Munyaradzi Blessing Doma

Female mortician opens up on ‘talking’ to the dead and more…

**Oppar Kadungure stands in the mortuary**

When she was 8-years-old, she attended a neighbour’s funeral and instead of sitting with her age mates outside the house, she went straight into the kitchen and sat right next to the coffin, leaving all mourners shocked. She once ‘talked’ to the dead, pleading with them for a safe trip after the hearse developed a mysterious fault. Today she is a proud mortician, a career she believes is her calling. To know more about these stories, MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA (MBD) interviewed OPPAR KADUNGURE (OK) as the latter opened up on her journey of becoming a mortician and experiences.

MBD: When and where were you born?

OK: I was born on 3 July 1995 at Trojan Mine in Bindura.

MBD: Tell me any childhood memories you still remember, that may be relevant to your career today?

OK: When I was 8-years-old doing Grade 3, our neighbour died and we then went to the funeral. Instead of just going where other kids were, I went inside the house and I sat next to the coffin leaving mourners stunned. My mum who was also attending the funeral was then told and was equally shocked and she called me outside. She asked me what I had just done but to her surprise, I saw nothing wrong with it. And when she tried to scare me even with the help of other mourners I was not moved. I think that is when I just started to feel that I was not afraid of the dead…hahahaha (she laughs).

MBD: Why did you decide you wanted to be a mortician?

OK: When I wanted to write my ‘O’ levels, my father used to tell me to get a drivers licence, saying he used to see some young female morticians. And he just thought I could do the same. But I was not concerned at the time, because I looked down upon the job. When I divorced my husband, I then seriously thought about becoming a mortician and my sister-in-law told me about an opportunity that had arisen somewhere. The following day I then went there and I trained and during the training I then gained more courage. I asked a lot of questions because I really wanted to know and that was in 2019.

MBD: How did your family react when you told them you were now taking this as a career?

OK: My dad didn’t say anything negative since he used to encourage me, but my mum was a bit skeptical.

MBD: Tell me a bit about the training.

OK: It was for one month and in that one month, we had theory and practical. For the theory, we would write notes and study them on issues like what is a mortician, what are the duties, what should you wear, how should you treat the dead, even those who would have lost a loved one. Then we also got to learn about burial; what is it all about, what do you do, how do you use the machines, what you use etc. The training also included how to do paper work for the deceased because there are times when you have to help the family of the deceased with paper work. Like let’s say someone dies at the hospital ward or at home, we were taught all those processes. We were also taught that our work goes hand in hand with culture, we should treat the dead with respect. Then we got to be practical, we got to do all the things we had learnt in theory, putting it into practice.

MBD: How was your first day doing practical work?

OK: I remember we were cleaning the mortuary then my boss said please take something from there. He didn’t mention where he meant exactly but I remember he just pointed to the mortuary door. Confidently I went to where he was pointing and I opened and saw the body and I stood there asked him what he wanted me to do. He was impressed. He told me that he thought I was going to be afraid and he then started making jokes about the dead as he was still assessing if I was brave and indeed I passed that test. I just think I was already brave because even when I went home, I never had any nightmares or any fear of what I had experienced. Hence I strongly believe that for me, this is really a calling.

MBD: Tell me any of your experiences working as a mortician?

OK: I remember driving a hearse to Murewa in the evening when the car developed a mechanical fault. What surprised me was that prior to this journey, I had checked everything and nothing was amiss. So I called my boss who then sent a mechanic who was close to where I had the break down. The mechanic came but he said he did not see anything wrong with the car. Then I remembered what I had been taught in training about some strange things that could happen. We were told that sometimes the dead could ‘cause’ strange things to happen such that to correct this, ‘talk’ to the deceased. I remember it was around 10 pm and I went to the coffin, opened it and ‘spoke’ to the deceased. I explained that maybe he didn’t want to be buried in the rural areas but I was just doing my job and wanted us to travel safely. After ‘speaking’ to him, I closed the coffin and I started the car and drove off, and arrived safely in Murewa. When I explained to some close relatives that we had developed some mechanical fault along the way, I was then told how the guy never liked his rural area, so I guess even in death, he was expressing that wish. Then I also have another experience when I handled the funeral of a tout, yaah that funeral was something else. His colleagues asked me politely that they wanted to the coffin taken to Park Lane in Harare, where he used operate from. Little did I know that they had other plans. They asked me to open the back doors of the hearse and I obliged, as I thought this was just a way of honouring their dearly departed. In split second, four of them quickly took hold of the coffin and placed it on top a Honda Fit which sped off, as the driver went on to perform some daring stunts whilst his colleagues were holding the coffin. I was left stunned to say the least, because I was afraid that they would drop the coffin but they never did. They took the coffin to where the funeral was being held and even at the burial, they said they would take over, haaa that is another day I will never forget.

