysis. | <a href="https://zbcnews.co.zw/2022/12/03/covid-19-and-polio-vaccination-blitz-begins/">ZBC News</a>

Second Polio Vaccination Blitz Underway

The leader of the opposition Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) Zimbabwe party, Innocent Ndibali, has urged the government to ban the sale of illicit alcohol popularly known as “njengu” on the streets.
Ndibali said njengu is destroying the lives of both young and old people in both rural and urban areas.
Njengu has flooded many townships across the country in recent years and is sold for US$1.
Imbibers also prefer the illicit brew due to its high alcohol content, which is said to be 40 percent.
Addressing the media in Bulawayo recently, Ndibali warned that if nothing is done to ban the sale of njengu, “people are going to be falling like flies” in the next few years. He said:
<blockquote>
Our community is dying, people are killing themselves because of this thing where you hear people asking each other, ‘ikhona yini’ (is it available) or you hear them say, ‘ulayo’ (do you have it).’
They are talking about njengu. Njengu is killing our parents in the villages, our brothers and sisters across the country.
The government must do something and very quickly. You may not see the harm that is happening caused by njengu.
It started about three to five years ago but in the next 10 years you will see people are going to be falling like flies because of this njengu.
Please leave njengu alone because you are going to die and leave your children. Njengu is destroying communities.
</blockquote>
Illicit alcohol has proliferated across the country over the past few years especially during the COVID-19-induced lockdowns when bars and bottle stores were closed. |<a href="https://cite.org.zw/ban-njengu-now-eff-zim-implores-govt/"> CITE</a>

EFF Zimbabwe Urges Govt To Ban "Njengu"

Doctors based at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals, which is Zimbabwe’s largest referral hospital, have requested a meeting with authorities at the hospital over the deteriorating conditions.
In a letter addressed to the hospital’s chief executive officer Ernest Manyawu, the doctors said the hospital had no basic medicines, even for primary care. Part of the letter reads:
<blockquote>
As healthcare practitioners, we spent innumerable years in school training to serve our people.
However, the critical lack of consumables in our hospital is rendering us ineffective as we can no longer deliver the services required at the tertiary hospital.
… We often run out of and lack basic sundries which should be available even at primary institutions.
To mention a few, there have been shortages or lack of yellow cannulas, 5ml and 10ml syringes, sterile gloves, betadine, cotton wool strapping, catheters, and urine bags.
Our U&amp;E machine (urea and electrolytes) is always down, the most common being no reagents, sometimes no water or it’s a mechanical issue.
</blockquote>
In an interview with <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200004373/doctors-flag-pari-decline-as-on-call-doctors-sleep-in-cars">NewsDay</a> on Wednesday night, Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals spokesperson Linos Dhire confirmed that authorities had received the letter. He said:
<blockquote>
I can confirm that we have received the letter and authorities are meeting the doctors tomorrow to discuss the issues.
</blockquote>

Doctors' Letter Exposes Deteriorating Conditions At Parirenyatwa Hospital

Four people have died in Mwenezi within a short space of time after they allegedly inhaled a fumigant pesticide used to preserve grain in Chitanga communal lands.
Flora Siziba (56) of Masisinyani village in the Mateke Hills area died on Friday 25 November 2022 together with her mother Raila Gula (90) at the former’s homestead in a space of a few hours.
Their deaths reportedly came after the pair allegedly started complaining of severe stomach pains before sweating and vomiting.
Siziba’s neighbour, Thomas Ndavani, who visited her homestead after learning of her tragic death also allegedly died a few minutes after his arrival. He exhibited the same symptoms.  
The bodies of Siziba, her mother and Ndavani’s were taken to Neshuro Hospital for a post-mortem on the same day after police had attended the scene.
On November 26, Siziba’s son-in-law Shepherd Mukachana who stayed at her homestead was rushed to Gezani clinic after exhibiting the same symptoms. 
He was treated and discharged together with Siziba’s daughter-in-law, Vimbai Chirelele.
Later on the same day, Mukachana’s condition allegedly deteriorated and he died around 3 pm.
According to police, Chirelele is still in stable condition and recuperating at home.
Police said they suspect the deaths were caused by chemical poisoning linked to inhaling a fumigant pesticide though conclusive investigations are still underway.
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Four People Die Of Suspected Chemical Poisoning

