WHO – NEWSSPACE

Only 42% of Zim infants are exclusively breastfed in the first 6 months

**A mother breastfeeding her child-pic by UNICEF**

BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA

Only 42 percent of infants in Zimbabwe are breastfed exclusively in the first six months of life, a statement issued by WHO, UNICEF and Ministry of Health and Child Care, has revealed.

The statement was issued as part of commemorations of the World Breastfeeding Week which started on August 1 and comes to an end this Wednesday (August 7).

The statement further revealed that Zimbabwe’s figure falls short of the Sustainable Development Goal target of at least 70 per cent by 2030.

It was also revealed that globally, only 44 per cent of infants are exclusively breastfed in the first six months of life.

“Breastfeeding is one of the most effective ways to ensure child health and optimal early childhood development.

“It provides babies with their first immunisation and all the nutrients required for optimal brain development and growth.

“However, many mothers and infants lack the necessary support to start and continue breastfeeding successfully,” read the statement.

It further revealed that “Zimbabwe has active structures and policies to promote optimal infant and young child feeding. “Nevertheless, many Zimbabwean infants and young children are not breastfed. The 2019 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) report indicates that only two-thirds (59 per cent) of children are breastfed within the first hour after birth.

“Only 42 per cent of children 0 to 6 months of age are exclusively breastfed.

“Although more than 80 per cent of children continue to be breastfed at one year, many children stop being breastfed before they reach the recommended 24 months.

“The proportion of children 0 to 23 months of age who are fed using bottles is increasing by 23.7 per cent, a more than 10 per cent increase over the past five years.

“This increase in the use of bottles threatens not only breastfeeding’s natural processes but also the environment.”

It was further revealed that over the past years, the country had witnessed increased aggressive promotional activities by manufacturers of breast milk substitutes through health workers and the promotion of specific products covered under the Code of Marketing of Breast Milk Substitutes, including formula milk and follow-on milk marketed as ‘supplementary’ to breastfeeding.

“Marketing influences social norms by making formula use seem extensive, modern, and comparable to or better than breast milk.

“To address this, comprehensive breastfeeding support must be available to all mothers, regardless of their circumstances.

“This includes paid maternity leave, access to unbiased and medically sound information on infants’ first foods, and working environments that allow mothers to breastfeed.

“Young, working mothers with disabilities, as well as those living in poverty, with HIV and in emergencies, all require tailored information, counselling, and practical assistance to breastfeed,” further read the statement.

It was also revealed that the government with support from UNICEF, recently reviewed the National Infant Nutrition Regulations: SI-46 of 1998 to update national guidance in line with the latest World Health Assembly principles and address the growing influence of digital media as a source of information and a platform for aggressive marketing and advertising.

“There needs to be more than the health sector to yield the desired outcomes for supporting and promoting breastfeeding. “Hence, the Government of Zimbabwe, UNICEF and the World Health Organization call for action for a whole-of-society multi-sectoral approach to support breastfeeding in the Country, which includes (1) legislation: ratification by Zimbabwe of the updated Statutory Instrument 46 on the Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes; (2) health systems: strengthen the protection and promotion of breastfeeding through the health delivery system with an emphasis on the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative; (3) advocacy and communication: implement a well-coordinated national social and behaviour change strategy including through breastfeeding campaigns; (4) monitoring and reporting: enforcement of regulations, monitoring of violations and marketing activities; (5) breastfeeding interventions: promotion of workplace breastfeeding spaces and family-friendly workspaces, and strengthening maternity protection regulations.

“Inaction towards protecting and promoting breastfeeding in Zimbabwe will significantly put the country off-track towards economic and developmental aspirations by (1) undermining children’s constitutional and international rights to good nutrition as outlined in the Zimbabwe Constitution and the Convention on the Rights of Children; (2) undoing decades of investment in policymaking and programming aimed at protecting women’s right to breastfeeding; (3) regressing on national progress on infant and young child nutrition which has been prioritized as a key primary health care intervention immediately after independence; Zimbabwe has long been recognized globally as a leading example in stepping up efforts for the protection and promotion of breastfeeding; (4) downplaying the conflict of interest presented by breast milk substitute manufacturers who are profit oriented at the cost of child survival and optimal long-term development; and (5) predisposing Zimbabwean women and children to a never-ending cycle of poverty, sub-optimal early childhood development and disease.

