Munyaradzi Blessing Doma

Getting an HIV vaccine remains necessary

BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA

While other biomedical prevention methods have been found to be effective, an HIV vaccine remains necessary as it offers long lasting protection and eliminates the stigma associated with treatment, among other benefits, a recent media science café has heard.

During the media science café organised by the Health Communicators Forum of Zimbabwe, Dr Muchaneta Bhondai-Mhuri, Investigator of Record at the University of Zimbabwe Clinical Trials Research Centre (UZ-CTRC), said while past trials have seen an HIV vaccine remain elusive, every study has provided new information necessary for this endeavor.

According to the National Institute of Health, “a preventative HIV vaccine is given to people who do not have HIV, with the goal of preventing HIV infection in the future.”

Dr Bhondai-Mhuri revealed that the first HIV vaccine trials in Zimbabwe were conducted in 2016 and currently the country is on its fifth trial and several lessons have been learned as the search continues for an efficacious vaccine.

“We know that more than 24 percent of people in the world who have HIV experience problems with accessing HIV treatment. We also know that all HIV prevention modalities have their own challenges that include adherence and just access.

“We know that a vaccine itself can stay in someone’s immune system for a very long time so it entails long term prevention.

“With every HIV vaccine study that is being done, we are learning something new, even if the vaccine does not show us that it is efficacious, we learn something new.

“For example, whilst the HVTN 705 study did not help us to have an efficacious vaccine, it showed us that the vaccine candidate was able to elicit an immune response which means it is possible to have a vaccine that works.

“So that is new information that will lead to the development of a better vaccine, what it means is that what one candidate needs to go back to the lab and to be tweaked for it to improve the effectiveness but we have already learnt something new,” said Dr Bhondai-Mhuri.

She added that though five HIV vaccine studies have been conducted without an effective one, they (trials) are not losses.

“So every study is not a loss, each study that we do teaches us something new and it will help us, yes the road is going to be long but we will get there,” she said.

Dr Bhondai-Mhuri also revealed that currently the country was on the HIV Vaccine Trials Network 140 (HVTN 140) which has 15 participants, showing that these are strides being taken to find a vaccine.

“We have a couple of HIV prevention modalities which have been approved by four authorities and this already includes the long-acting injectable cabotegravir (CAB LA) which has reached advanced clinical trials stages and is already in implementation trials and then we also have the dapivirine vaginal ring which has been proven to be effective and which also has been approved and we now have the Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), the daily oral prevention pill which is broadly available and it’s available whether you go to our council clinic, or you go to your local doctor, you go to your private practitioner, they will be able to offer this prevention method,” she said.

Dr Bhondai-Mhuri added; “however an HIV vaccine is still necessary in the fight against HIV because it eliminates the stigma that is associated with going looking for an HIV prevention tool from your clinic, no one really wants to be seen going to your local clinic daily to look for an HIV prevention pill.

“An HIV vaccine is going to last in your body for longer than the pills, is going to be longer than cab injection and also an HIV vaccine is likely to be one of the best tools in the prevention of HIV compared to any other method.

“It’s likely in the long run to be more effective and more cost effective than most prevention tools because one doesn’t have to visit their clinic often, you don’t have too frequent dossing so yes as a country we will need a method that is cost effective in the prevention of HIV and in safeguarding the health of our people.”

She added that the major challenge in all these years of HIV prevention vaccine trials is that we have not yet found a vaccine that is efficacious is preventing HIV, but it (challenge) was not only unique to Zimbabwe, hence a lot of work will continue to be put to make this dream a reality.

It is estimated that a total of 1,3 million people are living with HIV in Zimbabwe.

NBSZ targets 600 units at World Blood Donor Day celebrations

**NBSZ CEO,** **Lucy Marowa flanked by Radhi Chikwereti (left) and Menard Mutenherwa**

BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA

The National Blood Service Zimbabwe (NBSZ) is targeting to collect 600 units of blood during the 2024 World Blood Donor Day celebrations which have been set for next month in the Midlands Province.

Speaking during a press conference on Monday, NBSZ Chief Executive Officer, Lucy Marowa, said this will be the 20^th year anniversary since the launch of the World Donor Day.

This year’s celebrations will be held under the theme, “20 years of celebrating giving, thank you blood donors.”

