While water scarcity is felt in many spheres of life, the effect it has on children can never be underestimated.
With the country currently battling effects of the El Nino-induced drought, many children find themselves also bearing the brunt of this phenomenon.
And to combat these effects, there is need for more investment in water, sanitation and hygiene services (WASH).
The call was made by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Zimbabwe in a statement released on Wednesday.
“It (water scarcity) can also lead to school dropouts and child labour and increases the risk of child exploitation and abuse as children are mobilised to fetch water from far away distances, in insecure circumstances as water is sometimes collected late in the evening or early morning.”
It was added that WASH services are also “key to ensuring children’s rights to health, nutrition, education and protection.”
The statement further read that the El Nino-induced drought has jeopardized access to safe water for many Zimbabwean people.
“Because of the drought, nearly four per cent of the boreholes in the rural areas in Zimbabwe have dried up, particularly in Matabeleland South and Masvingo Provinces.
“The situation is worsening. Broken boreholes rose to more than 6,000 by August 2024.
“Access to safe water is also worrying in urban settings, including in Harare and Bulawayo, where water production is insufficient to cover the needs.
“Water scarcity increases the risk of waterborne diseases and malnutrition among children.”
It added: “access to safe water remains a challenge for communities in Zimbabwe.
“Only 81 per cent of rural people have access to improved water sources (data 2024 – ZIMLAC).
“About half of the households have access to safe water less than 500 meters from home.”
The Government and partners were called to prioritise investment in WASH so as to build resilience at the community level.
It was also revealed that the El Nino-induced drought is a reminder of the critical nature of ensuring sustained access to WASH services to prevent and respond to climate change shocks like droughts.
“Our response cannot be limited to providing food assistance. By ensuring sustainable access to water, sanitation, and hygiene, we contribute to ensuring the protection of children’s rights, including the right to health, nutrition, education, and protection.
“By providing access to safe water in communities, we build their resilience to cope with climate change-related shocks like the El Nino-induced drought and prevent child malnutrition, morbidity and mortality.
“With water we contribute to a sustainable future at the community level,” added the statement.
And to respond to the water scarcity households are facing, it was revealed that UNICEF as co-sector lead on water, sanitation and hygiene with the Government, works with its partners to enhance safe water supply to communities, health facilities, and schools facing water insecurity through the rehabilitation of existing water systems and construction of new water systems, including climate-resilient multi-purpose solar-powered piped water systems that enable safe drinking, domestic, livestock, and garden water.
“Increasing water storage capacity at the community and institutional level.
“Promoting safe hygiene and sanitation practices and water conservation through established community health and hygiene mechanisms and mass media.”
from left to right…Tawanda Njerere, (Co-Founder and Chief Operations Officer, ZimSmart Villages), Ashkar Patel, (COO, Samp Group), Ritesh Patel (Founder and Chairman, Samp Group), Admore Jokwiro (Co-Founder and Chief Medical Officer, ZimSmart Villages) and Maxwell Chitendeni (Postmaster General, Zimbabwe Postal Service)
BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA
In a groundbreaking initiative, Samp Group has partnered ZimSmart Villages in a healthcare investment which will see the establishment of 150 telehealth units across the country.
The Samp ZimSmart Villages initiative, will provide the much needed healthcare to millions of Zimbabweans, majority of them who live in the rural areas where services are scarce or sometimes nonexistent.
According to the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB), “telehealth is broadly defined as the use of communication technologies to provide health care at a distance.”
It is further revealed that “telehealth has become a valuable tool thanks to combined advances in communications, computer science, informatics, and medical technologies.”
Speaking at a press conference last Saturday to mark their partnership, Dr Admore Jokwiro, Co-Founder and Chief Medical Officer of ZimSmart Villages said The Samp ZimSmart Villages initiative will help improve healthcare access.
Dr Jokwiro said the current “doctor to population ratio in the country stands at 1:5000 people, hence this partnership will improve that not in terms of numbers, but in terms of hours and efficiency.”
He further revealed that, “this partnership sees ZimSmart Villages joining hands with the Samp Group to establish a new entity called Samp ZimSmart Villages and this entity will be democratizing access to health care by establishing 150 telehealth units.
“So the Samp Group is bringing in funding for the establishment of these 150 units and ZimSmart Villages is implementing, providing the telehealth service, coordinating, managing the electronic health systems; the clinical care, ZimSmart will be providing that.
“The Samp Group is going to establish the kiosk and also bring in medicines and bring in world class equipment for the telehealth kiosk,” said Dr Jokwiro.
He further revealed that what they have built and what they are building is something that is very important for the people of Zimbabwe, as the current statistics show that health access is quite low.