MBD: What are some of the myths you can share?

OK: Ummmm what can I say…well I have heard some people claim that someone can rise from the dead, but I have never seen that or heard it from any of my colleagues. Guess that’s what I can say.

MBD: How does your fiancé feel about your career?

OK: I feel he understands it so well and he is okay with it; we are yet to have any issue about it. So I don’t think he has any issue about it. Even his relatives support me by linking me with some other recruiting companies.

MBD: Do you have any relative(s) who is also a mortician?

OK: I have a sister who is also a mortician and we encourage each other in our work, we try to make each other strong.

MBD: What would be your advice to other women who may want to choose this career?

OK: My advice is simple, follow your heart, and don’t be worried or discouraged by anything.

MBD: Tell me a bit about your day at work?

OK: Well when I get to work, I get to the cold room and see which bodies are there so that I know what I will be doing that day. I do that because if let’s say I have a burial that day, I have to make sure that all is prepared for the day. There are other issues that may also need my attention, let’s say there’s body removal. There are a lot of processes, like there’s also body washing, then dressing, till the time of burial, the process are quite a lot and in all this, you have to practice due diligence. One thing I may also add which can also work as advice is that, at a funeral parlour, you have to know all the processes. So you can’t say I just want to be a driver, you have to be well aware of the processes. You have to be ready for all processes so you need to be aware.

MBD: I know you have gotten used to this job but is there a time when you felt really scared?

OK: Yes, there is; a body had been in the mortuary for two months because of some family squabbles and I can tell you that when we were finally assigned for the burial, what I saw was something else. The body had turned black, I mean really black, I had never seen a body like that, like it was disfigured such that it was really scary, I can never compare it to anything I have ever witnessed. Up to now that’s one experience I will mention as scary.

MBD: What would be your advice to other morticians?

OK: I believe you should really love your work, like I really love my work and one thing I can also say is you really need to be prayerful. Like you can experience some things that can really shake you, like the incident I told you about a break down I once had. So it is in such circumstances that surely prayer will help you to conquer and be strong. Sometimes you get to a funeral where there are feuding families, so even despite being a service provider, you can be also be caught in crossfire and get attacked so you need to be very careful about that. So for me spiritual guidance is key in this work, you need to seek God’s intervention all the time.

MBD: Have you ever been treated differently just because you are a female mortician?

OK: Yeah, I remember there was a funeral which I once serviced and the burial was in Mutare. When some relatives of the deceased were introduced to me as their driver and funeral director, they were really skeptical. I remember one of the men kept on asking, “so you are the driver we are going with”, as he shook his head. He could not believe that I was able to handle their funeral let alone drive to Mutare. But I’m happy to say as the funeral progressed, they all changed their attitudes and started respecting me because they saw how I was handling all the processes. The whole funeral ended with the family praising me for the job well done because I had proved them wrong. So you will find out that there are some people who may look down upon female funeral directors but then as long as one knows their job, it is not an issue of male or female, the job just needs to be done properly.

MBD: Away from funerals, what do you do in your spare time?

OK: I just love to relax while listening to gospel music because like I said, you need to be spiritually uplifted to do this kind of work, you need all the guidance you need.

MBD: Thank you for your time Oppar and all the best in your work.

OK: Thank you too Munya.

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Spare a thought for women who use drugs

BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA

There is need to spare a thought for women who use drugs in Africa as they are disproportionately affected by several issues of society which leaves them more vulnerable, Tania Marumbwa, activist for the Community of People who Use Drugs in Zimbabwe has said.

Marumbwa revealed this during the recently International Conference on AIDS and STIs in Africa (ICASA) at the launch of the Harare Declaration by and for African Women who Use Drugs.

She said the obtaining situation was that African women who use drugs in Sub-Saharan Africa continue to experience inequality, violence, stigma, high exposure to HIV and discrimination from all sections of the society.

“Even where laws that protect them exist, the level of implementation is yet to reach the

desired level to adequately protect women who use drugs.

“It is therefore crucial that all relevant

stakeholders, governments, civil society organisations, and inter-governmental organizations come together in a coordinated fashion to increase the protection of the rights of these women.