<a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Zimpapers">Zimbabwe Newspapers (1980) Group</a> this Monday donated ZW$20 million to Island Hospice and Healthcare in Harare in a bid to help the fight against cancer.
The money was handed to Island Hospice and Healthcare executive director Mr Mudiwa Mundawarara by Zimpapers Group Chief Executive Officer Mr Pikirayi Deketeke, according to <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/zimpapers-donates-20-million-to-island-hospice/">The Herald</a>.
The funds were part of proceeds generated from the Zimpapers Annual Cancer Power Walk held in Harare, Bulawayo, Mutare, Gweru, Masvingo and Kariba.
Zimpapers’ Digital and Publishing General Manager Mr Marks Shayamano and the Herald Managing Editor, Ruth Butaumocho also graced the event.
In 2015, Zimpapers signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Island Hospice and Healthcare which saw the group providing space across its platforms; radio and newspapers, to cancer health issues.
Island Hospice and Healthcare provides palliative and bereavement care services and the organisation also operates a nursing agency as a social enterprise initiative and clinical team, when required, involved in prevention services and campaigns.
Zimbabwe Newspapers (Zimpapers for short) is a Zimbabwe Stock Exchange-listed media firm and commercial printer. 
It is the publisher of daily newspapers <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/The_Herald" title="The Herald">The Herald</a>, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/The_Chronicle" title="The Chronicle">The Chronicle</a>, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/index.php?title=B-Metro&amp;action=edit&amp;redlink=1" title="B-Metro (page does not exist)">B-Metro</a> and <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/H-Metro" title="H-Metro">H-Metro</a>. It has two Sunday newspapers, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/The_Sunday_Mail" title="The Sunday Mail">The Sunday Mail</a> and <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/index.php?title=The_Sunday_News&amp;action=edit&amp;redlink=1" title="The Sunday News (page does not exist)">The Sunday News</a>. 
The company also publishes a provincial newspaper <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/index.php?title=The_Manica_Post&amp;action=edit&amp;redlink=1" title="The Manica Post (page does not exist)">The Manica Post</a> and has two newspapers in Shona and Ndebele namely; <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/index.php?title=Kwayedza&amp;action=edit&amp;redlink=1" title="Kwayedza (page does not exist)">Kwayedza</a> a Shona weekly in <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Harare" title="Harare">Harare</a> and <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/index.php?title=Umthunywa&amp;action=edit&amp;redlink=1" title="Umthunywa (page does not exist)">Umthunywa</a> a weekly in <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Bulawayo" title="Bulawayo">Bulawayo</a>. 
Zimpapers also operates internet news websites named after print titles.
The majority owner of Zimpapers is Zimbabwe Newspapers Pvt Ltd, which is owned by Zimbabwe Mass Media Trust a government-owned Trust.
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Zimpapers Donate ZW$20 million To Island Hospice And Healthcare

