Health | Covid-19 Pandemic | Zimbabwe | 263Chat
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Fri, 17 Jul 2026 12:39:51 +0000
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Govt Plans Drug Rehabilitation Centre in Every Province
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Fri, 17 Jul 2026 12:39:45 +0000
By Kudzaishe Chimonera The Government is establishing treatment and drug rehabilitation centres across the country as part of efforts to address drug and substance abuse. Responding to questions in the National Assembly, Minister of Health and Child Care Dr. Douglas Mombeshora said Government was rolling […]
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By Kudzaishe Chimonera
The Government is establishing treatment and drug rehabilitation centres across the country as part of efforts to address drug and substance abuse.
Responding to questions in the National Assembly, Minister of Health and Child Care Dr. Douglas Mombeshora said Government was rolling out rehabilitation centres despite resource constraints.
“The Government is in the process of establishing treatment and drug rehabilitation centres throughout the country. The problem is so huge that it will take us quite some time because of limited resources to be able to establish enough rehabilitation centres throughout the country.
“So far in the last year, we have managed to open four new centres and we have got a plan to open a centre in every province,” he said.
Dr. Mombeshora said land had already been identified for larger rehabilitation facilities.
“Land has also been identified to open bigger centres for rehabilitation programmes to be established in all the provinces. The Government has a plan and we are moving towards establishing those centres so that we will be able at some stage, to deal with all those who require the services,” he said.
He added that Government was also encouraging private sector participation.
“We are also encouraging private players to come in and to assist. We have a number of our rehabilitation centres that have been registered by the private sector,” said Dr. Mombeshora.
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MCAZ Engages Influencers Over Illegal Medicine Promotions on Social Media
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Thu, 16 Jul 2026 09:22:45 +0000
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By Kudzaishe Chimonera The Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) has launched an awareness campaign targeting content creators, social media influencers, celebrities and bloggers amid growing concern over the illegal promotion of medicines on digital platforms. MCAZ Public Relations and Communications Manager Davidson Kaiyo said […]
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By Kudzaishe Chimonera
The Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) has launched an awareness campaign targeting content creators, social media influencers, celebrities and bloggers amid growing concern over the illegal promotion of medicines on digital platforms.
MCAZ Public Relations and Communications Manager Davidson Kaiyo said the regulator had observed an increase in social media personalities advertising medicines without understanding the legal requirements governing such promotions.
He said influencers had become powerful voices in shaping public health decisions, influencing where people buy medicines and the treatments they choose.
“We have seen the proliferation of illegal advertisements of medicines on social media, mostly through influencers, celebrities and bloggers. They now carry significant influence in public health communication because they can affect how people use medicines, where they obtain them and what medicines they choose,” Kaiyo said.
Kaiyo said many influencers were unaware that the advertising of medicines is regulated under Zimbabwe’s Medicines and Allied Substances Control Act and its accompanying regulations.
“The advertising of medicines is governed by law. Most social media influencers are not aware of the legislation regulating these advertisements,” he said.
Rather than immediately pursuing legal action against those violating the law, MCAZ opted to engage content creators through dialogue and education.
“We realised that instead of going after them for prosecution, it would be more effective to engage them and raise awareness so they understand what is permitted under the law and what is not,” Kaiyo said.
He said the engagement brought together content creators and social media practitioners to discuss responsible advertising practices with the regulator.
Kaiyo described the discussions as productive, expressing hope that they would improve compliance with advertising regulations and strengthen efforts to protect public health.
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Scabies Outbreak Hits Harare’s Southern Suburbs
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Wed, 15 Jul 2026 11:03:18 +0000
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By Shalom Shawurwa The City of Harare has urged residents of Hopley, Stoneridge and surrounding areas to remain vigilant following the outbreak of scabies, with health officials warning that children under the age of 12 account for the majority of reported infections. In a statement, […]
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By Shalom Shawurwa
The City of Harare has urged residents of Hopley, Stoneridge and surrounding areas to remain vigilant following the outbreak of scabies, with health officials warning that children under the age of 12 account for the majority of reported infections.
In a statement, the City of Harare said the outbreak was first detected in mid-June 2026 and that public health teams had already intensified efforts to contain its spread.
“The City of Harare Health Department wishes to inform residents of Hopley, Stoneridge and surrounding communities of a scabies outbreak that was first detected in mid-June 2026. The majority of reported cases are among children below the age of 12 years,” the city health department said.