Official day for the World Blood Donor Day is June 14, but Zimbabwe will hold its celebrations on the following day.

“As a country we are celebrating our World Blood Donor Day this year in the Midlands Province. It has been the culture of National Blood Service Zimbabwe that we do our celebrations from province to province.

“In the previous year, we were in Masvingo, then in 2022 we were in Mutare and the year prior to that we were in Matabeleland so we keep rotating our provinces because blood donation is a national programme that’s why we move from province to province.

“So we will be holding our celebrations for 2024 in the Midlands Province and tentatively we have put our venue as Kwekwe High School; all things being equal, we will meet on the Saturday the 15^th of June at Kwekwe High School.

“And we are looking at a target of 600 units that we want to collect on that one day,” said Marowa.

She added that the World Blood Donor Day had become a symbol of recognition for the blood donors as they had done their best to make it donor centric, by bringing in blood donors.

“We have a massive blood drive, we do our donor awards and we make sure that it is a day filled with fun and a lot of activities for our blood donors.

“This is to make sure that as we are saying thank you to the blood donors, they really feel that this is a day that has been set aside for them and they take part in a lot of activities that will be happening for them, by them.

“So this is the reason why we are doing this on a Saturday the 15^th of June in Kwekwe. The following year it could be a different one, there is no formula that we use to select the provinces.

“We just make sure that wherever the donors are, we actually go to them. So all roads lead to Kwekwe this year in the Midlands Province,” said Marowa.

She further revealed that the day had come about at the 58^th World Health Assembly in 2005 where ministers of health from different nations resolved that it is important to recognize the role that voluntary none remunerated blood donors play in the life saving business of the health care.

“Where upon these people (none remunerated blood donors) have taken it upon themselves to give blood free of charge for people that need it in the medical institutions.

“And we all know that voluntary none remunerated blood donations is actually one of the key pillars in the delivery of quality healthcare services.

“There are many forms of blood services that are available. We have what is called family replacement blood donors, we also have what is called paid donors and many other forms that are available.

“But voluntary none remunerated blood donors, which means giving blood without expecting any financial or material gain is considered the safest form of blood model that countries should adopt.

“So in the year 2005, the ministers of health decided that we want to honour the men and women who are giving their blood free of charge, hence the birth of World Blood Donor Day in that particular year. So this year as we celebrate 20 years since the launch of World Blood Donor Day, we are celebrating with a different theme all together.

“This year our theme is actually entitled, “20 years of celebrating giving, thank you blood donors,” added Marowa.

She also revealed that as NBSZ they are calling on corporates and individuals who can partner them so as to make this day a success.

Shortcomings in Pandemic Agreement need to be addressed

**Dr Enerst Chikwati flanked by Dr Sandra Bote (left) and Clever Taderera**

BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA

The World Health Organisation (WHO) Pandemic Agreement lacks the capacity to protect people from poor countries, such that if another major health issue strikes, millions will die; AIDS Healthcare Foundation Zimbabwe, Country Program Manager, Dr Enerst Chikwati, has said.

Dr Chikwati reiterated that if the finalisation of the agreement-which is set for this May- goes without addressing the gaps, there will be catastrophe.

He said: “If this thing goes through, next pandemic we might all die.”

Dr Chikwati was speaking during a Pandemic Agreement Sensitization Meeting with journalists last Friday.

The Pandemic Agreement was created by WHO’s Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (INB), to address gaps which were seen following the Covid-19 pandemic which is estimated to have killed almost 18 million people globally.

It is reported that the Covid-19 pandemic exposed major shortcomings in the global health security architecture, and to address those (shortcomings), INB came up with the Pandemic Agreement on April 16 this year.

While the some of the aims of the Pandemic Agreement include, “to protect all people, in all countries, no matter how rich or poor, from harm”, AHF which has 47 member states, noted there are some gaps which need to be addressed before the final agreement is launched this May.

“This is our position on why changes are needed before the document is finalized in May 2024.

“So our number one concern is about the agreement itself, as AHF we are worried by the WHO Pandemic Agreement which has now become weaker, Dr Bote (AHF Zimbabwe, National Medical Director) has said it’s now watered down and it lacks accountability.

“Second issue is of the current text, the latest version of the agreement is filled with empty promises and lacks the power needed to make sure everyone has access to health, health resources during pandemic, you have already heard about equity.

