Ministry of Health and Child Care

17/09/2022

VP and Minister of Health Dr Chiwenga officially opens AHFoZ 2022 All Stakeholders Conference.

Officially opening Association of Health Funders of Zimbabwe (AHFoZ) 2022 All Stakeholders Conference in Victoria Falls yesterday, Hon Vice President & Minister of Health and Child Care, Gen (Rtd) Dr C.G.D.N Chiwenga said Government was concerned with the exchange rate disparities which are resulting in huge medical aid shortfalls for patients at the point of care.

In a speech read on his behalf by Deputy Minister, Dr John Mangwiro, Dr Chiwenga said the Ministry was committed to ensuring that card-carrying patients can access services without having to pay excessive shortfalls deterrent and retrogressive to the objectives of medical insurance.

VP Dr Chiwenga appreciated the role played by the private sector institutions in contributing to the continued improvement of the country's health delivery system.

He pointed out that the introduction of ICD10 coding which was championed by AHFoZ for use by medical aid societies and providers was a welcome development as its use had advantages for government, service providers and medical aid societies.

"We are aware that in other countries projects such as introduction of the ICD10 coding falls directly under the government as it is of National importance. We therefore appreciate your complementary role in running with it. As government the use of ICD10 will enable us to collect statistics on epidemiology among others", said VP Dr Chiwenga.

It surfaced that plans to introduce a Universal Health Cover are still under way. The Universal Health coverage is expected to coexist with the medical aid system. To this end, VP Dr Chiwenga implored medical aid service providers to be innovative and come up with affordable healthcare coverage products in order to extend cover to all potential citizens who still have no medical aid. This would include an extended focus on Mental Health coverage which has not received requisite attention over the years.

VP Dr Chiwenga added that the planned formalisation of the informal sector would make it possible for medical aid societies to collect subscriptions regularly from the “informal” sector without suffering from defaults, an anormally which medical aid societies have previously expressed concern about.

Medical aid societies have always supported the Government through taking care of the healthcare needs of the country’s workforce and their immediate families towards maintaining good quality standards of life.

03/09/2022

Transformation Health Talk: Streaming Live from Ministry of health and Childcare stand

Transformation Health Talk: Streaming Live from Ministry of health and Childcare stand

02/09/2022

Transformation Health Talk: Topic Breast Cancer. Streaming Live from Ministry of health and Childcare stand

Transformation Health Talk: Topic Breast Cancer. Streaming Live from Ministry of health and Childcare stand

02/09/2022

Transformation Health Talk: Topic Childhoold Cancer. Streaming Live from Ministry of health and Childcare stand

Transformation Health Talk: Topic Childhoold Cancer. Streaming Live from Ministry of health and Childcare stand

02/09/2022

Transformation Health Talk: Topic Prostate and Colon Cancer. Streaming Live from Ministry of health and Childcare stand

Transformation Health Talk: Topic Prostate and Colon Cancer. Streaming Live from Ministry of health and Childcare stand

02/09/2022

Join the Ministry of Health and Child Care's Transformation Health Talk sessions at our Zimbabwe Agriculture Show Stand in Rajiv Gandhi Hall today as Specialists Doctors and Consultants lead discussions on Cancer treatment and services.

01/09/2022

Transformation Health Talk: Topic COVID19. Streaming Live from Ministry of health and Childcare stand

Transformation Health Talk: Topic COVID19. Streaming Live from Ministry of health and Childcare stand

01/09/2022

Transformation Health Talk: Topic Fetal Medicine. Streaming Live from Ministry of health and Childcare stand

Transformation Health Talk: Topic Fetal Health Medicine. Streaming Live from Ministry of health and Childcare stand

01/09/2022

Transformation Health Talk: Topic Eye Health. Streaming Live from Ministry of health and Childcare stand

Transformation Health Talk: Topic Eye Health. Streaming Live from Ministry of health and Childcare stand

31/08/2022

Transformation Health Talk: Topic Substance and Alcohol Use Disorders. Streaming Live from Ministry of health and Childcare stand

Transformation Health Talk: Topic Substance and Alcohol Use Disorders. Streaming Live from Ministry of health and Childcare stand