Dr Jokwiro also paid tribute to the Samp Group saying, “what you have done and what you are doing for our people is something that means a lot to us and in return we want to improve health outcomes.
“We want our impact and our footprints to be able to increase life expectancy in Zimbabwe; that’s the only way we are able to repay the investment that you are bringing to Zimbabwe.”
Founder and Chairman of Samp Group, Ritesh Patel said after coming in for their second season of the Zim Afro T10 cricket tournament, they had looked at something else they can do for Zimbabwe as the Samp Group.
Patel said they thought the telehealth concept perfectly fits in well with them.
He added that they would want to bring in latest equipment from the United States and also medicines from India and the US.
“We also want to provide medication which can be provided here at a lower cost and which will be able to help everyone.
“We really want to help out and the main reason behind this is I came from a community called BAPS community.
“So I really wanted to see what I can do on behalf of the community, to work something in Zimbabwe.
“The BAPS Swaminarayan Hindu organisation has always believed in serving society.
“In fact Guru Pramukh Swami Maharaj started BAPS Charities that provides medical, education, humanitarian, environmental and many other forms of outstanding care around the world, including Africa.
“My family and I have a strong belief in BAPS Swaminarayan Hindu Sanstha. With the blessings of Bhagwan Swaminarayan, Guru Hari Pramukh Swami Maharaj, and current Guru Hari Mahant Swami, Maharaj; we have taken this noble initiative to serve the people of Zimbabwe,” added Patel.
Postmaster General from the Zimbabwe Postal Service, Maxwell Chitendeni said through their partnership with ZimSmart Villages, they were ready to transform the nation, leaving no one and no place behind.
“Through our partnership with ZimSmart Villages, we are doing quite a lot by providing space as well as logistic services.
“We are happy that Samp has come along to assist, to grow this vision which in my view is also going to transform the livelihoods and the citizenry of Zimbabwe.”
Tawanda Njerere, Co-Founder and Chief Operations Officer, ZimSmart Villages, said “this partnership that we are forging today is a great opportunity for both entities that have decided to come together to form a synergy around healthcare in Zimbabwe.
“One of our greatest ambitions as we were starting this project was for us to be able to position whichever product or service that we are offering to the populace at a global level.
“I mean the ambition has been to bring the best technology, to bring the best kind of research, to bring the best kind of evidence-based learning to the populace of Zimbabwe no matter where they are located, be it in rural areas, be it urban areas as a way of ensuring that the best service gets to the people.
“So this partnership that we are forging today allows us to do that,” said Njerere.
He added: “what it has basically done is that overnight because of the synergies that we are building with Samp, it has allowed us to position globally and act locally, so because of this, we are very much excited because the synergy is going to bring about expertise, is going to bring about medicines, it’s going to bring about access to advanced technology, all things that we have been looking forward to.
Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, Ziyambi Ziyambi (seated third from left), poses for a photowith Zimbabwean and Namibian officials
BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA
The Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS) will strengthen ties and share expertise in correctional and offender management systems with their Namibian counterparts.
This follows a visit by a delegation led by Deputy Commissioner General Mariana Martin, from the Namibian Correctional Service.
The delegation which was accompanied by ZPCS Commissioner General, Dr Moses Cyril Ngawaite Chihobvu, paid a courtesy call on the Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, Ziyambi Ziyambi, at his offices.
And in his introductory remarks, Commissioner General Chihobvu highlighted the importance of the collaboration between the two correctional institutions.
“We signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) under which several key initiatives are set to be implemented starting this year.
“As ZPCS, we have identified areas where we are lagging and have requested the Namibian Correctional Service to assist us in strengthening those areas,” he said.
Minister Ziyambi welcomed the delegation and expressed Zimbabwe’s eagerness to learn from Namibia’s experiences.
“I am very pleased with the composition of the team that has come. We have recently enacted a new Prisons and Correctional Service Act, which introduces the parole system.
“Our focus is shifting more towards the rehabilitation and correction of offenders, and we are excited to exchange experiences as we build our own parole system,” he said.
The Namibian delegation also includes Commissioner Emilige W. Van Zyl, who oversees the National Release Board responsible for parole processes.
Deputy Commissioner General Martin explained that Commissioner Van Zyl’s expertise would be instrumental in sharing how the Namibian Correctional Service manages the parole process.
“The Commissioner is here to explain how we handle the release of prisoners on parole, sharing insights on how our system operates,” she said.
The delegation also includes Commissioner Ankur Kathuria, head of the ICT Directorate, who plays a key role in the implementation of Namibia’s Offender Management System.
And he will be sharing how the system tracks and documents every stage of an offender’s journey, from entry into the correctional system to their release into the community.
This integrated approach supports vital processes such as rehabilitation and eventual reintegration.