“By definition it means equal distribution of resources among the people in considering their needs. This is not what is happening and this is what happened during the Covid-19 pandemic in terms of access to vaccines. Most developing countries struggled to get vaccines, whilst developed countries hoarded vaccines more than they needed so we need to talk more of equity in the future pandemics.

“The third point is focused on pharmaceutical interest; developing countries are protecting drug companies; instead of making sure that everyone has got access to healthcare during pandemics, drug companies are putting profits over lives of people,” said Dr Chikwati.

He added that the Pandemic Agreement “lacks health product guarantees, like Dr Bote has already mentioned, WHO will only access only 20 percent of all the commodities, of all the resources, maybe drugs and vaccines. 20 percent is not enough definitely, it won’t be enough to cover the third world countries, or developing countries.

“The 80 percent will be at the mercy of these big pharmas, they have money and they want to make more money, so we really plead with WHO, INB board to reconsider this 20 percent.

“There is also need for accountability and enforcement, we need strong rules to make sure countries follow the agreement, we need commitments from Heads of State and also for the Heads of State to be involved in the signing of this agreement. That will ensure accountability, that will ensure in country has commitment for each country.

“Then the sixth one is call for independent oversight, there is no independent body from WHO, we urge WHO to consider appointing an independent body, independent from WHO, independent from donors of WHO, to head and oversee the Pandemic Agreement.

“We also urge WHO to reconsider the CSOs (Civil Society Organisations), to be more involved, their voices need to be heard, they need to hear them, their finalizing, but let them get input from the civic society. AHF is therefore mobilizing support across the board to roll-out action to pressure Intergovernmental Negotiating Body to revisit the agreement and address critical gaps that I have highlighted.”

Similar sentiments on the Pandemic Agreement were also echoed by Dr Sandra Bote, who said “this latest iteration of the text, which has been significantly watered down through the negotiation process, is filled with platitudes, anemic in obligations, and devoid of any accountability.”

She added, “the word equity appears nine times in the October negotiating text, including as a guiding principle of the whole treaty. But in reality, Article 12 stipulates that WHO would have access to only 20 percent of “pandemic-related products for distribution based on public health risks and needs”.

”The other 80 percent— whether vaccines, treatments, or diagnostics—would be prey to the international scramble seen in COVID-19 that saw vital health technologies sold to the highest bidder.

”Most of the world’s population live in countries that might not be able to afford these products, but 20 percent seems to be all that high-income countries were willing to agree to.

”It appears like the developed nations have vehemently defended the private interest of pharmaceutical companies over the collective common interest of achieving global health security in a sustainable and equitable manner.”

AHF was established in 1987 with the main purpose of providing quality and affordable health services to people living with HIV and the organisation is currently in 47 countries.

Happy Mother’s Day to all mothers…

BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA

For 9 months; they go through a very difficult time.
A time where some of them never live to tell the story. They are one of the greatest gifts God gave to us. They love effortlessly. They love without any conditions. And they will always be there for us all.
Today we celebrate not only their love, but their resilience in taking care of us.
Today we celebrate all MOTHERS, the best gift anyone can ever have.
They are not supposed to be celebrated just for today, but always; as they are always giving out their love.
We thank you for your love, we thank you for being mothers to each and every one of us.
We love and appreciate you and we continue to pray for you.
Happy Mother’s Day to all MOTHERS.

Zim hopes to benefit from US$600 million cervical cancer fund

**Dr Bente Mikkelsen and Dr Douglas Mombeshora-pic WHO Zimbabwe**

BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA

Zimbabwe is hoping to be one of the countries set to benefit from US$600 million which global health funders have pledged for the elimination of cervical cancer.

The money is meant for increasing vaccination, screening and treatment of the disease, which the World Health Organisation (WHO) reports is the fourth most common cancer in women globally.

WHO further reports that there were around 660 000 new cases and around 350 000 deaths in 2022 owing to the disease.

During her recent visit to Zimbabwe along with her colleagues from WHO headquarters, Dr Bente Mikkelsen, Director NCD (at WHO Headquarters), said if everything is put in place, the country could benefit from this cervical cancer initiative.

“So we are very happy, this is the first time since the cervical cancer elimination initiative was launched by Dr Tedros (Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director General), that many partners come together. So until now, the funding partners were only focusing on more or less on the vaccination.