31/08/2022

Transformation Health Talk: Topic Su***de. Streaming Live from Ministry of health and Childcare stand

Transformation Health Talk: Topic Su***de. Streaming Live from Ministry of health and Childcare stand

31/08/2022

Transformation Health Talk: Topic Su***de. Streaming Live from Ministry of health and Childcare stand

Transformation Health Talk: Topic Su***de. Streaming Live from Ministry of health and Childcare stand

31/08/2022

Transformation Health Talk: Topic Su***de. Streaming Live from Ministry of health and Childcare stand

Transformation Health Talk: Topic Su***de. Streaming Live from Ministry of health and Childcare stand

31/08/2022

31/08/2022

Symposium Day 1

Symposium Day 1

31/08/2022

Symposium

Symposium

30/08/2022

Join "Transformation Health Talks" tomorrow... live from the Zimbabwe Agricultural Society Grounds.

19/08/2022

On the occasion of the we are elated with the recognition we received from the CSR Network Zimbabwe during the 6th edition of the South-East Regional Awards ceremony held in Mutare today. Family AIDS Caring Trust - FACT Zimbabwe was recognized as an organization of Excellence in Community Empowerment and Social Impact.

Our work through various projects and partnerships continue to complement the Government of Zimbabwe's efforts to realize healthy communities for a healthy nation.

We congratulate all the winners and as we strive to make the world a better place for all, let love lead as we serve one another.

Ministry of Health and Child Care, Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education- MopseZim, Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare,, Ministry of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation, Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Develop
USAID Zimbabwe, UN Trust Fund to End Violence against Women, Unesco Regional Office for Southern Africa, Tearfund Nederland, FHI 360, Population Solutions for Health, Childline Zimbabwe, Simukai Child Protection Programme, Rujeko Home Based Care Programme, World Education Inc / Bantwana Zim, Frontline AIDS, Family Support Trust, ActionAid Zimbabwe, UNDP Zimbabwe, Fawezi, Leonard Cheshire Disability Zimbabwe, Jointed Hands Welfare Organisation, ZICHIRE, Repssi Zimbabwe, NANGO Zimbabwe, National AIDS Council of Zimbabwe, Econet Zimbabwe

17/08/2022

Ministry of Health and Child Care with support from the Office of the President and Cabinet is currently holding a five-day Induction and Corporate Governance Training Workshop for all its Parastatals and Professional Associations' Boards and Executive Heads in Victoria Falls. The induction and training is in line with Government's thrust to build responsible, transparent, accountable and visionary leaders within public entities. Officially opening the workshop early this week, Honorable Vice President and Minister of Health, Gen (Rtd) Dr C.G.D.N Chiwenga said Parastatals needed to "anchor their operational effectiveness and efficiency on the fundamentals of good corporate governance as well as shun corruption in all its forms" towards a prosperous and Empowered Upper-Middle Income Society by year 2030.

04/08/2022

Women who breastfeed bond with their babies and enjoy numerous health benefits.

03/08/2022

Breastfeeding is so much easier when everyone steps in to support mothers. At home, family members can help by cooking and cleaning so that breastfeeding mothers find more time to rest and breastfeed.

03/08/2022

Monkeypox update

The Ministry of Health and Child Care would like to warn the public and its stakeholders of an on-going outbreak of monkeypox in non-endemic countries including neighboring South Africa. The first case which was reported in the United Kingdom on the 7th of May 2022, has a history of having travelled to Nigeria. As of the 31st of July 2022, a total of 6 785 confirmed cases,106 probable cases and 561 suspected cases have been reported.
Monkeypox is a rare viral infection that is endemic to Central and West Africa. It spreads through close contact with people, animals or material infected with the virus.
Symptoms of monkeypox can include:
- Fever
- Rash (that can look like pimples or blisters that appear on the face, inside the mouth, or other parts of the body especially hands, feet and chest)
- Headache
- Muscle ache and backache
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Chills
- Exhaustion
- Respiratory symptoms include (e.g sore throat, nasal congestion or cough)
Monkeypox virus is part of the same family of viruses as smallpox and symptoms are similar but it is not related to chickenpox. The illness usually last 2 - 4 weeks.