The visit marks a significant step in fostering cooperation between Zimbabwe and Namibia in the areas of offender rehabilitation, parole management, and ICT-driven offender management systems. The exchange is expected to provide valuable insights as Zimbabwe strengthens its correctional services, particularly with the introduction of the parole system aimed at better reintegrating offenders into society.
The Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS) has strongly warned members of the public regarding fraudulent calls for recruitment being perpetrated by unscrupulous individuals masquerading as their officials.
A statement from ZPCS revealed that the criminals are targeting job seekers, tricking them to pay fees for non-existing employment opportunities within the organisation.
“The ZPCS has observed with great concern, a surge in scammers leveraging social media platforms disseminating counterfeit recruitment advertisements.
“Their ultimate aim is to get money from hopeful and unsuspecting candidates, thereby causing financial loss and emotional distress to many.
“Despite our consistent efforts to educate the public through various media outlets, we regret to inform members of the public that numerous individuals have already fallen prey to these deceitful practices.
“The brazen nature of these scams is alarming, with some impostors even openly soliciting applicants to attend fake selection exercises.
“The ZPCS categorically asserts that it does not charge any fees for recruitment, selection or training. All recruitment activities are conducted directly by the ZPCS without imposing any costs on candidates and we do not engage any third parties in the official recruitment processes,” read a statement from ZPCS.
It added, “we therefore wish to reiterate that all authentic ZPCS recruitment initiatives are publicly announced via established mainstream print and electronic media outlets. Interested applicants are required to respond with written applications, and selections are conducted at designated ZPCS centres across all provinces.
“In response to this growing threat, we strongly urge the public to independently verify the authenticity of any recruitment advertisements.
“Citizens should consult the nearest ZPCS offices to confirm the legitimacy of any calls for applications to join the ZPCS.
“Let there be no doubt, we are committed to protecting job seekers from these criminal activities and we need everyone’s help to combat these atrocities.
“We thank you for your cooperation and commitment to safeguarding our community from fraud.”
Deputy Minister of Health and Child Care, Sleiman Kwidini, speaking during the World Contraception Day commemorations in Gweru
BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA
The use of contraception in Zimbabwe has led to 780,000 unwanted pregnancies, 195,000 unsafe abortions and about 2,200 maternal deaths being averted, it has been revealed.
This was revealed as Zimbabwe commemorated the World Contraception Day in Gweru on Thursday.
It was also revealed that in 2023, 2.1 million women were using modern contraception in Zimbabwe.
In a speech read on his behalf by his Deputy Sleiman Kwidini, Minister of Health and Child Care, Dr Douglas Mombeshora said, “it should be noted that most young girls and women are faced with unprecedented challenges; among them high levels of unintended pregnancies which may result in unsafe abortions, school drop outs, and child marriages.”
It was also revealed that a result of the Government’s long-standing commitment to the provision of contraceptives, Zimbabwe has made great strides in increasing access to family planning services and earned recognition in Africa as one of the countries with the highest modern contraceptive prevalence rate of 68 percent.
It is estimated that about 80 percent of women in Zimbabwe have their demand for modern contraceptives met.
And the impact of using contraceptives has been profound.
The theme for this year’s, commemorations is, “Contraception – It’s your Life, It’s your responsibility”.
It was revealed that commemorations were held as an opportunity to raise awareness on the importance of family planning and to ensure that every pregnancy is wanted.
“We commend the government for allocating domestic resources for procurement of contraceptives,” said UNFPA Representative Miranda Tabifor in a speech read on her behalf by the agency’s Deputy Representative Navchaa Suren.
“Although the progress is significant, more efforts are required to improve access to family planning services for those in the remote areas, and the most vulnerable groups including young people and persons with disabilities.”
Despite the great progress in the provision of family planning services, gaps remain. Unmet need for young people is higher at 12.6 percent as compared to the national average of 10 percent.
Access to contraceptives for adolescents and young people is therefore limited. As a result, this year’s World Contraception Day comes against a growing concern of high teenage pregnancy in the country.
The launch of the “Not-In-My-Village Campaign” seeks to tackle teenage pregnancy working closely with the communities and traditional leaders.
“Today we join the world celebrating key milestones which we have achieved with regards to contraception and also reflect on the challenges, experiences and areas of improvement as a country towards attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals and Vision 2030 Agenda,” said Zimbabwe National Family Council Executive Director, Farai Machinga.
UNFPA has been supporting the family planning programme in Zimbabwe since the early 1980s through partnership with the Ministry of Health and Child Care, and its parastatal, Zimbabwe National Family Planning Council (ZNFPC).