Anti-zero COVID protests erupted in Urumqi, China on Friday following the deaths of 10 people in an apartment block fire.
This was after footage posted on social media showed fire trucks spraying water from too far away to reach the apartment building, with internet users claiming authorities could not get closer due to pandemic barricades and cars that had been abandoned by people who had been quarantined.
Over the weekend, the protests spread to major cities including Beijing, Shanghai, Nanjing, Wuhan and Chengdu, according to <a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/economy/2022/11/28/china-netizens-censors-in-cat-and-mouse-game-amid-covid-protests">Al Jazeera</a><a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/economy/2022/11/28/china-netizens-censors-in-cat-and-mouse-game-amid-covid-protests">.</a>
Videos and photographs of the protests circulated on Chinese social media platforms such as WeChat and Weibo but were allegedly deleted by government censors.
Protestors are seen tearing down barricades, calling for the resignation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, and holding up blank white pieces of paper as a symbol of protest.
China recently recorded a COVID-19 resurgence prompting authorities to impose a new wave of lockdowns and restrictions on freedom of movement in big cities, including Beijing, Shanghai, Chongqing, and Guangzhou. 
Health authorities reported 40 347 new infections for Sunday, a fifth straight daily record.
Residents of Urumqi, where the recent protests began, have lived under harsh restrictions since August 10, in what is believed to be China’s longest continuous lockdown.
China’s “zero-COVID” policy which is aimed at curbing new infections and relies on lockdowns, border controls and mass testing, has kept cases and deaths low compared with elsewhere but inflicted serious economic and social costs.
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Anti-Zero COVID Protests Erupt In China

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has said his administration will continue to invest in the health sector to provide quality and affordable healthcare to all citizens as well as to be ready for the next pandemic after the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Speaking to journalists in an interview on the sidelines of the just-ended African Union Extraordinary Heads of States and Governments on Industrialisation and Economic Transformation in Niamey, Niger, Mnangagwa said sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe by the country’s detractors about two decades ago have negatively impacted Zimbabwe’s health sector. He said:
<blockquote>
The health sector back home has suffered particularly as a result of sanctions, we have had two decades of sanctions and our health coverage had gone down.
Now the attack, which came to Zimbabwe and the rest of the world through COVID-19 has given us the awakening bell to say ‘please wake up, you will never know when the next pandemic is coming, prepare yourself’.
So, we are now focusing on making sure that our health sector is attended to. If you look at the budget, we have upped drastically our investment in the health sector because we feel when COVID-19 came about, Zimbabwe was isolated.
We never received any significant amounts from outside, we had to depend on our own domestic resources, we diverted funds from other projects to make sure we protected our people and at the end of the day, Zimbabwe did actually very well in the region and perhaps in the whole continent in terms of mitigating the impact of COVID-19. We’re not going to stop at that.
We’re not going to stop there; we are making sure that we are going to do anything possible to prepare for any pandemic that may come. But also, it’s good to have our people have the best health service system.
</blockquote>
Finance and Economic Development Minister Mthuli Ncube allocated 11 percent of the $4.5 trillion 2023 national budget to the health sector.
However, local health experts say the$473.8 billion budget allocation towards the provision of health care services is inadequate. | <a href="https://www.sundaynews.co.zw/health-sector-a-priority-president/">The Sunday News</a>

Sanctions Negatively Impacted Zimbabwe's Health Sector - Mnangagwa

The Premier Service Medical Aid Society (PSMAS) has refuted reports that it will close next year.
In <a href="https://healthtimes.co.zw/2022/11/27/we-are-not-closing-says-psmas/">a statement</a>, PSMAS, which is the country’s largest medical aid service provider, said the claims are malicious and meant to tarnish its reputation. It said:
<blockquote>
Premier Service Medical Aid Society notes with concern rumours circulating on various platforms of its alleged closure from 2023.
The society categorically dismisses these rumours as not only false, malicious and misleading but bent on tarnishing the organisation’s image and reputation.
Contrary to these misplaced assertions, PSMAS is not closing shop in 2023 or in the foreseeable future.
The regulator of medical aid societies, the society is undergoing a transformational process meant to effectively address the challenges the organization faced in the recent past.
</blockquote>
The company acknowledged that it is facing challenges but insisted that it is still able to fund healthcare needs for its members. It said:
<blockquote>
PSMAS acknowledges the challenges at its investment arm, Premier Medical Services Investments (PSMI).
The responsible authorities are seized with and are working flat out to restore these challenges and restore normalcy at PSMI.
PSMAS wishes to assure its customers and stakeholders that the challenges at PSMI do not have a direct impact on its operational mandate which is to fund healthcare needs for its members.
</blockquote>