“Therefore, for World Breastfeeding Week 2024, the Government of Zimbabwe, UNICEF and the World Health Organization together with their partners aim to (1) inform people about the benefits of breastfeeding and the inequalities that exist in breastfeeding support and prevalence across rural and urban areas, education and employment status and wealth quintiles; (2) anchor breastfeeding as an equaliser to close gaps in information, promotion and support within society; (3) engage with individuals and organisations to enhance collaboration and support for breastfeeding; and (4) galvanise action on reducing inequalities in breastfeeding support by focusing on vulnerable groups,” added the statement.

Vaccines save lives

**WHO Zimbabwe Representative Dr Desta Tiruneh**

BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA

Vaccines are one of the major medical advances that have been made, leading to the saving of many lives as they are safe to use, World Health Organisation (WHO) Zimbabwe Representative, Dr Desta Tiruneh has said.

Dr Tiruneh revealed this on Tuesday during a media science café organised by WHO and Health Communicators Forum.

According to WHO, vaccination is defined as “a simple, safe and effective way of protecting you against harmful diseases, before you come into contact with them. It uses your body’s natural defenses to build resistance to specific infections and makes your immune system stronger.”

Dr Tiruneh revealed this as Zimbabwe is preparing for another round of oral cholera vaccine soon.

“Zimbabwe is preparing for another round of oral cholera vaccination, for a small targeted area this time. The vaccine is going to be received soon, then we have to do the campaign.

“One of the issues that we noticed in the last campaign is that some people or some different groups of people for different reasons, either religion or other conspiracy theories, they don’t want to take vaccines.

“But if we talk about medical advances, vaccines are the best thing that ever happened in health sector because with the vaccines you can prevent lots of deaths,” said Dr Tiruneh.

He revealed that it was unfortunate that many children were dying of diseases which can be easily prevented by vaccination, hence there is need for more awareness such that people are fully aware of the life saving impact of vaccines.

“We can see for example I can tell you that small pox is gone and now we have polio almost at the point of eradication because vaccines change the world.

“We have many kids that are dying because of measles and measles you have vaccination, with two doses, you are done for life.

“You have yellow fever, I think with just one dose, you are done for life.

“So we have vaccines which can prevent lots of killer diseases, so this is something that we should appreciate.

“But I know with anti-vaxxers, they will create all sorts of stories, that if you take this, you will become sterile, but people will be infertile for other reasons but they associate it with that (vaccination) and then they say no, this is my lived experience, I was vaccinated now I cannot have a baby.

“But it has nothing to do with the vaccine. And there is no proof,” added Dr Tiruneh.

Similar sentiments were also echoed by Dr Lincoln Charimari, WHO Zimbabwe, Emergency Incident Manager, who spoke of the oral cholera saying it is safe as it can be used in all people who are aged one year and above.

“It can even be used in pregnant women, it can be used by even those who are HIV positive, it’s one of the safest vaccines around, so it is safe and you use it with other measures.

“And now that the cases have reduce to zero, it doesn’t mean it (cholera) has completely gone away, we have to continue to be vigilant and to continue to observe the necessary hygiene practices,” said Dr Charimari.

Anti-vaxxers are people who are opposed to vaccination and it has been revealed that several vaccination campaigns were hampered because of conspiracy theories around vaccination.

It said while anti-vaxxers refuse to vaccinate, they have also influenced other people not to vaccinate, giving all sort of theories.

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.

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.

Female Genital Mutilation should end-Equality Now

**Sally Ncube, Regional Representative Southern Africa, Equality Now**

BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) has no place in our society and girls’ interests should be protected at all costs to avoid unnecessary loss of lives.
And all governments where FGM is being practiced, should be implored to stop this act as it is a gross human rights abuse.
The call was made by Sally Ncube, Regional Representative Southern Africa for Equality Now, at the 43rd Ordinary Session of The African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, in Maseru, Lesotho on Monday.
World Health Organisation (WHO) defines FGM as “procedures that involve partial or total removal of the external female genitalia, or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons.”
“We are alarmed by the fast-developing situation in The Gambia, where attempts are being made to repeal the legal provisions within the Women’s (Amendment) Act of 2015, which prohibit and criminalize FGM; including the recent parliamentary vote which led to the Bill being referred to Parliamentary Select Committees for further review.
“We urge this Committee to proactively engage the Government of The Gambia to protect the interests of the Gambian children and ensure that it complies with its human rights obligations by maintaining the anti-FGM provisions within the Women’s (Amendment) Act of 2015 in place.