UNFPA’s support ensures a reliable supply of quality contraceptives; method mix to facilitate a broad choice for the women; strengthening of national health systems; promoting policies supportive of voluntary family planning; providing financial and technical support for family planning programmes, and gathering evidence for informed decision making.
To sustain the results, predictable funding is critical. The government is strengthening its investment in family planning.
In the past three years, the Government has been allocating domestic resources for procurement of contraceptives.
Annually US$1.5 million has been invested in the past three years including this year. UNFPA has been matching the investment by the government under the UNFPA Supplies Global Partnership.
Cape Town Samp Army, Zim Afro T10 players and officials
BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA
The inclusion of six Zimbabwean cricket players in the Cape Town Samp Army, Zim Afro T10 squad, is evident of the great experience the players have and the amount of support they command from local fans, owner of the team, Ritesh Patel has said.
Patel revealed this in Harare today during a press conference ahead of the second season of the shortest cricket format which also begins today.
“The tournament is being held in Zimbabwe and I think it’s important to have Zimbabwean players in the team because we will have all the support and also they have been playing here for long so that is the biggest support to the whole entire franchise so that is the reason why we have great international experienced guys with the Zimbabwean guys, so it’s great combination.
“We are here to entertain Zimbabwean fans, and that’s why there are six Zimbabwean players in my team. I hope to get the support of local fans, and I invite everyone to come large numbers and cheer for Cape Town Samp Army and enjoy our matches. We are also thankful to our title sponsor, Dafabet, for trusting our brand.”
And to add the icing on the cake, another Zimbabwean, Stuart Matsikenyeri is the coach of the team.
Patel said they were excited to aannounce their participation in the second season of the Zim Afro T10 hosted and organized by Zimbabwe Cricket.
He added: “The name SAMP stands for unity, and the team lives up to this spirit, as it is composed of players from England, Afghanistan, West Indies, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, UAE and Zimbabwe.”
Rohan Mustafa, the Captain of Cape Town Samp Army, expressed his joy saying, “I’m delighted and excited to have world-class players from all over the world.
“The format demands quick but composed action on the field and I am sure this team has the right temperament to succeed.”
David Willey, the team’s Vice Captain weighed in saying, “we don’t have big names, but we have the right combination give us an edge over others.”
Representing Zimbabwe, Benjamin Curran, spoke of his thoughts on playing with International players.
“It will be a great experience playing with and against world class cricketers, and I’m proud to add local Zimbabwean power to the team.”
Samp Army has previously participated in various T10 tournaments with renowned international players like Moeen Ali, Faf du Plessis, Jason Holder, David Miller, Shimron, Hetmyer, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, and Mahesh Theekshana.
During the press conference which also coincided with a special event where the team’s jerseys were officially handed over to players, many (players) echoed similar sentiments about the team’s culture, stating: “the owner and management of Samp Army treat us like family.
“Playing as a team and maintaining a strong team culture is their top priority.”
And the players were visibly excited and happy as they received their jerseys, reflecting a positive team spirit.
Cape Town Samp Army’s first match is scheduled for today at 5 PM.
And for this season of Zim Afro T10, Cape Town Samp Army will feature the following players:
SASA; a programme designed by a Ugandan-based non-governmental organisation, Raising Voices, has proved its worth in Zimbabwe, as it had helped to reduce violence against women and HIV infections.
And to add it onto its benefit, the SASA (Start, Awareness, Support and Action) programme has also managed to change some people who revealed they used to be perpetrators of violence against their fellow community members.
These people revealed their appreciation of the SASA programme during a National AIDS Council Media Tour of Mashonaland Central.
According to The HIV/AIDS Network; SASA is a methodology and approach designed by the Uganda-based Raising Voices, which works with women and children to explore the gender aspects of power and to address the link between violence against women (VAW) and HIV/AIDS.
“SASA is a Kiswahili word for “now” and also serves as an acronym for the key components of the programme: Start, Awareness, Support and Action.
“The programme seeks to prevent VAW and HIV by changing the attitudes and behaviours that perpetuate power imbalances in relationships between men and women.”
Gladness Mwale, aged 23, from Mbire District in Ward 3 was full of praises for the SASA programme, as she was honest enough to reveal that she used to be violent.
“Ini SASA yakatondibatsira nekuti ndaitombovawo munhu wacho aitokonzeresa mhirizhonga.
“Ndaiva munhu wekuti ndaiti ndikanzwa zvataurwa nezvangu ndainobvunza, asi pakubvunza ndipo paikonzereseka dzimwe nyaya dzaizonetsa. (SASA programme helped me personally because I used to be violent. Whenever I got angry, I would engage in violence but it took me to be trained that I saw that what I was doing was wrong.)