“So now everybody realised that we have to do at least two things at the same time, we need to vaccinate, we need to screen and treat the early stages and of course we need to offer treatment.

“So I’m very happy this is a good sign, it’s a game changer but as I have said this is not money we can call on just like this, we need to present cases, we need to work with the partners, we need to make World Bank, the Global Fund, the Gates, all these partners, USAID, coming together and they have realized this commitment.

“So this is why I’m here as well, I was invited by the Honourable Minister (Minister of Health and Child Care, Dr Douglas Mombeshora), we were both in Colombia (at the Global Cervical Cancer Elimination Forum), so we are trying to make this happen in Zimbabwe,” said Dr Mikkelsen.

Dr Mikkelsen added that the pledged US$600 million is a lot of money which would go a long way in fighting cervical cancer but countries had to apply for it.

“It’s not money that we can just grab, we need to apply for it, we need to show what we need, so that we have a shopping list of what we need and this is also something that we would want to help you. There are a lot of partners, and I think we can support Zimbabwe to get use on some of these new pledges but also maybe to make the partnerships more efficient,” she added.

Dr Mombeshora said getting global health funders make such a pledge would go a long way in eliminating cervical cancer, as he also revealed that no county could work alone on this fight, hence there is need to have partners.

“We work with partners, you can’t work in isolation, like the doctor (Dr Mikkelsen) said, we met in Colombia; and during that meeting, we came up with this issue of saying we need support and they said for us to be able to support you, we want to see, what is on the ground.

“That’s why we are also taking them to the rural area where the screening starts and the difficulties that are met there, then we can map a way forward.

“Like she said, we will come up with a document from this visit and we will be meeting again in Geneva in three weeks’ time and maybe come up with a concrete arrangement to say how do we move forward, what kind of support can we get from them,” said Dr Mombeshora.

He added, “she mentioned now that there is a fund that has been established of US$600 million, we want to tap into that, so that we can also get equipment, get training so that we strengthen our cervical cancer elimination plan, so that’s the way we are heading to.”

It is reported that while cervical cancer is preventable and treatable, Zimbabwe continues to lose 2 000 women to the disease every, hence there is need for more consented efforts to fight this disease.

And it is also estimated that 3 000 new cases are diagnosed each year as the country is ranked fourth globally and in the region.

Zimbabwe introduced a human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination program in 2018, achieving an impressive coverage rate of 89,7 percent in the first year of introduction.

The country also established screening programmes for early detection of cervical cancer, though the screening coverage remains low, with only 20 percent of the population accessing screening services as of 2019.

It is also reported that urban areas exhibited a screening rate as low as 3 percent, while rural areas saw slightly higher rates of 10 percent.

Screening programmes are available with over 200 sites conducting Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid (VIAC) and 60 sites performing HPV tests for early detection.

2024 AllAfrica Media Leaders’ Summit set for Kenya

BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA

AllAfrica Global Media is launching the AllAfrica Media Leaders’ Summit in Nairobi, Kenya from 8-10May, running under the theme “Re-engineering African Media in Times of Critical Transformation.”

“The Summit will feature innovations to leverage the ever-changing media landscape revolutionized by emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and virtual reality,” read a press release from the organizers.

“Global media leaders, development experts, academics and corporate titans will share best practices to elevate ethics and combat information manipulation to advance Africa’s economic transformation and human development.”

Speakers who include Dr Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank Group, Dr Benedict Okey Oramah, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Afreximbank, Dr Sidi Ould Tah, President of the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA), Admassu Tadesse, Group President and Managing Director of Trade and Development Bank, Claver Gatete, Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of the ECA, Serah Makka, Executive Director for Engagement and Mobilization for Africa at ONE Campaign, Bineta Diop, Special Envoy of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission on Women are set to grace the summit.

“To complement the Summit, AllAfrica launched the Newsroom Innovation Youth Challenge for participants to discover new ways to engage Africa’s youth in traditional media to advance African-led solutions to continental and global challenges.

“Participants are encouraged to think outside the box and push the limits of their creativity to develop innovations that capture the attention of young people.

“Challenge participants must be between 18-30 years old. “AllAfrica is receiving submissions from young leaders across the entire continent. The top three winners will be flown to the Summit where they will receive their awards and showcase their innovations.