We Are Not Closing, Says PSMAS

Local commentators on health matters say the the$473.8 billion budget allocation towards the provision of health care services announced by Finance and Economic Development Minister Mthuli Ncube is not enough to cater to the sector’s needs.
Ncube announced a $4.5 trillion budget on Thursday, with the health allocation constituting 11% of the total budget.
Community Working Group on Health executive director Itai Rusike said:
<blockquote>
The health budget remains grossly inadequate to fund the critical needs in the health sector.
The current health financing model remains unsustainable as it heavily relies on external financing as well as out-of-pocket spending.
In spite of the huge external support from development partners, there is still a huge financing gap in the health sector in the country which calls for greater innovation and commitment by the government to sustainably address it.
</blockquote>
Dental Private Practitioners Association of Zimbabwe president Johannes Marisa said:
<blockquote>
The health sector budget is an improvement from last year but of course when you are benchmarking with the Abuja Declaration you still realise that it falls short of the stipulated 15%.
We hope the budget is going to address the mass brain drain that is underway in Zimbabwe where we are losing experienced and skilled workers to greener pastures.
</blockquote>
In his 2023 national budget presentation, Ncube acknowledged that the amount allocated to health was well below the 15% stipulated by the Abuja Declaration. Said Ncube:
<blockquote>
In 2023, the budget has set aside 11% of total expenditures towards the health sector notwithstanding financial constraints, Government is committed to the provision of quality health services, as evidenced by the ongoing construction and rehabilitation of health facilities.
In 2023, the budget has set aside 11% of total expenditures towards the health sector and the objective is to eventually meet the Abuja Declaration of 15%.
This is necessary to attain Vision 2030 of becoming an upper middle-income economy.
In 2023, the sector is projected to receive US$212,9 million from development partners towards the same areas.
</blockquote>
| <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/health/article/200004115/health-budget-insufficient">NewsDay</a>

"Health Budget Inadequate"

More than 4 000 health workers have left the country since 2021, the Health Services Board (HSB) has revealed.
HSB chairperson Dr Paulinus Sikosana on Sunday told <a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/over-4000-zimbabwean-doctors-nurses-left-country-2021-2022-11-20/">Reuters</a> that those who left over the past year include 1 700 registered nurses who resigned last year and more than 900 who left this year.
A large number of doctors and nurses in Zimbabwe have found work mainly in Britain, Australia and regional countries such as Namibia.
Zimbabwe’s health workers went on a week-long strike in June this year demanding to be paid in US dollars as inflation further weakened the local currency.
On Sunday, President Emmerson Mnangagwa said the government has to improve remuneration and conditions of service for medical practitioners to curb brain drain in the health sector.
Writing in his weekly column published in <a href="https://www.sundaynews.co.zw/president-pledges-to-improve-doctors-salaries/">The Sunday News</a>, Mnangagwa said the government will give land for free to those who wished to set up medical facilities. He said:
<blockquote>
We have to competitively reward our doctors in order to guarantee greater staff retention in our hospitals, and in the country.
Many of our doctors continue to leave the country for greener pastures; they are hotly sought after, particularly in the rich West, because of their superior training facilities.
The Second Republic has to treat in-country medical staff retention as a foremost national goal.
More visible and substantive steps will be taken in the near future to improve the working conditions for our medical staff.
</blockquote>