Mwale revealed that when she was introduced to the SASA programme she didn’t understand it before she got hooked, in a good way.
“As a member of this programme, we were taught that before you expect to change other people, you have to change first.
“So I’m happy I did that, I did self-introspection and knew what I had to change about my behaviour.
“We were taught about things to do with gender based violence and all its key drivers. So we started going to villages and spreading this word on SASA.
“I started in 2019 and this year in December I will be completing this programme. We go into villages teaching people so that they know all that is to know about GBV. Many people did not even know what SASA was all about, but it all changed and many people got to know about SASA and it impacted them positively.
“Many also got to be serious about getting tested for HIV and also to book pregnancies early and it also helped in many other aspects of maternal health,” said Mwale.
She added: “cases of GBV have lessened because SASA speaks against such issues, it really helped us. We also got to engage in many other income generating projects, this really helped us a lot.
“SASA also helped us especially as young women because we got to learn about many projects because we used to have issues with financial management.
“Before SASA, we really used to have issues in our marriages, like our husbands would just use all the money on things which they wanted not considering the family but we have been empowered also such that we now have our own income generating projects.
“We have goat projects which has really helped.”
She also revealed that as a result of SASA, women can now stand for their rights, they now understand that they can report either to the police or other women’s organisations.
Cases of young women who used to be abused and the perpetrators getting away with such crimes have also lessened said Mwale.
Holiday Banda
Holiday Banda, a 37-year-old man who is also helping to spread the SASA ‘gospel’ said the programme had also helped him in his marriage because they used to have numerous misunderstandings with his wife, but that had since changed.
Banda said at first he didn’t understand what this programme was all about till they were trained.
“There are groups and in each group there are 25 people and in a month we meet three times, first month we discuss about GBV.
“Then second month we discuss about power dynamics in the house, then lastly we talk about HIV and AIDS,” said Banda.
Chipo Jongoro, Katswe Sistahood Field Officer
Chipo Jongoro, Katswe Sistahood Field Officer, revealed that the programme had four phases and along with NAC, they are implementing it in Mbire District five Wards 2, 3, 4, 11 and 12.
“In Ward 2 and 3, it is in the Action Phase, which is the last phase of the project where we are looking to say when the project is done, what shall happen, who will remain to see that the project continues.
“So we are working with several government departments, like Ministry of Youth, Ministry of Women Affairs, Ministry of Health and we are also working with traditional leaders, church leaders and youths and women who have influence in the community so that when the project they will continue to talk about GBV and HIV issues.
“Our main aim as SASA is we are looking at women and young women who are facing abuse, linking them to get health services or getting help when they want to get report issues,” said Jongoro.
Edgar Muzulu, Provincial Manager for NAC in Mashonaland Central
Edgar Muzulu, Provincial Manager for NAC in Mashonaland Central, said GBV was one of our key drivers of HIV so they were making use of the SASA approach, which is a model meant to bring about transformation in terms of how people relate, how people view their own norms and values.
“So it is transformative in nature in terms of how people look at what is valuable and in terms of traditional practices.
“You will find out that traditionally in a setting like Shamva, there was actually valuing those traditions like chiramu, kugara nhaka and so forth, which were some of the causes how HIV spreads.
“So you will find that because of the education, it actually focuses on traditional leaders, influential leaders, religious leaders and the approach seeks to make people introspect and relook at how they are living and see which are the practices which are wrong, which are in the negative, which need to be addressed,” said Muzulu.
He added that with the SASA model, people are equipped with skills of trying to raise awareness amongst themselves and they are also given skills of how to respond, how to encourage each other to avoid such practices.
Muzulu further added that they had noticed some positive outcomes as a result of the SASA model which is currently being employed in Shamva, in Bindura District under the Global Fund and in Mbire District under a Social Contracting Arrangement.
And during the week long NAC Media Tour, journalists managed to see and hear how SASA had changed lives, testament that this Uganda borrowed initiative, can also work well in Zimbabwe.
Edgar Muzulu, Provincial Manager for NAC in Mashonaland Central
BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA in Mazowe
The Combination Prevention Approach being employed by the National AIDS Council (NAC) and other partners, has gone a long way in terms of reducing new HIV infections in Mashonaland Central Province.
The Province has a total burden of 111 000 people living with HIV, which translates to a 10,35 percent HIV prevalence and is currently on number five nationally.
It was also revealed that new infections used to be very high, but they have since reduced thanks to the Combination Prevention Approach.
According to the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO), UNAIDS defines combination HIV prevention as rights-, evidence-, and community-based programs that promote a combination of biomedical, behavioural, and structural interventions designed to meet the HIV prevention needs of specific people and communities.