“Women who use drugs in Africa have less social, psychological and economic support and are

more likely to have experienced traumatic events, such as sexual and physical assault and abuse

as children and/or adults and to be currently exposed to intimate partner violence.

“The experience of trauma can lead to the development of post-traumatic stress disorder or other mental health problems and can also increase the risk of substance use,” said Marumbwa.

She added that women who use drugs are affected in several facets of life including having difficulties to find jobs, which they need so as to live better lives. Marumbwa further revealed that as a result of finding it difficult to get jobs, economic burdens are heavier for them.

“Vulnerability experienced by women who use drugs pushes them to susceptibility to HIV.

“Women who use drugs are likely to share their injecting paraphernalia with more people than

their male counterparts, trade sex for drugs and have difficulties in negotiating condom use

with sexual partners.

“Generally, women who trade sex are more likely to experience violence and many have limited power to engage in safe sex or safe injecting practices, placing them at an increased risk of infections.

“Women who use drugs face significant barriers to accessing both HIV and harm reduction services,” said Marumbwa.

Marumbwa however said not all hope is lost, as they made a clarion call to African governments and all stakeholders for women who use drugs to be protected.

Some of the recommendations include; “for women who have experienced or continue to experience intimate/ gender-based violence; trauma informed treatment are recommended.

“There is also a need to ensure high level collaboration between the health system, community systems and justice sector to address all sorts of violence against women who use drugs.

“Sexual Reproductive Health Rights services for women who use drugs should address their wide spectrum of needs. They include cervical cancer and sexually transmitted illness (STI) screening and treatment and contraception to avoid unwanted

pregnancy.

“Services for pregnant women should include gynecological/obstetric care and

medically assisted treatment (MAT) treatment in case of opioid dependence.

“Support for parenting, including skills development/mentoring is needed and address childcare provision concerns.

“Support women who use drugs in accessing harm reduction services in a manner that is stigma free and a way in which services are available and accessible to them.

“Efforts are required to counter stigma and discrimination faced by these women. A range of interventions should be made available including MAT, NSP, counseling among others.

“The growing number of incarcerated women who use drugs face unique challenges that prisons and jails aren’t equipped to address.

“This means that “incarceration should not ever be an option for women who use drugs unless for other reasons”.

“Incarceration also has devastating effects on the families of incarcerated women who use drugs as it leaves lasting negative impacts on their children, and causes financial instability for their families as in most cases they are the sole breadwinners,” she added.

Marumbwa added that there was need to deliver services to women who use drugs in environments that are gender responsive, welcoming, non-judgemental, supporting and physically and emotionally safe.

“Spaces that are inclusive and safe for trans women and sex workers are needed. Services should be holistic and comprehensive, promoting healthy connections to children, family members, significant others and the community.

“Ensure the participation of women who use drugs in policy and programme development.

“This will promote gender-responsive policies and programmes by introducing and expanding

services and policies that meet the needs of women who use drugs.

“The leadership of women who use drugs should be deliberately sought in PWUID led structures and in other structures created to meet the needs of PWUIDs.

“Deliberate attempts should be made to assist in empowering women who use drugs both

socially and economically.

“Women who use drugs led CSOs should be funded to create interventions that will adequately address the needs of women who use drugs.”

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SRHR Community Awards held

**Some of the individuals and representatives of organisations who were awarded**

BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA

Communities are doing a lot of work in terms of Sexual Reproductive Health Rights and they need to be appreciated for the major role they are playing, Health Fonds Trust, National Coordinator, Tatenda Cole Chigwada, has said.
Chigwada revealed this at the first edition of the SRHR Community Awards which were held in the capital last week.
Health Fonds Trust in partnership with Sex Workers Empowered Advocating for their Rights (SWEAR) with support from Aids and Rights Alliance for Southern Africa (ARASA) and Aids Fonds held the awards ceremony.
The awards were meant to recognise individuals and organisations who have made an impact on work around Sexual Reproductive Health And Rights HIV related issues for key populations and young people living and affected by HIV.
“We noticed that communities are doing a lot of work in terms of SRHR so we thought we need to show our appreciation for the work being done.
“This is meant to celebrate them and to boost their morale and to give them credit for the wonderful work.
“This is the beginning,” said Chigwada in his opening remarks at the awards.
The awards were graced by officials from National AIDS Council, CeSHHAR Zimbabwe and Zimbabwe AIDS Network.