“Young people represent more than 70% of the continent’s population – Africa’s demographic dividend.

“AllAfrica is listening and has launched the Digizens’ Circle to ensure the world hears Africa’s youth. The Digizens’ Circle will be held at the University of Nairobi on May 8th, 2024. The event’s theme, ‘What is the Youths’ Place in African Media?’, is built around the youth making space in African media for themselves. “The event will engage young digital natives in a public debate on the state of media on the continent, their place in it, and how to use technology and their digital presence as a force for good governance and development. To leverage various digital tools, each participant will be required to bring a smartphone. African youth across the continent are encouraged to register and attend the 2024 AllAfrica Digizens’ Circle: Young Africa Speaks, the first event of its kind.

“The 2024 AllAfrica Media Leaders’ Summit promises to be an innovative and thought-provoking event that will yield impactful solutions to improve the current African media landscape,” further read the press release.

Nduka Obaigbena – Chairman and Editor-in-chief of the THISDAY-ARISE Media Group, Dr Vera Songwe – Chair of the Board of Liquidity and Sustainability Facility, Ziaad Suleman – Chief Commercial Officer and an Exco Member of EOH, Mamadou Biteye – Executive Secretary for the African Capacity Building Foundation are set to co-chair the summit.

AllAfrica is a voice of, by and about Africa – aggregating, producing, and distributing news and information in English and French languages from over 130 African news organizations and our own reporters to an African and global public.

It operates the largest online platform dedicated solely to Africa-related news and information and is the only news site with truly Pan-African reach.

AllAfrica is the go-to one-stop digital platform for African and African-interested ‘influentials’ across the continent and throughout the world.

Saints ‘n Sinners; the best of both worlds

Harare is known as a city that never sleeps and it is famed for its nightlife; where people can unwind away from other pressures of life. And one such happy place, right in the heart of the central business district, is Saints ‘n Sinners, where patrons are guaranteed some time to relax, play and enjoy. Though barely 2 years old, this joint has been the talk of the city, famed for it’s unique products and services, which continue to draw people from far and wide. To know more about this joint; Munyaradzi Blessing Doma (Munya) had a chat with the boss behind Saints ‘n Sinners, Nomathemba Primrose Ndebele (Noma)

Read on…

Munya: Why did you name the club Saints ‘n Sinners, what inspired that name?

Noma: Our vision from the onset was to create a best of both worlds place where our patrons can relax, play and enjoy in a happy place that cuts across all socio-political and other personal believes. It’s a place you can be yourself hence the analogy of the “Saint and the sinner”. Everyone is welcome.

Munya: When did you open your doors and how has been the journey?

Noma: We opened our doors on December 13 2022, and the journey has been nothing but a rollercoaster ride of all the beautiful highs and like any other start up, the disheartening lows but above all, it has been a phenomenal story for us so far and everyday we keep writing new chapters to the book.

Munya: How do you outwit the competition that’s out there, what makes your club unique?

Noma: We are not a Night Club, we are a PUB, LOUNGE and RESTAURANT, but answering you, from the onset we have wanted to be true and original to ourselves without the need to copy what everyone else is doing . We have agreed not to be swayed by the trends but to give our patrons memorable moments that are filled with our team’s genuine passion. What stands out the most I would say is the amazing team of young people I work with, they have become family to our patrons and just the positive and warm energy they exude to the space makes our patrons feel right at home everyday we open our doors.

Munya: Some businesses in the entertainment industry have been struggling to make it especially post Covid era, how have you managed to stay afloat?

Noma: We are fortunate to have opened our doors past Covid, which made us plan with the ravaging effects of Covid and be able to create a blue print that can survive or compete post Covid. Covid destroyed a lot of businesses especially in our sector, many people lost their jobs or businesses thereby impacting the bottom line of businesses in the leisure sector. We have had to structure our businesses in such a way that it is sustainable and grows itself without the pressure of wanting to start on a large scale.

Munya: You made your name in the fashion industry where you established women’s high end boutique, Posh, what made you to say I want to establish a restaurant and lounge?

Noma: I have always been fascinated by lifestyle business and spreading my wings into the restaurant and lounge space had always been one of my ambitions. I love interacting with people and above all making them feel good about themselves. I do that at Posh and spreading my wings into the restaurant business has made me reach out to a wider audience.