Health authorities described scabies as a highly contagious skin disease caused by microscopic mites that burrow beneath the skin, resulting in severe itching, rashes and sores that can become infected if left untreated.
According to the City, the disease spreads primarily through prolonged skin-to-skin contact or by sharing contaminated clothing, bedding and towels.
“Residents who experience persistent itching, skin rashes, or other symptoms consistent with scabies are strongly encouraged to seek prompt medical attention at their nearest health facility,” read the statement.
It stressed that early diagnosis and treatment are essential to stop the disease from spreading further.
The local authority also called on household members and close contacts of infected individuals to undergo assessment and treatment where necessary to prevent re-infestation.
To reduce transmission, the City advised residents to maintain good personal hygiene, avoid sharing clothing, towels and bedding, wash personal items regularly in hot water, complete prescribed treatment and seek medical attention as soon as symptoms appear.
Meanwhile, the City said it had activated an emergency public health response with health teams already working in affected communities.
“The City of Harare Health Department has activated outbreak response measures, including enhanced disease surveillance, case management, health education, and community awareness campaigns. Health teams are working closely with affected communities to contain the outbreak and prevent further transmission,” the statement said.
The City appealed for public cooperation as health officials work to bring the outbreak under control.
“The City of Harare urges all residents to cooperate with health personnel and adhere to the public health guidance provided by the rapid response teams,” it said.
Residents seeking further information or treatment have been encouraged to visit the nearest City of Harare clinic or other health facility as authorities continue monitoring the situation.
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Dr. Mangudya: NetOne is Setting the Standard for Corporate Citizenship
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Thu, 09 Jul 2026 09:27:12 +0000
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MUTAMBARA, Chimanimani East — Corporate success should ultimately be measured by the difference it makes in people’s lives and NetOne’s decision to celebrate its 30th anniversary by delivering free healthcare to rural communities is a model worthy of recognition, according to Mutapa Investment Fund Chief […]
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MUTAMBARA, Chimanimani East — Corporate success should ultimately be measured by the difference it makes in people’s lives and NetOne’s decision to celebrate its 30th anniversary by delivering free healthcare to rural communities is a model worthy of recognition, according to Mutapa Investment Fund Chief Executive Officer, Dr. John Panonetsa Mangudya.
Speaking during the NetOne OneHealth Medical Outreach in Mutambara, Dr. Mangudya applauded the country’s pioneering mobile network operator for demonstrating that national development is accelerated when business success is matched by meaningful investment in communities.
The outreach, which was technically powered by ZimSmart Villages, attracted hundreds of residents who received free medical consultations, chronic disease screening, cancer screening, eye examinations and medication, bringing specialist healthcare services directly to a community where access to such services is often limited.
Dr. Mangudya described the initiative as a powerful demonstration of responsible corporate leadership, saying organisations entrusted with national assets have a duty to create lasting social value alongside commercial growth.
“This is exactly the kind of impact that strengthens communities and contributes to national development,” he said. “When institutions invest in the health and well-being of citizens, they are investing in Zimbabwe’s future.”
His remarks resonated with many beneficiaries, who described the outreach as one of the most impactful community programmes to reach Mutambara in recent years.
“I travelled expecting only a consultation,” said Mrs. Lucia Mlambo, one of the beneficiaries. “Instead, I received medication, health education and reassurance from qualified medical professionals. We are grateful because many of us cannot afford these services.”
Another resident, Mr. Zachariah Madziro, praised NetOne for choosing to celebrate its milestone by giving back.
“Thirty years is worth celebrating, but celebrating by helping people is even more meaningful. Today NetOne has shown that success should be shared with the communities that support it.”
The medical outreach formed part of NetOne’s nationwide programme marking three decades of connecting Zimbabweans, reinforcing the company’s commitment to ensuring that technology becomes a catalyst for social transformation.
NetOne Group Chief Executive Officer, Eng. Raphael Mushanawani, said the company’s anniversary is an opportunity to reflect on the responsibility that comes with leadership.
“Over the past thirty years, NetOne has evolved alongside Zimbabwe. As we celebrate this milestone, we remain committed to creating value that extends beyond telecommunications. We believe that the strongest networks are those that improve lives, strengthen communities and contribute meaningfully to national development.”