The Award Categories were as follows :

Advocate of the Year Award – Leeroy Gumpo from Bulawayo.
Innovation in HIV Prevention Award – Ceshhar Zimbabwe.
Outstanding Community outreach awards – Gumisayi Bonzo.
Youth Leadeship in SRHR Award – Tatenda Chigwada.
Excellence in Research and Education Award – Youth Gate Zimbabwe Trust.
Stigma Reduction Champion Award – Chipiwa Mugabe.
Health Care Provider of the Year Award – Mavis Makurira From Populations Solutions For Health.
Adherence Champion Award – Chipiwa Mugabe from Masvingo.
Prep Champion Award – Primrose Kavhumbura.
Most Promising Upcoming Organisation award – Swear Zimbabwe.
U=U Champion – Learnmore Chikwewo.
Ally of the Community Award – Takudzwa R Zingwanda.
District Aids Coordinator of the Year Award – Getrude Gatsi from National Aids Council
Community Inclusion Champion of the Year Award – Blessed Nodza.
Leadership in Service Award – Ambassador Onward Gibson from My Age Zimbabwe, Masvingo.
Innovator in Community Service Award – Thapelo Wilson from Mash Central.
Women Empowerment leadership award – Mary Audry Chard.

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Work towards ending AIDS goes beyond ICASA

**Disability Youth Advocate**
**Takavinya Yolanda Munyengwa**

BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA

The work to end AIDS by 2030 goes beyond international conferences as there is more work to be done which needs total dedication of everyone concerned, Disability Youth Advocate, Takavinya Yolanda Munyengwa has revealed.

Munyengwa was speaking at the recent International Conference on AIDS and STIs in Africa (ICASA) which was held at the Rainbow Towers Hotel in Harare.

The theme for ICASA 2023 was “AIDS IS NOT OVER: Address inequalities, accelerate inclusion and innovation.”

“Let us be reminded that our work extends beyond these conference walls.

“It extends to clinics, health facilities, community spaces and countries across the globe.

“We must engage policymakers, healthcare providers, researchers, and civil society organizations in our pursuit to end AIDS by 2030.

“By uniting our voices and resources, we can drive meaningful change and create an inclusive environment that supports, diversity of young women and girls, people with disabilities, women, key populations and all those affected by this devastating disease.

“As we gather here today, let us renew our commitment to the cause. Let us revolutionize prevention strategies, enhance access to treatment, and eliminate the stigma and discrimination and criminalization associated with HIV/AIDS,” she said.

Munyengwa further revealed that all inequalities had to be addressed because time is running out as she also reiterated that the journey towards ending AIDS by 2030 required working together being resilient.

“Let us address inequalities, knowing that time is of the essence and let us accelerate inclusion and innovation recognizing that our ability to adapt and overcome will redefine our success in the face of future challenges.

“Together, we have the power to transform lives, communities, and nations.

“Let us leave this conference not only inspired but equipped with the tools, knowledge, and renewed determination to create a world free from stigma, discrimination, criminalization because this is how we will END AIDS by 2023.”

She added, “by accelerating progress, we can ensure that the goals we have set are achieved swiftly and effectively.

“We must move forward with a sense of urgency, leaving no one behind, and providing access to life-saving treatments and prevention methods to all those in need.

“Building resilience is equally important as we face a rapidly changing landscape in the field of HIV/AIDS. We must anticipate and adapt to the evolving challenges that arise. Our resilience lies in our ability to learn from past experiences, embrace new technologies, and empower communities affected by HIV/AIDS.

“By building resilience, we can withstand any obstacles that come our way and guarantee the sustainability of our efforts for generations to come.”

Munyengwa further revealed that ICASA 2023 serves as a platform for knowledge exchange, collaboration, and introspection, hence delegates had to seize the opportunity to share insights, foster partnerships, and strengthen our resolve to fight against HIV/AIDS.

“Together, we can amplify our impact and ensure that progress is not hindered by any barriers, whether they are social, economic, or cultural.

“The theme for this conference resonates deeply with the current situation for PLHIV.

“It highlights the urgent need to not only make progress in combating HIV/AIDS but also emphasizes the importance of addressing inequalities and accelerate the inclusion of people left behind such as key populations, young people and children to close the gap and end AIDS by 2023.

“We find ourselves at a crucial juncture where our collective efforts are the key to shaping a brighter future,” she added.

FAO’s Farm Field School; a game changer for rural poultry farmers

**Elina Takaedza-poultry farmer from** **Murewa**, **sharing her experience with the Farm Field School**

BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA

Murewa poultry farmers who are beneficiaries of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) supported Farm Field School, have revealed that the programme which was teaching them about Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), had not only helped them with the much needed knowledge but also improved their livelihoods.