Over 4 000 Zimbabwean Doctors And Nurses Left The Country In 2021

A one-year-six-month-old child from Silobini Village died at the gate of Mhlahlandlela Clinic in Matobo, Matabeleland South Province where her parents had waited for about 11 hours begging a security guard and a nurse on duty to assist them.
They, however, failed to get any assistance after the guard and the nurse refused them treatment and admission saying they did not attend to anyone on weekends.
The incident happened two weeks ago.
The child’s father Misheck Maphosa believes his child wouldn’t have died if she had received medical care promptly. He said:
<blockquote>
There is absolutely nothing dignified about watching your child die. No parent should ever have to go through what we have been through.
It was on a Saturday morning and at around 8 am when my wife took our child who had respiratory problems to Mhlahlandlela Clinic for medical attention.
When she got there the security guard then informed her that the clinic does not open on weekends.
My wife then indicated that the banner stated that they attended to emergency cases around the clock but the guard declined and argued that they did not attend to anyone on weekends.
</blockquote>
Maphosa’s wife returned home for lunch around 1 PM and later, Maphosa accompanied his wife back to the clinic to find out why the child had not been attended to. He said:
<blockquote>
When we got there after lunch, we found the nurse on duty at the clinic but she did not attend to us.
She also refused us entry into the clinic. We tried begging her together with the security guard but they refused to allow us inside.
At around 7 PM, I sought the help of a police officer who then talked to the nurse and the clinic was opened at 8 pm. The child died immediately after entering the clinic.
</blockquote>
He said his daughter died at the gate exactly at 8.05 PM.
Silobini Village head Mannford Ndiweni confirmed the incident saying the community is not happy with the nurse in question and community members have since submitted their complaints to her superiors. Said Ndiweni:
<blockquote>
What happened is true and it’s pretty disturbing. We have received a lot of complaints about the nurse from community members and the loss of this child shows that this nurse is not performing her duties of saving the lives of people properly.
We have since set out our findings in detail, along with the recommendations we have made in order to ensure that the lessons of this tragic case which we forwarded to the relevant authorities should never happen again at the clinic.
We are currently waiting for their response because this case needs to be decisively dealt with.
</blockquote>
Matabeleland South provincial medical director (PMD) Dr Rudo Chikodzore said she had not received any report of the event. | <a href="https://www.bmetro.co.zw/child-dies-at-clinic-gate-after-11-hour-wait/">B-Metro</a>

Child Dies At Clinic Gate After 11-hour Wait

Doctors, nurses and supporting staff at Sakubva District Hospital in Mutare are allegedly demanding cash from expecting mothers booked for Caesarean section in exchange for service delivery at the Government hospital.
The pregnant women, most of them would have been referred to the hospital from rural areas in Mutare District and local city clinics, are being asked to pay between US$100 to US$200.
They have no option but to give the money to the hospital staff who include general hands and anaesthetists.
This is despite the fact that all costs associated with maternity care at public hospitals are covered by the Government.
In an interview with <a href="https://www.manicapost.co.zw/dr-death-at-sakubva-district-hospital/">The Manica Post</a>, Mutare District Medical Officer, Dr David Muchirewese confirmed receiving complaints from different patients about corrupt doctors, nurses and other supporting staff at Sakubva Hospital. He said:
<blockquote>
Only two incidents have been formally reported to my office and we are currently investigating them.
It is only after the investigations that we will know what really transpired and the facts of the matter.
We are sure that in the next two or three weeks we will have concluded the investigations and established the facts.
</blockquote>
However, investigations by The Manica Post established that the expecting mothers are given an option of either paying a bride or risking suffering a stillbirth or dying awaiting delivery as the doctors and nurses refuse to attend to them.
A Sakubva woman who gave birth at the hospital on November 1 told the publication that she had to fork out US$130 to be served. She said:
<blockquote>
My due date was October 31, but because I had no money, I had to endure labour pains the whole night and risk my life and that of my baby as l waited for my relatives to raise the money.
They told me that US$30 was for the anaesthetist while US$40 was for the theatre. About US$60 was for the equipment.
The rates depend on the doctor who will be on duty. I was charged US$1S0, but others paid as much as US$200 on that same day.
People are dying because of failure to raise the money. I witnessed five deaths during my admission at the hospital.
</blockquote>

