Current Affairs
WHO Reports Significant Gains in Zimbabwe’s Polio Vaccination Campaigns
Zimbabwe’s healthcare system, long hampered by numerous challenges, has recorded notable progress in addressing critical health threats, according to the World Health Organization’s (WHO) annual report.
Earlier this year, the country faced a spike in cholera cases, reaching emergency levels and requiring urgent intervention, alongside confirmed cases of Mpox virus.
Despite these challenges, Zimbabwe exceeded its target of vaccinating over four million children during polio campaigns using the novel oral polio vaccine type Z (nOPVZ).
WHO Zimbabwe representative Desta Tiruneh highlighted the country’s resilience throughout 2024, noting that urgent health responses were effectively managed while laying the groundwork for long-term improvements in the health system.
“The cholera outbreak tested the capacity of our health infrastructure but also demonstrated strong national coordination and response mechanisms that helped contain the outbreak and save lives,” Tiruneh said.
From February 2023 to August 2024, Zimbabwe recorded 34,550 cholera cases and 719 related deaths. Coordinated interventions helped reduce the national cholera case fatality rate from 13.7% in August 2023 to 1.2% by June 2024.
Polio vaccination efforts were robust, with three rounds of campaigns reaching over 13 million children under 10 years, achieving coverage above 109% in each round. These campaigns, conducted in schools, homes, health facilities, and via mobile clinics, played a crucial role in maintaining Zimbabwe’s polio-free status.
Despite these gains, challenges remain. Children in remote areas continue to miss vaccinations, while vaccine hesitancy persists among certain elite and religious groups. Other ongoing issues include outbreaks of Mpox, cholera, and measles, staff shortages, workforce fatigue, and funding gaps for routine immunisation and community outreach.
The report emphasized that these achievements, alongside improvements in service delivery, emergency preparedness, digital health, and public health promotion, reflect the strong collaboration between WHO, the Ministry of Health and Child Care, and other committed partners.
Additionally, WHO Zimbabwe is prioritizing maternal and newborn health, adolescent sexual and reproductive health, and strengthening data systems to ensure equitable service delivery. To tackle postpartum hemorrhage, a leading cause of maternal deaths, Zimbabwe has adopted the WHO E-MOTIVE bundle, focusing on early detection and bundled treatment approaches.
ALSO READ : Magunje Headmaster Jailed Three Years for Abusing 14-Year-Old Learner
The Government has strongly condemned the unlawful subdivision and sale of land at North Umzari Farm in Makonde District, Chinhoyi, saying the transactions are in breach of the country’s spatial planning and urban development regulations.
According to Minister of Local Government and Public Works Hon Daniel Garwe, authorities never granted approval or issued compliance certificates for the creation and sale of residential stands on the farm.
“The layout plans circulating in connection with the land sales are “fake, fraudulent and legally void,” he said.
The minister urged members of the public to exercise caution when purchasing land in the area, warning that buyers involved in illegal land transactions risk losing their money because Government will not compensate victims.
“Any structures erected without properly approved plans may be demolished, stressing that Government is determined to eliminate disorderly settlements and ensure organised urban growth in line with Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 agenda,” he concluded.
NetOne has officially launched a new base station in Matjinge, Bulilima District, in Matabeleland South Province as part of efforts to improve network coverage and connectivity in rural communities.
The new base station is expected to provide better mobile communication services to residents in Matjinge and surrounding areas, helping communities access reliable voice and internet services.
The development forms part of NetOne’s ongoing programme to bridge the digital divide by expanding telecommunications infrastructure to underserved areas across the country.
Improved connectivity will help support communication, business activities, education and access to digital services within the district.
The launch of the base station also reflects Zimbabwe’s broader push toward digital inclusion and increased access to modern technology in rural communities.
The 2026 Girls in ICT programme has officially started at National University of Science and Technology under the theme, “AI Development – Girls Shaping the Digital Future.”
The event brings together young girls from different schools and communities to encourage participation in information and communication technology, innovation and digital transformation.
Speaking during the launch, ICT Minister Tatenda Mavetera said empowering girls in technology is important for building a smarter and more inclusive digital future for Zimbabwe.
“Empowering girls today means shaping a smarter, more inclusive digital future for Zimbabwe,” she said.
Minister Mavetera encouraged girls to take advantage of opportunities in the technology sector and actively participate in artificial intelligence and other digital innovations.
The programme aims to inspire more young women to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) while helping close the gender gap in the ICT industry.
The Girls in ICT initiative is part of ongoing efforts to promote digital inclusion and equip young people with skills needed for the country’s growing digital economy.
Public Cautioned Against Illegal Land Deals in Chinhoyi
Zimbabwe Steers WHO Financial Future
Armed Robbery Mastermind Nabbed
Operation restore order
Masasi High School Abuse Scandal Sparks Public Outcry
Kuwadzana Man Jailed for Reckless Driving and Driving Without a Licence
-
Current Affairs6 months agoOperation restore order
-
Crime and Courts8 months agoMasasi High School Abuse Scandal Sparks Public Outcry
-
Crime and Courts8 months agoKuwadzana Man Jailed for Reckless Driving and Driving Without a Licence
-
Current Affairs10 months agoBreaking: ZIMSEC June 2025 Exam Results Now Available Online
-
Current Affairs9 months agoMunhumutapa Day: Zimbabwe’s Newest Public Holiday Set for Annual Observance
-
Current Affairs7 months agoBREAKING NEWS: ZANU PF Director General Ezekiel Zabanyana Fired
-
Business6 months agoTino Tungwarara Launches Prevail Mart, Becoming One of Zimbabwe’s Youngest Retail Entrepreneurs
-
Current Affairs9 months agoNo Racism in Our Cricket: Government