The villagers revealed this on Day 5 (Wednesday) of the World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week for the Africa Campaign which was held at Mukusha Homestead in Kambarami Village.

Several farmers revealed that before the coming in of FAO, they were self diagnosing and self medicating their chickens, thereby not only endangering the lives of their birds but their own too.

Elina Takaedza aged 53, from Ward 10, revealed that before the project, she was not aware what AMR was about and how it concerned her as a poultry farmer.

Takaedza revealed that the project started in June 2021 in Chidhakwa Village and they were 25.

“What I can say is that we were not aware of this programme but now I can say that I’m well knowledgeable on the issue, all thanks to FAO.

“Now I know that you have to use correct medication when rearing our poultry.

“We were using some drugs which are not supposed to be used for poultry. We were taking medication meant for humans and giving it to our chickens.

“But we then we got to know that the over use or under use of antimicrobials will lead to antimicrobial resistance. We also got to learn that AMR will be a concern to humans if they are to eat the meat where AMR was a risk.

“It’s really a tough scenario because most people are unaware consuming meat where there was a risk of AMR.

She added that whilst some people who were not part of the programme thought it was easy, thinking they were just getting everything for free, it wasn’t so as hard work had to be practiced to succeed.

“What I can just say is that FAO gave us something that we will never forget.

“At first we didn’t know that there was a special medication for poultry which cannot be used for humans but now we have that knowledge.

“So we were taught on behavioral change in antimicrobial use and we also realised that we can produce more in our farming production.”

Takaedza also revealed that they were empowered on bio-security measures and they were told by the experts to do what is best for their production.

She further said that they started off with 100 chickens and bags of feed but already, all members were able to get 25 birds and feed each, as proceeds from the initial 100 birds batch.

Takaedza also said they have continued with their project which continues to bear fruits for them.

Another farmer openly revealed that she had been using antibiotics to treat her chickens before she finally saw the light and is now bearing the fruits of this FAO led initiative.

**School pupils acting a drama about AMR in poultry farming**

Amanda Gwangwadze an Agricultural Extension Officer, who trained the farmers revealed that they had to study what was causing AMR issues.

“So we found out that the major driver of AMR is antimicrobial use and in this we were looking at it in relation to broilers whereby people get to eat those (broilers) which have resistance towards antibiotics.

“So when someone eats a chicken which had developed resistance towards antibiotics for example, this is not good for their health.

“Some people were using antibiotics like amoxyline and then others were using antiretrovirals which are all meant for humans.

“The farmers were using the antibiotics so that their chickens appear very good for the market,” said Gwangwadze.

She revealed that the programme initially started with 19 farmers, before the number grew to 25 but then they later had a few drop outs.

Gwangwadze added that the main objective was to get farmers was to have behaviour change in how they were using antibiotics.

“They (farmers) were abusing antibiotics for their chickens and with time, because of the abuse of the medication, it then got to lose its effect.

“But after the training, they got to know that they had to seek expert’s advice from the Vet or Agricultural Extension Officers.

“We would have situations where farmers were giving their chickens ARVs and looking at the birds’ sizes, you could tell something was amiss and some would confess,” said Gwangwadze.

She added that they were also training farmers on bio security measures; hygiene practices needed in rearing of chickens so as to get better production.

And to show that the AMR awareness programme in poultry farming had really been well received in the Murewa rural, pupils from nearby schools were reciting poems and acting dramas on AMR.

And not to be outdone by the pupils, the farmers who were part of the Farm Field School, also showed that they were good students after all, reciting poems and acted dramas on AMR much to the appreciation of guests who gathered at Mukusha Homestead.

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Multisectoral approach needed to tackle AMR

**Deputy Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Vangelis Haritatos-pic WHO Zimbabwe**

BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA

Antimicrobial Resistance is a complex phenomenon which requires the support of several sectors as it (AMR) is an emerging health threat, Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Dr Anxious Masuka has revealed.

Minister Masuka revealed this on Monday in a speech read on his behalf by his Deputy Vangelis Haritatos, during the official opening of the World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week Campaign for Africa at a local hotel.

He said that AMR is a complex issue hence all hands should be on deck as it demands immediate attention and united action.

“It is a one health issue, encompassing the interconnectedness of human health, environmental health, and agricultural practices.

“We must recognize that AMR affects not only human health but also the health and well-being of our animals and the environment we share.

“To effectively combat AMR, we need a concerted effort from various sectors, with human health, environmental conservation, and agriculture leading the charge.