Doctors, Nurses Fleecing Pregnant Women At Sakubva District Hospital | Report

The Zimbabwe Nurses Association (ZINA) has welcomed the decision by the government to extend its waiver on the re-appointment of health workers who had left the service to March 31, 2023, from September 30 this year.
ZINA president Enock Dongo told <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/desperate-government-extends-reappointment-period-for-fired-retired-nurses-as-health-workers-flight-to-greener-pastures-persists/">NewZimbabwe.com</a> that the extension was the government’s admission that things were not well in the health sector. He said:
<blockquote>
This is a clear admission on the part of government that things are not well in the health sector.
A lot of health workers have left for greener pastures and the private sector, leaving gaps that have not been filled.
Government’s call is very serious and we support the return of those who are eligible so as to give service to the public, the most affected by current shortages.
These professionals have not just left services for no apparent reason; they left because of poor working conditions, poor remuneration, intimidation by the state and a general lack of dialogue between the employer and employee.
These have to be addressed, otherwise these re-appointments will be premature. If government fails to do so then they will either look at their colleagues who are still employed and opt not to join or join and leave again.
</blockquote>
According to a letter signed by Health Services Board acting executive director, Angelbert Mbengwa, the government extended the waiver by six months. It reads:
<blockquote>
It is noted that the Board extended the waiver of reappointment for former health workers who need to rejoin the service to Central Hospitals and Provincial Medical Directors for a period of six months from 01 April 2022 to 30 September 2022.
Please be advised that the waiver has been extended for a further period of six months from 1 October 2022 to 31 March 2023 to facilitate urgent appointments to fill vacant posts in institutions.
However, the reappointment of the following categories shall be centralized at the Board; all former nurses applying to rejoin the service, members who were discharged from the service on grounds of misconduct, convicted of a criminal offence, or terminated through medical grounds.
In view of the above, Central Hospitals and Provincial Medical Directors shall continue approving applications for reappointment of the other grades as communicated before. Institutions should thus submit the applications for the above two categories to the Board.
The General Manager of the Salary Service Bureau is therefore being instructed to accept reappointments authorised at stations in line with the above framework.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe’s public sector is experiencing an exodus of health workers fleeing poor working conditions and poor remuneration to better-paying countries in Europe, Namibia, and America, among others.

Union Welcomes Govt Re-hiring Of Fired And Retired Nurses

Premier Service Medical Investments (PSMI) reopened its hospitals, Claybank (Gweru) and West End (Harare) after nurses, doctors and staff returned to work on Friday morning, reported <a href="http://thesunnews.co.zw/claybank-west-end-hospitals-re-opens/">The Sun</a>.
Nurses and Staff were reportedly paid all their outstanding salaries last week and are expecting to receive more money this week.
PSMI spokesperson, Obey Nhakura confirmed the development, saying the two hospitals are ready to assist patients. He said:
<blockquote>
I am happy that Claybank hospital staff are now back at work and ready to assist patients.
We are still assessing the situation at West End to see if all the doctors will return to work by end of the week.
But basically, everything is going back to normal at the hospitals.
</blockquote>
PSMI closed the two hospitals last month after nurses went on strike over unpaid salaries.
The reopening of Claybank and Westend comes after the government last week on Tuesday extended a bail-out package of more than ZW$4 billion to Premier Service Medical Aid Society (PSMAS) to help restore its operational viability.
Secretary to the Service Commissions, Dr Rosemary Tsitsi Choruma said the financial support is expected to help clear third-party arrears, which had suffocated operations at the medical aid society.

Claybank, West End Hospitals Re-open

The Ministry of Health and Child Care has reported that Zimbabwe recorded 151 deaths linked to malaria between January and October 2022.
The 2022 cumulative cases of Malaria stand at 92 310 as of October.
In its Weekly Diseases Surveillance report for the period 17 to 23 October, the ministry also said Zimbabwe recorded 1 650 malaria cases and 4 malaria deaths during the same week. 
The report also stated that Mashonaland East and Mashonaland Central Provinces, in that order, recorded 658 and 457 cases which are the highest in the land.
Meanwhile, the deaths were from Murewa District (2), Guruve District (1) and Harare (1).
The ministry also reported that 12.7 % of the reported cases, were from the under 5-year-olds category. 
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