Munya: This is a male dominated industry, does this not intimidate you in any way or have you not been discouraged?

Noma: I think the notion of the business being male dominated has also come and gone, I know of a lot of female entrepreneurs doing wonderful things in the same sector I am in. More importantly when you have a product offering that you are sure about, no amount of discouragement can ever get to you. I have always been confident in my offering from the day we opened our doors.

Munya: Do you have you have any signature drink or meal or service in the club, something that’s exclusively to you guys?

Noma: Saints and Sinners is popular for our signature cocktails, our cocktails are an absolute experience and we have some of the most experienced barmen who continue to formulate various cocktails that suit any client taste and needs, we definitely stand out on that end. There is a cocktail named after me by one of our barmen. He thinks of me as an intriguing Saint hence he named it SaintPosh. It consists of two of my all time favorite cognacs.

Munya: Do you intend to expand the business to other cities, if so when and where can we expect this?

Noma: We are definitely carefully looking at our expansion strategy and with the success of Joina City branch, many customers from other cities who visit have been asking when we would be coming to their towns. I can assure you it’s something we are working on that also takes a great deal of careful strategic planning.

Munya: What are the products and services that you offer?

Noma: We are a pub, restaurant and lounge. During the day we offer breakfast and lunch in a serene environment where one can have a meeting, a date or any other gathering and after hours, we are a lounge that feeds into the night life ecosystem of Harare. We have an array of DJs, offer VIP bottle service whilst also serving as premium pub with multiple television screens for our patrons to enjoy the best of games in the comfort of our lounges.

Munya: I understand you have a soccer team, tell me more about this?

Noma: The soccer team is a social responsibility initiative that was introduced to me by two of my patrons, the other one is now my legal advisor for both businesses and personal issues and the other one is my marketing advisor. So they came up with the idea and we embraced it and most of our patrons and employees welcomed the idea to exercise and interact in their various expertise during the weekend away from the bar. It has become an exciting social feature that has built a family unit outside of our bar and we look forward to meeting with our patrons every Sunday for our social games.

Munya: There has been some concerns at some bars on security for its patrons, how have you managed to deal with this?

Noma: We strive to give the best of security to our patrons and our place comes with well trained security personnel, 33 cameras that are monitored during our trading hours and we are also grateful to have security back up from our landlord who is Joina City. 20 security officers thereby providing a safe environment for our revellers.

Munya: Thank you Noma, anything else you can add?

Noma: Thank you so much for the interview and I think I have answered all there is to answer. But on a lighter note, I am a sinner hoping to be saved. I do look forward to hosting you at Saints and Sinners. Bring all your friends.

Zim sets up new drug and substance elimination agency

**Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Dr Jenfan Muswere**

BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA

The government has approved the setting up of a Security Service and specialized Drug and Substance Elimination Agency/National Drug Agency, as the country is currently battling with drug and substance use especially amongst the youths.

Briefing the media following Tuesday’s Cabinet meeting, Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Dr Jenfan Muswere, said the agency will be responsible for the enforcement of laws that deal with drug and substance trafficking, use and abuse as well as coordinating efforts of other support services.

He also revealed that the “prevalence of drug and substance abuse has become a global issue and Zimbabwe has not been spared.

“Drug and Substance Abuse has become a threat to economic development, social harmony, health and wellbeing, public order and security.

“Cabinet has thus approved the Principles for the enactment of the Zimbabwe Drug and Substance Agency Bill, 2024 that paves way for the establishment of an additional Security Service and specialized Drug and Substance Elimination Agency/National Drug Agency.

“The Agency will be responsible for the enforcement of laws that deal with drug and substance trafficking, use and abuse as well as coordinating efforts of other support services,” said Minister Muswere.

Minister Muswere also reported that government continues to intensify its response against drug and substance abuse across the country.

“Since January 2024, about 6 148 people were arrested, 677 were suppliers and 5 471 were end-users.

“A total of 106 illegal drug and substance trading bases were identified, raided and destroyed in Harare, Shamva, Chinhoyi, Bindura, Bulawayo and Mutare. “Fifty-one liquor outlets were charged for operating without the correct licenses and while 268 operators were also arrested for violating license conditions, 17 outlets had their licenses cancelled for violating operating conditions.

“A total of 311 countrywide inspections on medicine outlets were conducted and 62 lines of medicines were confiscated.