“We must work together, across disciplines and boundaries, to develop strategies that promote responsible antibiotic use, strengthen infection prevention and control measures, and preserve the effectiveness of these life-saving medications,” said Dr Masuka.

He added; “the fight against AMR requires sustained commitment and collaborative action. It is not a battle that can be fought by a single sector or country alone.

“We must engage stakeholders from the human health sector, veterinary medicine, agriculture, environmental conservation, and beyond.

“By working together, sharing knowledge and resources, and adopting a One Health approach, we can make significant progress in preserving the effectiveness of antibiotics and safeguarding the health of our people, animals, and environment.

“Together with our partners in the health and environmental sectors, we will strive to create a future where antibiotics remain effective tools in treating diseases, both in humans and animals.”

Speaking at the same event, Minister of Health and Child Care, Doctor Douglas Mombeshora said, “we must not forget that the Antimicrobial Resistance response requires a “whole of society approach,” hence all of us are called to play our part in the prevention and control of Antimicrobial Resistance.”

United Nations Resident Coordinator in Zimbabwe, Mr Edward Kallon in his speech which was read by Francesca Erdelmann, revealed there was need for a multisectoral approach so as to take urgent action to address this global health and development threat.

“This year’s theme, “Preventing Antimicrobial Resistance Together,” underscores the need for urgent multisectoral action under the One Health Approach to safeguard the effectiveness of antimicrobial medicines,” added Dr Kallon.

Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations said they are committed to continue working closely with multi-sectoral partners under a One Health approach to deal with AMR.

“It is our core belief that by working together and each playing our part, we can slow AMR, and build moreefficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems for better production, better nutrition, “a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind.”

And WHO African Region Assistant Regional Director Dr Lindiwe Makubalo said the “responsibility demands that we take concrete actions and demonstrate unwavering commitment.

“We need to strengthen our One Health collaborative approach to prevent the rise and spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) as much as possible. While the task is enormous, we can overcome it, together.”

Zimbabwe with support from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), in partnership with African Union agencies, Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and African Union Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU IBAR) is hosting the continental celebration of the World Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Awareness Week which started on the 18th to the 24th November.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), AMR occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites change over time and no longer respond to medicines making infections harder to treat and increasing the risk of disease spread, severe illness and death.

Several initiatives have been put in place in order to tackle AMR as millions continue to die; with statistics showing that in 2019 alone, 4,9 million people died globally as a result of drug-resistant infections.

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Involve youths in AMR Awareness

**Ngoni Veddie Muzondo**
**Co-Founder and Head of Programmes of Generational Stewards for Antimicrobials**

BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA

Tom Mann once said, “The future of the world belongs to the youth of the world, and it is from the youth and not from the old, that the fire of life will warm and enlighten the world.”

And it is in that same thought, that experts in the global health sector have resolved that involving the youths in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) awareness is a step in the right direction.

The World Health Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), reports that “youths play a pivotal role in advocating for increased political and public support to combat AMR across sectors and in raising awareness of AMR as a pressing social issue.”

Also the World Health Organisation (WHO) reports that “AMR occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites change over time and no longer respond to medicines, making infections harder to treat and increasing the risk of disease spread, severe illness and death.”

And pursuant to this, on the third day (Monday 20 November) of the World Antimicrobial Awareness Week Campaign for Africa, several speakers who spoke on AMR One Health Multisectoral Collaboration and Governance; said it was imperative to include the youths in raising awareness on the matter.

Doctor Anima Sirma from Veterinary Services in Kenya, said in her country they were involving the youths on AMR awareness in several ways, one of which was the introduction of primary education books on AMR, as the subject is being taught.

Doctor Sirma further said that during this WAAW 2023, “there are also other specific activities for the youth and even some webinar, where they are also involved.”

In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), it was reported that they had decided to start with the young people in terms of AMR awareness, “because for adults, their habits die hard but with the young ones, there can be behavioral change.

“They (young people) can tell their parents that we were told that for you to use antibiotics, you need to have a prescription. “This can work, we have done this in DRC; we have also gone to the churches and even used football to raise awareness on AMR.”

Presenting on Zimbabwe, Dr Tapfumanei Mashe, an AMR Project Coordinator, said they had actively involved youths in AMR awareness.

He revealed that as part of WAAW Africa 2023, they had organized a high schools soccer tournament on raising awareness on AMR as well as the AMR debate.

Dr Mashe further added that the Generational Stewards for Antimicrobials was also established and that the AMR Awareness walkathon which has been set for Friday, had also been organized by the youths.