Speaking during a NAC media tour, Edgar Muzulu, Provincial Manager for NAC in Mashonaland Central said the province has eight districts, namely Mazowe, Bindura, Shamva, Mount Darwin, Rushinga, Muzarabani, Guruve and Mbire, where various responses to key drivers of HIV are being carried out.
Some of the key drivers in the province include gender based violence, traditional and religious practices, people with low risk perceptions about themselves and multi concurrent partnerships where there is low condom use.
“In response to these key drivers as a province; we have come up with interventions that are primarily preventative in nature, because our focus is more on prevention so we make use of what we call the Combination Prevention Approach.
“This is a cocktail of interventions or strategies that include Elimination of Mother to Child Transmission.
“Mother to child transmission is one of the major ways that transmission is taking place in our province because most women when they are pregnant, they miss out on getting on ART (anti-retroviral treatment) or in terms of taking the medication that prevents their unborn babies not to get infected.
“Then another intervention that we have when it comes to preventing these problems is the HIV Testing and Counselling Services; that is the entry point of everyone.
“Then we also have Behaviour Change Communication so that people are aware of risks and what ways they can use in terms of reducing risks in terms of new infections,” said Muzulu.
He added that another Combination Prevention Approach is the condom, which is a way of preventing new infections, a way of preventing of unwanted pregnancies and prevention of STIs.
“STIs are one of the major avenues through which people get HIV because if a person gets STIs, they have some wounds which become openings and become easier highways for HIV.
“Then as we do this Combination Prevention Approach; we make use of what we call models, these are community based interventions that are driven by what we call the peer led approach.
“Within each community, they identify each problem and come up with a model suitable to address those problems.
“For example we have gender based violence as one of our key drivers so you see that we make use of what we call the SASA (Start, Awareness, Support and Action) approach which is a model meant to bring about transformation in terms of how people relate, how people view their own norms and values.
“So it is transformative in nature in terms of how people look at what is valuable and in terms of traditional practices.
“You will find out that traditionally in a setting like Shamva, there was actually valuing those traditions like chiramu, kugara nhaka and so forth, which were some of the causes how HIV spreads.
“So you will find that because of the education, it actually focuses on traditional leaders, influential leaders, religious leaders and the approach seeks to make people introspect and relook at how they are living and see which are the practices which are wrong, which are in the negative, which need to be addressed,” said Muzulu.
He added that with the SASA model, people are equipped with skills of trying to raise awareness amongst themselves and they are also given skills of how to respond, how to encourage each other to avoid such practices.
Muzulu further added that they had noticed some positive outcomes as result of the SASA model which is currently being employed in Shamva, in Bindura District under the Global Fund and in Mbire District under a Social Contracting Arrangement.
He also revealed that the Sista-2-Sista Model which is being implemented in Rushinga District under the Global Fund Grant and also from domestic resources, focuses on the adolescent girls and young women, mostly the 15 to 24 year olds.
“With the objective of equipping these young girls with skills of determination, with skills of resilience, skills of financial management, skills of knowing how to manage their own reproductive sexual health.
“In terms of other skills which will prevent them from getting pregnancies early in their lives and prolong getting married and empower them in terms of their livelihoods.
“So it’s a total package that empowers the young girls so that they are able to live and be able to avoid risk behaviours that can lead to them being infected.
“Then the DREAMS (Determined, Resilient, Empowered AIDS-free) Model, we learnt it from our partners, Zimbabwe Health Interventions (ZHI).
“This model also focuses on adolescent girls and young women to inculcate those virtues of determination, resilience, giving the girl child that confidence, so that they are able to realise their dreams. Determined, Resilient, Empowered, AIDS-free, mentored and safe girls.
“If they are mentored, if they are safe, if they are determined, if they are resilient, then they will realise their dreams.”
Muzulu further revealed that for all the models or strategies, they focus on people centeredness, which is why it is community rooted.
He also revealed that train selected volunteers who are known by their own peers so that they are given the skills and once they are given the skills through a trainer of trainers, they then come back to their communities and drive programmes.
Every year a cohort is recruited and they go through trainings from January to December and once they graduate they go back into the communities, while NAC then make follow ups to see if they are using the skills they would have acquired.
Some of the skills that we give them are economic generation programmes, which they are taught to be self-reliant, some do soap making, basket making, while some form groups and lend money to each other.
The Male Engagement is also another strategy whereby boys are engaged at an early stage so as to inculcate a sense of responsibility and a sense of working hard and sense of caring for others and a sense of not being reckless.
Asked why they carry out different interventions in different districts, Muzulu said: “the epidemic is not homogenous, what drives the epidemic in Mazowe is not what drives the epidemic in Muzarabani, so we do what we call problem identification together with stakeholders.