NetOne Spokesperson, Mr. Ernest Magadzire, said the company’s long-term success is inseparable from the prosperity of the communities it serves.
“NetOne’s story has never been about infrastructure alone. It has always been about people. Every base station we build, every community we connect and every social investment we make is guided by one principle—that our growth must create opportunities and improve lives. This medical outreach reflects who we are as an organisation and what we stand for as we celebrate thirty years of service.”
Magadzire said the initiative aligns with Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030, the National Development Strategy 2 and NetOne’s Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) framework by promoting healthier, more resilient communities capable of participating fully in the country’s digital and economic transformation.
Healthcare professionals attending the outreach commended the overwhelming community response, noting that many beneficiaries took advantage of preventive screening services that could help detect illnesses before they become life-threatening.
As the day’s activities concluded, one message remained unmistakable: NetOne’s 30th anniversary is not simply about looking back on three decades of achievement, but about investing in the future of Zimbabwe through partnerships that place people first.
For Dr. John Panonetsa Mangudya, the outreach represented exactly what modern corporate leadership should look like—a company using its success to uplift communities, strengthen national development and leave a lasting legacy of service.
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Zim Marks First International Paramedics Day as New Law Guarantees Emergency Care
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Wed, 08 Jul 2026 17:59:03 +0000
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By Kudzaishe Chimonera Zimbabwe has commemorated its first-ever International Paramedics Day, with health authorities using the occasion to highlight sweeping legal reforms that now make the provision of emergency medical care a statutory obligation for both public and private healthcare institutions. The commemorations, held at […]
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By Kudzaishe Chimonera
Zimbabwe has commemorated its first-ever International Paramedics Day, with health authorities using the occasion to highlight sweeping legal reforms that now make the provision of emergency medical care a statutory obligation for both public and private healthcare institutions.
The commemorations, held at Harare Town House and organised by Health and Safety Solutions, brought together more than 30 public and private emergency medical service (EMS) providers to celebrate the contribution of paramedics while reflecting on the significance of the newly gazetted Medical Services Amendment Act.
The legislation requires healthcare providers to prioritise life-saving treatment before addressing issues of payment, reinforcing emergency care as a constitutional right.
Representing Health and Child Care Minister Dr Douglas Mombeshora, the Ministry’s Chief Director of Curative Services, Dr Maxwell Hove, said the law marked a major milestone in strengthening Zimbabwe’s emergency healthcare system.
“It is important to note that emergency medical services are part of the right to healthcare that is now enshrined in our Constitution. As if that was not enough, the Medical Services Amendment Act was assented to yesterday.
“Which implies that the provision of emergency medical services is now part of our law and legal framework. If we are called upon as service providers to provide emergency medical care and, for some reason, fail to do so, we may be called to account. In some cases, we may even be prosecuted.
“We are now required to provide emergency medical services first. Issues relating to remuneration or payment of fees can only be addressed after we have saved a human life. That is the significance of enshrining emergency medical services in both the Constitution and our statutes,” he said.
Dr Hove said the law also compels private hospitals to stabilise emergency patients for at least 48 hours before transferring them, regardless of whether they can immediately pay for treatment.
“When you take a patient in an emergency medical situation to a private medical institution, whether it is Milton Park Hospital, Borrowdale Trauma Centre or any other private institution, they are required to attend to that emergency patient and stabilise them for at least 48 hours before referring them to a public or another appropriate institution. Questions relating to fees can only be addressed after the patient has been taken out of the emergency situation,” he said.
He reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to strengthening emergency medical services through improved training, professional development, clinical governance and investment in emergency care systems.
Dr Hove also paid tribute to paramedics and their families, acknowledging the sacrifices made by emergency responders, particularly those who have lost their lives in the line of duty.
“I also acknowledge the families of our emergency medical personnel for their unwavering support. As we commemorate this important day, let us remember those members of the emergency medical services profession who have passed on, particularly those who lost their lives in the line of duty.
“To all emergency medical professionals, continue to uphold integrity, compassion, excellence, teamwork and respect for human dignity. To every ambulance technician, emergency medical technician and paramedic across Zimbabwe, thank you for your professionalism, resilience and unwavering commitment to saving lives,” he said.