Speaking to this reporter on the sidelines of WAAWAfrica 2023, Co-founder and Head of Programmes of Generational Stewards for Antimicrobials, Ngoni Veddie Muzondo, a pharmacy student at the Harare Institute of Technology, said the programme was established last year so as to raise AMR awareness as well as other health issues.

“Generational Stewards for Antimicrobials is a One Health AMR platform for young people especially students so what we are doing is we are trying to raise awareness amongst the Primary, Secondary and Tertiary students so that they become agents of change.

“We want transformation in these young people so that we engage them whilst they are still young and when they grow older, they will be responsible for all the global health issues that will be happening within the world,” said Muzondo.

He said having students involved in this fight will help curb this rising global health concern which is responsible for millions of deaths globally.

Muzondo also revealed that when they started, they gathered all the healthcare students who were interested in global health, before they designated them to various roles.

“So one of the leading projects that we are doing at the moment is the Glen View and Mufakose Education and Antimicrobial Resistance Programme, to raise awareness amongst the 28 primary and secondary schools that are in Glen View and Mufakose.

“So far we have managed to cover three schools so we are trying to reach out to each and every primary and secondary student so that we create Antimicrobial Resistance Clubs that will actually act as repositories or sites where these students will get knowledge on antimicrobial resistance.

“And we are also targeting teachers because teachers are the ones that educate these students and they are the guardians when they are at school, so we want to have these teachers trained on antimicrobial resistance and other global health issues like water and sanitation hygiene,” added Muzondo.

He also revealed that they focus on leadership so as to equip the students with all the necessary skills needed in the future.

“We are also focusing on sexual reproductive and health issues so that these students whenever they are doing their programmes, they understand the rights that they have as students.

“We are also focusing on career guidance; we don’t want students to get to university without knowing what they want as individuals, so we want to catch them young as early as primary school level, so that they know what they want. “We work with the One Health AMR team in Zimbabwe, the World Health Organisation and several other stakeholders within the AMR fields,” said Muzondo.

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AMR Soccer Tournament lives to billing

…as Seke High 1 are crowned champions

**Some of the Seke High 1 students receiving their winners’ medals**

BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA

The Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) awareness high schools soccer tournament which was part of the continental celebration of the World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW) 2023 in Harare, lived to its expectations as many people from different community backgrounds attended.

The tournament which was held at Prince Edward High School on Sunday (November 19), saw several schools battling out for the honours but the glory was to belong to Seke High 1 who were crowned champions.

Seke High 1 defeated Glen Norah 2 High in finals which were decided by the dreaded penalties.

Speaking on the sidelines of the final match, Dr Mohamed Sirdar, Sub Regional Programme Coordinator for Southern Africa at World Health Organisation for Animal Health, said he was happy that the event lived to their expectations.

“The soccer tournament was creating awareness on antimicrobial resistance and its effect on our health systems, either for the humans, animals and environmental plants.

“And we hope that awareness to the high school pupils or students is one of the powerful tools so that we can have the message spread in the community and thats why we chose football for the high schools for this tournament to be able to enhance awareness on AMR in Zimbabwe.”

Dr Sirdar added that having many people from various community backgrounds was the icing on the cake as the message was being delivered to many people.

“Given that we have almost 500 spectators, having people from different community backgrounds and also we are happy one of the football legends Oscar (Machapa) is here with us and having also some of our representatives from all these organisations.

“So I can say we believe that we have exceeded our expectations,” said Dr Sirdar.

And indeed the AMR message was really being emphasized at the tournament as the talented soccer commentator was also spreading the message as he went about his commentary much to the appreciation of the crowd.

And the message was also clearly spread to the students as some of those interviewed by this reporter spoke on the dangers of abusing medication.

“This subject (AMR) was new to me but I’m happy that I have learnt that we should not self medicate, I have also learnt that I should use the right medication for the disease and only after being prescribed by the doctor,” said one student.

The commemorations which started on November 18 and will end this Friday, are running under the theme, “Preventing Antimicrobial Resistance Together”, which emphasizes the importance of collective action to address the global health challenge of antimicrobial resistance.