“And we do what we call ranking of problems and we do what we call prioritization. So when you come to Mazowe when they rank their problems, they can tell you that no, we want to focus on adolescents because this is our big problem.
“If you go to Mbire, they can tell you that focus on men because they are causing GBV (Gender Based Violence). So those are the issues now, so the epidemic is dynamic, it differs from one area to another accordingly.”
Edward Kallon, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator
BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA
Effective preparation for droughts is critical to combat effects of such occurrences, as Zimbabwe along with other countries face recurrent climate shocks.
The El Nino induced drought has seen Zimbabwe’s cereal production been cut by 77 percent, leaving about 60 percent of the country’s population food insecure.
This was revealed by Edward Kallon, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, at the 2024 Zimbabwe Economic Development Conference which is being held in Victoria Falls.
The conference is running under the theme, “Building Resilience and Driving Economic Transformation under Climate Change.”
Kallon said there were a lot of things which could be done so as to reduce the effects of drought which is threatening many livelihoods.
“The key takeaway from the anticipatory action is that effective preparation requires the establishment of early warning systems, the maintenance of strategic food reserves, and the implementation of crop insurance programs.
“By showcasing robust risk management strategies, Zimbabwe can bolster its credibility and attract investment from international financial institutions, especially after recently receiving US$32 million from the Africa Risk Insurance and climate resilience-focused donors.
“Our proactive approach to managing potential disasters is essential as threats approach.
“I would like to commend the Government of Zimbabwe for its timely decision to declare a State of Disaster, as announced by His Excellency the President, followed by a comprehensive national response plan.
“The UN and other partners have been working to support this effort, launching flash appeal amounting US$430 million, which accounts for 30 percent of the national response,” said Kallon.
Kallon also revealed that the conference’s theme is particularly timely as Zimbabwe, the SADC region, and the world face recurrent climatic shocks.
He added that the present El Niño-induced drought, the most severe in 40 years, affecting millions, underscores the urgency of the work that needs to be done.
“Zimbabwe, like many other countries, faces significant challenges due to the impacts of climate change.
“The El Nino phenomenon has had negative implications on economic growth, agricultural yields, food security, energy, water, sanitation and hygiene, health and education sectors.
“The drought cut Zimbabwe’s cereal production by 77 percent, leaving about 60 percent of the country’s population food insecure.”
Kallon also said that to build resilience and drive economic transformation, it requires several things amongst them mobilizing resources for climate resilience.
“To fill the adaptation financing gap, Zimbabwe must strategically leverage both domestic and international resources.
“The national budget should prioritize climate adaptation projects, complemented by seeking support from international institutions such as the Green Climate Fund.
“Furthermore, the private sector can be engaged through incentives and public-private partnerships, fostering investments in renewable energy, climate-smart agriculture, and sustainable infrastructure.
“Green bonds present an innovative avenue to finance climate projects, expanding our financial resource base.
“Ensuring that resources are used effectively and efficiently is critical. This requires a transparent and accountable governance framework. Establishing clear metrics and reporting mechanisms can help monitor the progress of climate resilience programmes.
“Additionally, investing in capacity building for local communities and governmental bodies ensures that stakeholders are knowledgeable about implementing and managing adaptation strategies. Incorporating advanced technology and data analytics can further optimize resource allocation and track project outcomes.
“This requires a whole-government and inter-sectoral collaboration with one entity facilitating.
“To catalyze and improve the coordination and collaboration of resources, Zimbabwe should foster partnerships between government agencies, non-governmental organizations, the private sector, and the international community.
“Establishing a robust national resilience platform led by the Government with support from UN and development partners to climate resilience can help align efforts and avoid duplication of initiatives.
“Given the borderless nature of climate shocks as witnessed by the current El Nino induced drought and the Cyclone Idai and Freddy in recent years, regional collaboration with neighboring countries can also facilitate share knowledge, resources, and strategies, enhancing collective resilience against climate impacts.
“Proactive preparation for El Niño and La Niña events can translate into better access to finance by showcasing Zimbabwe’s commitment to mitigating climate risks. We can draw lessons on our first anticipatory action plan that was led the Department of Civil Protection and supported by the UN and Partners with a total budget of US$28 million of which close to US$10 million was mobilized from the UN Central Emergency Response Fund,” added Kallon.
He also revealed that building resilience and driving economic transformation under climate change requires massive resource, innovation, technology, infrastructure, overhauling, and re-aligning and making community infrastructure and industries climate-proof.
He added that some countries, including Zimbabwe are face significant obstacles like rising debts, escalating climate threats, and financial systems inadequate for fostering their development or prosperity.
Kallon also revealed that there was need for crucial reform of the global financial system which ensures fair opportunities for growth and resilience.