“We are concerned about the recent reports of the tragic deaths of girls in Sierra Leone as a result of FGM earlier this year. As confirmed by the Ministry of Gender Adamsay Sesay, 12; Salamatu Jalloh, 13; and Kadiatu Bangura, 17, died during initiation ceremonies to the Bondo society in the country’s North West province.

“Despite this, there is no specific law prohibiting FGM in the country. Given the urgent unfolding situation in the country, we implore the Committee to call upon the Government of Sierra Leone to ensure justice in these cases; and to urgently pass a specific law prohibiting FGM accompanied by financial resources and an action plan to facilitate preventive measures and prosecution of perpetrators in line with articles 1 and 21 of the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child,” said Ncube.
Turning to child marriages, Ncube revealed that the scourge continues to be on the rise with the deepening effects of climate change especially in Southern Africa where the current extreme drought situation is significantly putting girls at increased risk of child marriage and sexual exploitation.
“The urgent need to accelerate efforts to address child marriages is highlighted by recent cases, such as the marriage of a 12year-old girl in Ghana to a 63-year-old priest in a traditional customary marriage, just last month.
“Recent claw backs to girls’ rights, such as the constitutional amendment in Somalia which seeks to set the age of maturity at 15, could also put children, particularly girls, at greater risk of child marriage.
“We call on the Committee to urge the Government of Somalia to review this provision and ensure that the Constitution explicitly prohibits marriage for children under the age of 18, without exceptions. We equally urge the Committee to intervene in the Ghana case and impress on the Government to take urgent measures to rescue the young girl and prosecute the priest for engaging in child marriage,” added Ncube.
She also revealed that her organisation recognises and appreciates the bold recommendations made by the Committee through its decision on the communication (Communication No: 0012/Com/001/2019 Decision No 002/2022) on the situation of pregnant girls in Tanzania.
She however said they still have concerns about the situation of pregnant girls’ education in Tanzania; and the lack of implementation of the Committee’s decision.
“The Education Act of Tanzania, enacted through Government Notice No. 295 under Regulation 4 (Expulsion and Exclusion of Pupils from Schools), still stands, and authorizes the permanent expulsion of pregnant and married girls from public schools.

“The recently issued re-entry guidelines by the Government of Tanzania fall short of Human rights standards as they are still discriminatory, and vague and have been irregularly enforced from one school to another due to limited dissemination and understanding by education officials.
“There are cases where school officials decide what happens with a pregnant girl’s education without necessarily following the guidelines.
“Further, the guidelines have not addressed the drivers of teenage pregnancies, school-related sexual and gender-based violence, mandatory pregnancy testing, and the expulsion of girls from school when they become pregnant.
“Neither have the guidelines provided recourse for girls expelled from school because only students who dropped out within two years are allowed re-entry. “Therefore, there is still a need to comprehensively review the education laws and policies to ensure all children attend school and are safe from schools related sexual and gender based violence,” she added.
She also revealed that the State ought to develop a comprehensive national action plan for the re-entry of girls to schools that are in line with international normative standards of being available, accessible, and acceptable to ensure all girls can continue with their education, to break the cycles of violence and poverty.
She also urged the Committee to continue impressing upon Tanzania to repeal Regulation 4 of the Education Act and further abide by the country’s Court of Appeal decision banning child marriage without any exceptions.
Ncube also revealed that Equality Now has been conducting a study on Rape Laws in Africa and it has established in various jurisdictions, legal and practice gaps in protecting children from various forms of sexual violence.
“Under international human rights law, all States are mandated to prevent all forms of violence by adopting legislation that unequivocally criminalizes all forms of violence against women and girls.
“We have noted with great concern, that various countries have a very low age of consent to sex, ranging from 11 years in Nigeria to 12 years in Equatorial Guinea.
“Children can be vulnerable due to their level of maturity and, further, can be at the mercy of adults who may take advantage of existing power dynamics and subject them to sexual conduct without them providing informed, free, and wilful consent.
“We strongly urge the Committee to urge all African States to reform their rape laws to ensure they provide the fullest protection.
“This would include being based on the principle of consent rather than the use of force, to take account of coercive and exploitative circumstances, including in the context of dependent relationships, with respect also to the potential exploitation of power dynamics concerning children, and to ensure the penalties for sexual violence are commensurate with the severity of the crime,” she added.
It was also revealed that Equality Now commends the Government of South Sudan for ratifying the Maputo Protocol in June 2023.
She said the ratification offers protection to the rights of school-going girls, who continue to experience numerous human rights violations such as forced marriage, abduction and kidnapping, defilement, and discrimination, supported by harmful customary practices, patriarchal attitudes, and impunity.
And she said they further urged the Committee to call on the government of South Sudan to do “ratify the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child; to ensure the Permanent Constitution that is currently under development clearly defines the marriageable age in line with the Children’s Charter and the Maputo Protocol.
“Prioritise the enactment of the Anti-GBV Bill and the Family Law Bill which have progressive provisions on violence, marriage, and the protection of the girl child.
“Ensure the existing legal framework such as the Penal Code is revised and fully implemented to punish those who commit crimes and are held accountable.”
Ncube also called for Signature and Ratification of the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights Relating to the Specific Aspects of the Right to a Nationality and the Eradication of Statelessness in Africa (the Nationality Protocol).
“We commend the African Union Heads of State Assembly for adopting the Nationality Protocol during its 37th Ordinary Session in February 2024.