The event also honoured emergency medical personnel who have served for up to 50 years, recognising their dedication to saving lives and strengthening Zimbabwe’s emergency healthcare system.
Health and Safety Solutions’ Getrude Chiwisa said the commemorations marked Zimbabwe’s first official participation in International Paramedics Day since joining the global initiative launched by the College of Paramedics in the United Kingdom in 2022.
“Health and Safety Solutions is the Zimbabwean representative of International Paramedics Day, which was started by the College of Paramedics in the UK in 2022. Ever since Zimbabwe joined, we had not held any celebrations, so this is the first time we have organised our own.
“The day marks the birthday of the doctor who pioneered emergency medical services globally. It is a very important day for us because paramedics are often unsung heroes whose work is rarely recognised.” she said.
Acting Harare Mayor, Councillor Jane Bingali described paramedics as indispensable frontline workers who routinely risk their lives to save others.
“Paramedics are the frontline guardians of emergency healthcare. They respond when others are running away from danger. They provide hope when families are in distress and deliver lifesaving interventions when every second counts,” she said.
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Nurses Warn of Safety Crisis at Ngomahuru Psychiatric Hospital
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Fri, 26 Jun 2026 11:30:25 +0000
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By Kudzaishe Chimonera The Zimbabwe Nurses Association (ZINA) has called for urgent intervention at Ngomahuru Psychiatric Hospital in Masvingo warning that deteriorating infrastructure, staff shortages and security lapses are placing both patients and healthcare workers at risk. The appeal follows the death of a patient, […]
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By Kudzaishe Chimonera
The Zimbabwe Nurses Association (ZINA) has called for urgent intervention at Ngomahuru Psychiatric Hospital in Masvingo warning that deteriorating infrastructure, staff shortages and security lapses are placing both patients and healthcare workers at risk.
The appeal follows the death of a patient, identified as Beatrice Murera who the association says allegedly escaped from the hospital before her body was later recovered from the Tugwi River earlier this week.
In a statement, ZINA president Enock Dongo described conditions at the psychiatric institution as critical saying long-standing concerns had not been adequately addressed.
“The Zimbabwe Nurses Association is deeply concerned by reports of deteriorating infrastructure, inadequate security measures, chronic staff shortages, and poor working conditions at Ngomahuru Psychiatric Hospital in Masvingo, which continue to place both patients and healthcare workers at serious risk,” said Dongo.
According to the association, Murera is believed to have escaped from Villa Ward 2 through a damaged perimeter fence before she was found dead in the Tugwi River on Tuesday.
ZINA said concerns over the condition of the hospital’s perimeter fence had been raised repeatedly, but no substantial repairs had been undertaken.
“The Association understands that the hospital’s perimeter fence has been in a state of disrepair for an extended period. Concerns regarding its condition have reportedly been raised on numerous occasions, with recommendations made for its urgent replacement. However, no meaningful intervention has been undertaken to address the problem,” Dongo said.
The association also expressed concern about the condition of the hospital’s Acute Ward where patients requiring intensive psychiatric care are accommodated.
“The Acute Ward, which houses patients with severe mental health conditions requiring close supervision, is in a deplorable state. The ward’s roof is reportedly on the verge of collapsing, posing a serious danger to both patients and staff,” he said.
Dongo said persistent staff shortages were further affecting patient care and limiting the ability of nurses to closely monitor vulnerable patients.
“The inadequate staffing levels make it extremely difficult for nurses to provide continuous supervision and quality care to vulnerable psychiatric patients, thereby increasing risk of patients absconding and compromising the safety of both patients and healthcare workers,” he said.
The association also said the hospital has faced prolonged power outages after a transformer was destroyed by fire last month leaving wards with limited lighting, particularly during the night.
“The resulting power outages have left wards in darkness, particularly during winter when the existing solar system is unable to generate sufficient electricity to provide reliable lighting throughout the night,” Dongo said.
ZINA warned that the hospital’s proximity to the Tugwi River exposed patients who leave the facility to additional dangers including drowning and attacks by wild animals.
“As a result of the deteriorating infrastructure and inadequate security measures, patients are reportedly able to leave the hospital premises with relative ease, exposing them to numerous dangers, including injury, exploitation, and tragically loss of life,” he said.
The association extended its condolences to Murera’s family describing the incident as a tragedy that may have been preventable.