He also shared some perspectives for consideration, which he said are critical for joint advocacy to facilitate resilience building and driving economic transformation under climate change.
“Burdened by debts impeding growth: reforms such as ‘pause clauses’ for natural disasters and comprehensive debt restructuring are essential as the country confronts its worst drought in 40 years.
“This is critical to advance indispensable sectors such as food systems, digital connectivity, health, and clean energy.
“Prioritizing climate finance fosters resilience against ecological disruptions and ensures the socio-economic stability of communities. “This necessitates international cooperation that extends beyond funding, embracing integrated strategies that incorporate technology and innovation.
“The UN Secretary General in his post-covid policy briefs proposed annual SDGs stimulus of US$500 billion, backed by the creation of a Multi-Purpose Trust Fund, aims to mobilize resources crucial for advancing food systems, digital connectivity, health, education, clean energy, climate action, and jobs and social protection—cornerstones of prosperity and equity.
“We have been testing here in Zimbabwe with a US$10 million from the SDG Fund and additional US$35 million of blending finance from private sector such as Old Mutual.
“My proposal is we should have a Zimbabwe SDG implementation costed plan within the NDS-1 and 2, a direct matrix from the 2030 National Vision to become upper middle-income society.
“Reforming trade policies to guarantee fair market access for developing countries is crucial. Strategic partnerships can unlock economic opportunities, allowing nations to harness their resources sustainably.”
Kallon added that by implementing these strategies, Zimbabwe—a nation endowed with abundant natural resources and a rich cultural heritage—can effectively tackle its climatic and economic challenges. He also revealed that the conference offers a unique platform for ambitious and compassionate collaboration and all efforts being made now will shape a future of shared prosperity, justice, and environmental sustainability, securing a prosperous and equitable path for Zimbabwe and nations worldwide.
He further reiterated that the UN Country Team in Zimbabwe stands ready to work with all stakeholders to support the Government to achieve the national vision to become upper middle income society by 2030 and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in the face of climate change.
Over 400 cyclists are expected to participate at this year’s Pedal-2-Wellness event, which will be held under the theme “Pedal against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.”
The cycling event which is organised by iGo, Cimas Health Group’s wellness division, is in its second year and will be held next Saturday.
This was revealed by Cimas Health Group Chief Executive Officer, Vuli Ndlovu, ahead of the cycling event which is meant to promote physical well-being.
“Open to elite, and social cyclists including children, this year’s Pedal-2-Wellness, event will be held under the theme, “Pedal against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking” with more than 400 cyclists expected to participate.
“Pedal-2-Wellness is part of Cimas’s broader commitment to promoting health and wellness to foster a healthier society.
“I urge cyclists to bring their helmets and bikes to Pedal against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking,” said Ndlovu.
Ndlovu revealed that the event also promotes cardio fitness and raises awareness of drug and substance abuse.
“Cycling is not just about getting from one place to another, it is about enhancing our overall wellbeing. As more people choose to cycle, we can collectively work towards a healthier, greener, and more sustainable future.”
Speaking on the growing need for alternative transportation options, Ndlovu emphasised the importance of creating a safer environment for cyclists.
“Apart from offering remarkable benefits for physical health, cycling offers a safer and more environmentally friendly mode of transport.
“However, to fully realise these benefits, our City council must invest in infrastructure that ensures the safety of cyclists on the road,” Ndlovu said.
He added that there is a need for dedicated cycling lanes and proper signage to encourage more people to embrace cycling as a viable mode of transportation.
“Incorporating safer cycling infrastructure would not only reduce the risk of accidents but also contribute to reducing traffic congestion and lowering carbon emissions,” noted Ndlovu.
He underscored the need for collaborative efforts amongst the city council, corporate entities, and the public to make cycling a safer and more accessible option for all.
He also revealed that registration to participate at the Pedal-2-Wellness is being done online with the elite and social cyclists paying US$5 while children under the age of 13 will participate for free.
The event will start at 7:30 AM with the 45-km ride, followed by the fun ride at 7:45 AM and the children’s ride at 8:00 AM.
“Participants under the age of 13 years will cycle on the iGo strip and perimeter road of Borrowdale racecourse (4.5km), while those over 13 years will cycle on the road along the demarcated route (22.5km) from Borrowdale Office Park.
“The elite cyclists will complete two laps of the race, which is 45km, and there will be two water points, at the start and finish point of the race.
“As a safety measure, all participants are expected to wear helmets, which are available for hire at the venue on the day.
“Participants will receive a T-shirt and a medal after completing the event. As part of Cimas’ Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives, part of the proceeds from the event will be donated to Chikurubi Psychiatric Unit, which supports mental health causes,” added Ndlovu.
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