“The Protocol entrenches protecting the right to nationality of children and women in Africa.
“We call upon the Committee to urge all Member States to sign and ratify the Nationality Protocol so that it can enter into force as soon as possible.
“Equality Now remains committed to supporting the Committee in contributing to initiatives and efforts to implement The African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACRWC) and promote and protect children’s rights in Africa and beyond,” she added.
Equality Now which was founded in 1992, is an international human rights organisation that works to protect and promote the rights of all women and girls around the world.
The organisation’s campaigns are centered on four program areas: Legal Equality, End Sexual Violence, End Harmful Practices, and End Sexual Exploitation, with a cross-cutting focus on the unique needs of adolescent girls.
And the organisation combines grassroots activism with international, regional, and national legal advocacy to achieve legal and systemic change to benefit all women and girls and works to ensure that governments enact and enforce laws and policies that uphold their rights.
It is a global organisation with partners and members all around the world.

Remove import duty and VAT on condoms-PSH

BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA

Population Solutions for Health (PSH) has called on the government to remove import duty and value added tax (VAT) on condoms so as to ensure they are affordable.

The call by PSH which is the distributor of Protector Plus condoms, was made as the organisation joined the Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC) and the global community in commemorating International Condom Day which was held on Tuesday, February 13.

In a press release, PSH revealed that the day serves as a reminder of the critical role condoms play in preventing HIV, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and unintended pregnancies.

“As we observe this day, we want to emphasize the shortage of domestic funding for condom procurement and call for the removal of import duty and VAT for condoms.

“This will make condoms more affordable in the market and secure the future availability of condoms without donor funding,” read the press release.

It was further revealed that “while Zimbabwe has achieved considerable success in condom programming, more work needs to be done to address the challenges that threaten to reverse the gains.

“The condom program heavily relies on donor support which has reduced over the years, negatively impacting funding for public and social marketing sector condoms, which serve the marginalised communities and low-income earners.

“The shortage of domestic funding for condom procurement and related programming further worsens the situation.

“The commercial sector’s condom supply has been decreasing over the past two decades, partly due to higher taxes (VAT and Import Duty) on condoms, which make commercial condoms expensive and unviable.”

It was also reported that PSH is actively supporting Ministry of Health in developing a sustainable condom market that promotes long-term condom use with reduced reliance on donor funding.

The press release further read that as the International Condom Day is commemorated, PSH remains committed to advancing condom programming and expanding access to quality sexual and reproductive health services and products.

“By addressing challenges in the market, significant progress can be made in preventing HIV, STIs, and unintended pregnancies,” added the press release.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) says “external condoms are the most common and sheaths or coverings that fit over a man’s erect penis before penetration. Internal condoms are also available and sheaths or linings that fit loosely inside the vagina before penetration.”

And WHO further states that “condoms continue to be an essential and effective tool in the prevention packages for HIV, other STIs and unplanned pregnancy.

“Condom use has been a significant tool to decrease transmission of HIV globally.”

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.

Feedback: contact number +263777283907

Email: munyabless@yahoo.com

X: @munyabless

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.

Feedback: Mobile number +263777283907

Email: munyabless@yahoo.com

X: @munyabless

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.

Feedback:

Mobile number +263777283907

X: @munyabless

Email: munyabless@yahoo.com

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.

Feedback: email munyabless@yahoo.com

X:@munyabless number +263777283907