It has called on the relevant authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding the patient’s death and urgently address the challenges at the institution including repairing the perimeter fence, rehabilitating the Acute Ward restoring reliable electricity and increasing staffing levels.
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Tech Innovators Get Chance to Transform Healthcare Through Cimas Healthathon
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Wed, 24 Jun 2026 14:47:18 +0000
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Cimas Health Group has opened applications for the third edition of its Healthathon innovation challenge calling on Zimbabwean innovators to develop technology-driven solutions aimed at transforming healthcare delivery and improving access to medical services.Cimas Launches Healthathon 3.0, Offering US$7 000 for Innovative Healthcare Solutions The […]
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Cimas Health Group has opened applications for the third edition of its Healthathon innovation challenge calling on Zimbabwean innovators to develop technology-driven solutions aimed at transforming healthcare delivery and improving access to medical services.Cimas Launches Healthathon 3.0, Offering US$7 000 for Innovative Healthcare Solutions
The initiative, dubbed Healthathon 3.0, is being held under the theme “Reimagining Healthcare Through Disruptive Innovation” and seeks to harness local talent to address some of the most pressing challenges facing the healthcare sector.
The competition is open to innovation hubs, start-ups, university technology teams, software developers and product innovators from across the country.
Participants will be tasked with turning their ideas into minimum viable products capable of addressing real-world healthcare challenges, including fragmented health data systems, limited access to healthcare services, inefficiencies in service delivery, preventive healthcare gaps and patient experience concerns.
According to Cimas Health Group, the challenge is designed to encourage practical innovation and create solutions that can contribute to a more efficient, accessible and affordable healthcare system.
To incentivise participation, the organisation has set aside a total prize fund of US$7 000.
The winning team will receive US$3 500 while the second and third-placed teams will walk away with US$2 000 and US$1 500 respectively.
Organisers say the competition provides an opportunity for innovators to showcase their creativity while contributing to the future of healthcare in Zimbabwe.
The Healthathon comes at a time when digital technologies are increasingly being adopted across the health sector to improve patient care, strengthen data management and expand access to services, particularly in underserved communities.
By encouraging collaboration between technology experts, entrepreneurs and healthcare stakeholders, Cimas hopes to identify innovative solutions capable of addressing longstanding challenges within the country’s healthcare ecosystem.
Applications for Healthathon 3.0 will close on 12 July 2026.
Interested participants can obtain more information and register through the official Cimas Health Group website and social media platforms.
Registration for the competition can also be completed through the Healthathon 3.0 Registration Portal.
Organisers have encouraged innovators from diverse backgrounds to participate saying disruptive ideas and technology-based solutions have the potential to reshape healthcare delivery and improve outcomes for communities across Zimbabwe.
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Knitted Hope Restores Breast Cancer Survivors’ Confidence
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Wed, 17 Jun 2026 12:49:41 +0000
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A community-based initiative in Harare is helping breast cancer survivors rebuild their confidence and self-esteem by providing free knitted prosthetic breasts and psychosocial support to women who have undergone mastectomies. The Mt Pleasant Heights Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Sister to Sister Breast Cancer Initiative based in […]
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A community-based initiative in Harare is helping breast cancer survivors rebuild their confidence and self-esteem by providing free knitted prosthetic breasts and psychosocial support to women who have undergone mastectomies.
The Mt Pleasant Heights Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Sister to Sister Breast Cancer Initiative based in the Mt Pleasant Heights suburb of Harare was established to support women undergoing chemotherapy or radiation treatment as well as those who have completed their treatment.
The initiative seeks to address one of the often-overlooked effects of breast cancer treatment – the emotional and psychological impact of losing a breast.
Founder and coordinator Eugenia Bhebhe said the idea for the project was inspired by her late mother’s experience with breast cancer.
“My mother’s experience with breast cancer. She suffered a lot from a negative self-image and she didn’t have the option of buying silicone breasts,” she said.
Bhebhe said she later met a friend from Ivory Coast who had undergone a mastectomy and introduced her to the concept of knitted and crocheted prosthetic breasts.
“I realised that there are many women out there who struggle with self-image after mastectomy and the knitted breasts are an accessible alternative to silicone ones,” she said.
Her friend had been involved with a United States-based organisation called Knitted Knockers, which provides handmade breast prostheses to women who have undergone mastectomies.