“Awareness campaigns on drug and substance abuse are being accelerated targeting adults, youths and children.

“Cabinet has approved the Zimbabwe Multi-Sectoral Drug and Substance Abuse Plan 2024-2030 that outlines a comprehensive strategic approach to address the escalating threat of drug and substance abuse to public health, economic growth, national security, and social stability in Zimbabwe,” added Minister Muswere.

He also reported that the decentralization of the Drug and Narcotics Department will be expedited as cabinet also approved the review and updating of fine structure of the organization and directed that suppliers must be prosecuted through the courts and not through spot fines.

“Establishment of outpatient Psychosocial Support Centers and parenting groups countrywide as well as the purchase of psychotropic medicines and food provisions for rehabilitation centers will be expedited.”

It was also reported that empowering the youths remains critical hence the Youth Service training programme will start in June 2024 at Dadaya and Vumba Training Centres.

“In addition, as a key measure to reduce indulgence, ensuring financial inclusivity is being heightened and a total of USD20 000 has been loaned to youths across the country for income generating projects through the Empower Bank.”

Bluetoothing floods the ghetto

**Tendai Phillip Daka, Mubatirapamwe Programmes Manager**

BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA recently in Chinhoyi

While the country has been praised for successful HIV interventions, a scourge is threatening to derail such efforts as people looking for a quick way to get intoxicated, have resorted to injecting themselves with blood from other drug users.

Known as bluetoothing or flash-blooding, the dangerous practice which according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information is when “blood is withdrawn from one individual who has recently injected a drug and directly injected intravenously unto another person.”

While this practice was said to have been more common in neighbouring South Africa, a recent media workshop organised by the National Aids Council (NAC) heard that our own people have joined the bandwagon, with the trend now in most ghettos.

Speaking on the sidelines of the workshop, Tendai Phillip Daka, Programmes Manager at Mubatirapamwe, revealed that it was sad that while the country was striving towards epidemic control, practices like bluetoothing are hampering efforts being made.

“Now we have a practice of drug use which is common in South Africa and it is characterized by the use of nyaope drug which is a mixture of heroin, marijuana, ARVs (anti retrovirals) and rat poison.

“So this bluetoothing came about because some people will be facing difficulties to buy drugs so from our understanding, they draw blood from someone who would have injected themselves with drugs.

“It can even be from someone who would have taken crystal meth, so they draw blood from that person so as to also get intoxicated.

“Sadly some people are now seeing it as a business avenue because when they inject the drugs, they then withdraw their blood and package into small plastics or sachets and sell,” revealed Daka.

He revealed that several parents have revealed to them that they are finding sachets of blood in their children’s rooms.

“What we are really not sure yet about is how they (drug users) preserve the blood, but many parents have been revealing seeing this.

“Some parents reveal finding sachets with strong smells and even syringes in their children’s rooms.

“Also known as hotspoting, this practice is increasing the spread of diseases through these transfusions, leading to the transmission of diseases like hepatitis B, C as well as HIV.

“So while efforts are being made to fight HIV, we need to have other interventions to help with the scourge of drug use, failure of which, will lead to losing the HIV fight,” added Daka.

In a separate interview with this reporter, a drug activist who preferred anonymity said sadly bluetoothing has led to increasing cases of new HIV infections and hepatitis B, because of the sharing of needles.

“The first person to inject themselves could be HIV negative but then from the time the syringe gets to be used by the last person, who knows. Maybe someone in between could be HIV positive.

“The worst scenario is if the first person who injects themselves with drugs is HIV positive, then all the other users get the blood from him or her.

“In Zimbabwe it seems the measures to contain this are really difficult because the only thing that people can do is go for an HIV test or if you say someone should take PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis), but then it (PrEP) will only block HIV, it doesn’t stop other infections or complications.

“So now there is something called Harm Reduction which has a programme called Needle and Syringe Programme (NSP), but from last I checked, that programme has not yet started here in Zimbabwe.

“This is a programme whereby people who inject drugs will be coming in to get clean equipment to use, like needles, syringes, alcohol swabs and other items, so there is a whole bunch of things provided in NSP,” added the source.

The source further added, “then there are also needle disposal sites so that people don’t just get rid of their needles or syringes willy nilly.”