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Minister Masuka to open World AMR Awareness Week commemorations

**Minister Anxious Masuka-pic by Tateguru TV**

BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA

Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Dr Anxious Masuka will officially launch the World Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Awareness Week (WAAW) which will be held in Harare from today till Friday, at the Harare International Conference Centre.
The week-long event will see the Government getting support from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), in partnership with African Union agencies, Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and African Union Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU IBAR) to host the continental celebrations.
The commemorations will run under the theme, “Preventing Antimicrobial Resistance Together” which emphasizes the importance of collective action to address the global health challenge of antimicrobial resistance.
During the opening ceremony, the government will also hold a signing ceremony for the Zimbabwe Antimicrobial Resistance National Action Plan (NAP).
“The WAAW week is an annual global event that aims to enhance awareness and understanding of the challenges posed by antimicrobial resistance while promoting best practices in antimicrobial stewardship across public health, animal health, and the environment.
“The quadripartite organizations and the Africa Union Task Force on AMR are working together in a One Health approach to organize this year’s event and translate the theme into action.
“These celebrations will involve the coordination of campaigns at both national and continental levels by engaging diverse stakeholders from around the world.
“The continental event is scheduled to commence on 18 November 2023 and will bring together a wide array of important participants and stakeholder groups.
“These will include high-level policy and decision-makers of Member States, Regional Economic Communities, the One Health Community, development partners, private sector partners, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), civil society organizations, academia, research institutions, research centres and the general public,” read a press release from the organizers.
Other activities during the WAAW will include: media briefings and press conferences, a ‘world café’ debate on AMR and correct use, an engagement with high school students on AMR awareness including a mini football tournament, a high-level panel discussion on AMR’s environmental dimensions, policy dialogues on accelerating progress in African countries in the implementation of AMR National Action Plans, AMR One Health multisectoral collaboration and governance, AMR in aquaculture, and laboratory and field visits, including visiting the BOLAV Vaccine Production Unit, a BOLVAC Theileriosis Vaccination hotspot and a Farmer Field School farm.
“WAAW serves as a platform for collaboration amongst stakeholders in the fight against the emergence and spread of AMR.
“It provides a valuable opportunity to enhance awareness and advocate for AMR risk mitigation efforts across sectors. This event also demonstrates continental unity and positions Africa as the leading region in combatting AMR while reinforcing critical messages to generate more collective policy guidance and support for the advancement of programmes aimed at reducing AMR risks,” added the press release.

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Zim ready to host ICASA

**Health and Child Care Minister**
**Dr Douglas Mombeshora**

BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA

All systems are in place for the country to host the 22nd edition of the International Conference on AIDS and STIs in Africa at the Harare International Conference Centre, Minister of Health and Child Care, Dr Douglas Mombeshora has said.

Minister Mombeshora revealed that all was being arranged to make sure that the conference which will be held from the 4th to the 9th of December, lives up to its billing.

“All our systems from security, banking, accommodation, transportation, health and others have been checked and tested and I want to assure our visitors that Zimbabwe is ready.

“The security of delegates is guaranteed both in Harare and elsewhere as they go out about attending the conference and enjoy our rich heritage across the world acclaimed tourist destinations.

“We have also strengthened the health delivery and surveillance systems to ensure that our visitors and locals have access to needed health services,” said Dr Mombeshora.

He also allayed cholera fears, saying the isolated cases were being dealt with adequately, as he further praised the country’s surveillance system saying it is exceptionally effective and has picked all cases which have all since been treated.

Dr Mombeshora also revealed that it was an honour that the country will be hosting two high level meetings as a precursor to ICASA.

“We are very excited as government about the two high level meetings which we are going to host on the 2nd of December in Victoria Falls as part of the build up towards ICASA.

“We will have a meeting of African First Ladies to be hosted by our First Lady Her Excellency Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa.

“This meeting will focus on addressing prevention of mother to child transmission and elimination of newborn infections in Africa.

“On the same day, we will also host the African Ministers of Finance who will attend a meeting focusing on addressing domestic financing of the HIV response to reach the UN 2025 Goals and the African Union Agenda 2063.

“As you are aware, Zimbabwe has already been praised globally for the home grown domestic funding initiative in the form of the National AIDS Trust Fund popularly known AIDS Levy.

“We are therefore very proud to be hosting this meeting to share our best practice while learning from the rest of the continent on other initiatives that all together can increase Africa’s domestic financing of HIV and other epidemics without totally relying on external funds.

“These two meetings will come just a day after Zimbabwe will have commemorated the World AIDS Day which we will have in Victoria Falls at Chinotimba Stadium.

“ICASA delegates who will already be in the country and are able to finance their trips to Victoria Falls are invited to attend the World AIDS Day commemorations which are going to be held under the theme, “Let Communities Lead,” he added.

He further reiterated all transport logistics and accommodation had been arranged to ensure that the conference goes on without any challenges.

The conference will be running under the theme “AIDS is not over: address inequalities, accelerate inclusion and innovation.”