The pair began knitting together and donating the prostheses to cancer organisations in Ivory Coast.
When Bhebhe relocated to Zimbabwe, she continued the work by donating knitted prostheses to cancer centres before proposing the idea to her church.
“I suggested the idea to the church and the church enthusiastically adopted the idea and formulated a well-organised and structured project,” she said.
Today, the initiative offers a range of services aimed at supporting breast cancer survivors and their families.
These include training volunteers in knitting and crocheting prosthetic breasts, distributing the handmade prostheses free of charge and offering dietary health education on cancer prevention.
The group also conducts healthy gardening and cooking training sessions to encourage better nutrition among survivors and their families.
In addition, the initiative provides free counselling services to cancer patients, their relatives and caregivers, recognising the emotional strain often associated with the disease.
Spiritual support also forms a key part of the programme with the group offering prayer and encouragement to survivors and their loved ones.
Esther Matshe, the initiative’s Publicity, Marketing and Communication Officer said the project was driven by a desire to make a meaningful difference in the lives of women affected by breast cancer.
“The desire is to make a difference in the life of another woman in need. We are mission-oriented to minister and tell the love of God,” she said.
Breast cancer remains one of the most common cancers affecting women worldwide and health experts say psychosocial support is an essential component of recovery and rehabilitation.
For many women who cannot afford silicone prostheses, the knitted alternatives provided by the Mt Pleasant Heights SDA Sister to Sister Breast Cancer Initiative offer not only physical comfort but also a renewed sense of dignity and confidence.
The initiative’s members say their mission is simple: to ensure that no woman faces the emotional challenges of life after mastectomy alone.
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Cimas Throws Down Challenge to Tech Innovators
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Thu, 04 Jun 2026 14:50:00 +0000
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Local healthcare innovators, startups and technology enthusiasts have been challenged to develop transformative solutions capable of reshaping healthcare delivery after Cimas Health Group officially launched the third edition of its annual digital health innovation competition, the Healthathon 3.0. The competition, which runs under the theme […]
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Local healthcare innovators, startups and technology enthusiasts have been challenged to develop transformative solutions capable of reshaping healthcare delivery after Cimas Health Group officially launched the third edition of its annual digital health innovation competition, the Healthathon 3.0.
The competition, which runs under the theme “Reimagining Healthcare Through Disruptive Innovation”, seeks to identify homegrown technological solutions that can improve healthcare access, affordability, operational efficiency, disease prevention, wellness and patient experience across Zimbabwe’s healthcare sector.
Speaking at the launch, Cimas Health Group’s CEO, Vuli Ndlovu said the initiative reflects the organisation’s commitment to driving innovation in a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape.
“As the healthcare industry undergoes rapid technological transformation, Cimas Health Group acknowledges that innovation remains a critical pillar in shaping the future of healthcare
“Through the Healthathon challenge, we are demonstrating our commitment to addressing some of the complex and evolving challenges facing our country’s healthcare sector, including affordability constraints, limited access to healthcare services, fragmented data systems, delayed service delivery, low preventive healthcare engagement, operational inefficiencies and rising healthcare costs,” said Ndlovu.
Registration for the competition opens on June 22 and closes on July 12, with the grand finale scheduled for August 28.
Unlike previous editions, Healthathon 3.0 will feature a single broad innovation challenge rather than multiple categories, giving participants the freedom to tackle any healthcare problem they believe requires urgent attention.
“There will be no predefined categories, giving participants the freedom to reimagine healthcare from any perspective or angle. This approach is designed to encourage greater depth, creativity and diversity of ideas across all healthcare domains,” said Ndlovu.
The competition is open to innovation hubs, startups, university technology teams and independent product developers with organisers hoping to attract some of the country’s brightest minds.
Ndlovu described the Healthathon as more than a competition, saying it had evolved into a national movement aimed at accelerating digital health innovation.
“The Cimas Healthathon has now grown into more than just an event. It has become a national movement for digital health innovation. Our vision is not simply to host a competition, but to build a structured innovation funnel that produces pilot-ready solutions for potential adoption, strategic partnership and further incubation within the healthcare ecosystem.” he said.
Participants will be expected to develop practical, scalable and sustainable solutions that address challenges within Zimbabwe’s healthcare environment while drawing on emerging technologies and global best practices.