While a total of 1,3 million people are living with HIV in Zimbabwe, it was revealed that the country is recording a decline in the prevalence and incidence owing to several interventions.

However one hopes that the emergence of practices like bluetoothing, will not hamper the successes which the country is registering in fighting HIV.

No woman should die whilst giving birth!

**Minister of Health and Child Care, Dr Douglas** **Mombeshora (second from left) receives the 2024 State of the World Population Report from UNFPA Zimbabwe Representative Miranda Tabifor-pic NYPNS**
**RHHA** **Media**

BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA

Whilst Zimbabwe has managed to reduce maternal mortality from 651 in 2010 to 362 deaths per 100 000 live births in 2022, the figure is still too high as no woman should die whilst giving birth.

The call was made by the Minister of Health and Child Care, Dr Douglas Mombeshora as he added reduction of maternal mortality was one of the county’s International Conference on Population Development (ICPD) commitments.

Minister Mombeshora was speaking on Monday in Harare, during the High Level Meeting on the ICPD Programme of Action (PoA) and the launch of the 2024 State of the World Population Report.

The meeting was held almost 30 years after the landmark ICPD conference in Cairo, Egypt, which was set out to achieve the world in which people lived longer, healthier lives and have more rights and choices than ever before.

At the inaugural ICPD conference, 179 member states including Zimbabwe, agreed to the visionary PoA, which recognised sexual and reproductive health, women’s empowerment and gender equality as cornerstones of sustainable development.

Minister Mombeshora said the High Level Meeting was meant “to take stock, to celebrate our achievements and reflect business of ICPD.”

“Today we stand proud as Zimbabweans, as we have been able to score some key achievements on our ICPD commitments. Allow me to recap a few of the major achievements.

“Zimbabwe reduced maternal mortality from 651 to 2010 to 362 deaths per 100 000 live births in 2022. “In simple terms, we have reduced the number of women dying due to pregnancy child birth related issues from about seven to four per day, but this is still too high, no woman should die whilst giving birth.

“This is a major achievement and is a result of government and its partners investing in strengthening the health system is Zimbabwe. It is also an affirmation to our commitment to ensure that no women should die whilst giving life. We need to continue in this positive trajectory,” said Minister Mombeshora.

He added, “the government has stepped up budget allocation for family planning as part of increased financing for contraceptives using our domestic resources; we have invested US$3 million in the last two years and have already started procurement of contraceptives for this year.

“As a result of government’s commitment and investment, Zimbabwe became the first country under the UNFPA supplies global partnership to receive funding to complement government’s investment in family planning as recognition of the investment done by the government.

“We will continue using national budget processes, increasing domestic financing and exploring new and innovative financing mechanism to ensure full effective and accelerated implementation of the ICPD Programme of Action.”

He also revealed that the government is currently working on a national health insurance scheme which will ensure reduce catastrophic health spending by our people.

Minister Mombeshora further revealed that despite other successes, there was still a lot that needs to be done, saying, “we still have some unfinished business.”

“As you may be aware, we currently grappling with the problem of high adolescent pregnancies. More needs to be done for the adolescent and youths, who constitute the bulk of our population so that we are also able to harness the demographic dividends.”

He said it was crucial to ensure investment in education, health, social development and promoting youth engagement in relevant development and economic issues.

Minister Mombeshora further revealed that the ICPD sits hand in glove with many of the country’s national strategies, such as the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) and the National Health Strategy.

And he said the ICPD “calls for women’s reproductive health and rights to take centre stage in national and global development efforts. It also recognizes that reproductive health and women’s empowerment are intertwined and that both are necessary for the advancement of our society.”

To succeed, Minister Mombeshora said there was need for a multi-sectorial approach, putting all hands on deck as there has been some challenges like the natural disasters like Cyclone Idai, Covid-19, currently cholera outbreak and El Nino induced drought.

“We therefore need to seriously work on strengthening our emergency preparedness and response.” The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Zimbabwe representative Miranda Tabifor said more investment in Sexual Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) should take centre stage in the national and global development efforts.

Tabifor also reiterated that ICPD recognizes that reproductive health and women’s empowerment are intertwined and both are necessary for the advancement of society.

Meanwhile the 2024 State of the World Population Report was also launched on during the meeting as the government pledged its commitment to end inequalities in accessing SRHR services and information to ensure no one is left behind.