The ultimate winner will receive US$3 500 while second and third place teams will walk away with US$2 000 and US$1 500 respectively.
However, organisers say the biggest prize may be the opportunity to pilot successful innovations within the Cimas Health Group network.
“Beyond the monetary prizes, participants stand to gain something even more valuable the opportunity to pilot their innovations with Cimas Health Group and contribute to shaping the future of healthcare in Zimbabwe,” said Ndlovu.
Cimas Health Group Chief Information Officer Foster Akaketwa outlined the competition’s eligibility requirements and selection process.
He said teams must consist of between three and five members and are encouraged to include participants with diverse technical and professional backgrounds.
“Participation in the Cimas Healthathon 3.0 is open to Zimbabwean innovative and solution-driven hubs, startups, university technology teams as well as independent product teams committed to transforming healthcare delivery in the country through technology and innovation,” Akaketwa said.
According to Akaketwa, all applications will be submitted through an online platform, with the top 20 teams initially shortlisted before a further selection process narrows the field to six finalists who will compete for the top prizes.
He said teams would be free to identify their own healthcare challenges but would need to clearly demonstrate the significance of the problem, the people affected and the viability of their proposed solutions.
“Teams are allowed to choose their own problem area, but must show why the problem is material, who it affects, and why their solution is viable,” he said.
Akaketwa added that originality would be a key requirement.
“Submitted solutions must be unique and should not merely replicate existing platforms without significant adaptation, improvement or contextual innovation.”
Selected teams will undergo orientation sessions covering prototype development, intellectual property rights, data protection requirements and judging criteria before progressing to the final demonstration stage.
Industry observers say initiatives such as the Healthathon are becoming increasingly important as healthcare systems around the world embrace digital transformation, artificial intelligence, predictive analytics and telemedicine to improve service delivery.
The group believes local innovation could play a critical role in addressing persistent healthcare challenges while creating opportunities for young technology entrepreneurs.
“Together, we can transform challenges into opportunities, ideas into innovations and innovations into practical solutions that make healthcare smarter, faster and more inclusive. So today, I call upon all innovators, dreamers and disruptors: this is your moment,” Ndlovu said.
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Govt Activates Ebola Response Plan Despite Zero Cases
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Tue, 02 Jun 2026 10:14:15 +0000
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The government has confirmed that there are currently no reported cases of Ebola Virus Disease in the country but says it has heightened surveillance and activated preparedness measures following an outbreak elsewhere in the region. Speaking at a press conference, Health and Child Care Minister […]
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The government has confirmed that there are currently no reported cases of Ebola Virus Disease in the country but says it has heightened surveillance and activated preparedness measures following an outbreak elsewhere in the region.
Speaking at a press conference, Health and Child Care Minister Dr Douglas Mombeshora said authorities were closely monitoring the situation due to the high volume of travel and movement of people within the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
“There are currently no reported cases of Ebola virus disease in Zimbabwe. However, given the high volume of human movement within the Southern African Development Community region, Zimbabwe remains on high alert,” he said.
Dr Mombeshora said health authorities had moved swiftly to strengthen the country’s readiness following the declaration of the outbreak although he did not specify the country affected.
“As a response, the Government of Zimbabwe has activated its preparedness measures immediately following the outbreak declaration,” he said.
The minister also highlighted the challenges associated with the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus noting that there is currently no approved vaccine or specific treatment available.
“There is currently no approved vaccine for the Bundibugyo strain and no specific cure. Treatment is supportive and is most effective when initiated early,” he said.
Health experts say early detection and supportive medical care significantly improve a patient’s chances of survival.
Dr Mombeshora urged Zimbabweans to remain alert and seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms associated with Ebola particularly after travelling to affected areas or coming into contact with a suspected case.
“We urge all Zimbabweans to remain vigilant and seek immediate medical attention if they develop symptoms consistent with Ebola particularly following travel to affected areas or contact with a suspected case,” he said.
The government says surveillance systems are in place and health officials continue to monitor developments across the region as part of efforts to prevent the disease from crossing into Zimbabwe.
Ebola is a severe viral illness that spreads through direct contact with infected bodily fluids and can cause symptoms including fever, fatigue, muscle pain, vomiting and bleeding.
Previous outbreaks in Africa have prompted countries in the region to strengthen border screening and emergency response mechanisms.
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