Currently, there is no proven, safe treatment for monkeypox virus infection. However, the disease can be prevented through:
• Avoiding contact with animals that could harbor the virus (including animals that are sick or that have been found dead in areas where monkeypox occurs).
• Avoiding contact with any materials, such as bedding, that has been in contact with a sick animal or person.
• Isolating infected patients from others who could be at risk for infection.
• Practising good hand hygiene after contact with infected animals or humans such as washing hands with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Using personal protective equipment (PPE) when caring for patients.
The Ministry of Health and Child Care wishes to reassure the public that currently no cases have been reported in Zimbabwe and is monitoring the evolving situation of monkeypox outbreak. The Ministry has also placed its structures on high alert and is conducting preparedness and response activities. The public is urged to report suspected cases to the nearest health facility as soon as possible or use our toll-free line: 2019.

01/08/2022

Ministry of Health and Child Care joins the rest of the world in commemorating World Breastfeeding Week, 1-7 August 2022, under the theme, "Step up for Breastfeeding, Educate and Support."

Tune in and listen to today's 4 PM news bulletin on StarFM, Diamond FM, NyaminyamiFM to hear more on how community leadership is "Stepping up Breastfeeding Support" in their areas as Chief Mapungwana of Chipinge shares his story.

28/07/2022

All E-Nursing enquiries should be emailed to [email protected] or alternatively call +263 24 2730273

14/07/2022

Mass Drug Administration to fight and eliminate Blinding Trachoma currently underway...

27/06/2022

FACT Zimbabwe in collaboration with the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Develop with funding support from the UN Trust Fund to End Violence against Women through the conducted a S*xual Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) campaign under the Voices From the Fringes- Female S*x Worker and Adolescent Girls project which was held at the Cross in Murehwa district of Mashonaland East province.
The campaign came against the backdrop of increased violence towards girls and women which has prompted FACT Zimbabwe and its partners to conduct awareness campaigns to reduce SGBV in the communities of Murehwa, Goromonzi and Kwekwe.
Partners who include the Ministry of Health and Child Care, National AIDS Council of Zimbabwe, CeSHHAR Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe Republic Police - ZRP, Mwanasikana Wanhasi, and Zimbabwe Women Lawyers Association had the opportunity to sensitise the community on the various reporting platforms, health, legal and psychosocial support services for survivors of SGBV.

23/06/2022

Ministry of Health and Child Care in conjunction with development partners is today holding a one-day national nutrition learning event in Gweru under the Zimbabwe Resilience Building Fund (ZRBF), a multi sectoral initiative aimed at improving food security and nutrition in the country in line with NDS1.

The event seeks to share experiences and best practices among participants drawn from the 18 Districts from which Ministry of Health and Child Care has been implementing the program working in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture.

20/06/2022

In its quest to capacitate and strengthen member states Covid-19 response systems, Africa CDC, in conjuction with Amref Health Africa, handed over a donation of 130 Samsung tablets to Ministry of Health and Child Care on Friday 17 June 2022. Speaking while receiving the donation on behalf of the Ministry, Chief Director Public Health, Dr Munyaradzi Dobbie, said the tablets will go a long way in enhancing the capturing and management of Covid-19 data at many public health facilities in the country.

27/05/2022

Malaria can be prevented, play your part and help prevent the spread.

27/05/2022

17/05/2022

This week we are pleased to host USAID Zimbabwe team for a learning visit to have an appreciation of the Family AIDS Caring Trust - FACT Zimbabwe implemented programmes in Manicaland province. The team will meet partners in the and consortiums who will showscase the collaborations, implementation successes, lessons learnt and opportunities for further collaboration.

Simukai Child Protection Programme National AIDS Council of Zimbabwe Ministry of Health and Child Care Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Develop

11/05/2022

The Ministry of Health and Child Care is taking COVID-19 vaccination to artisinal miners in Penhalonga through door-to-door outreach campaigns being held under the ongoing vaccination intensification blitz. Aimed at ensuring that no one is left behind in the fight against the pandemic, the blitz which started on 2 May is targeting children aged 12 and above as well as the elderly. It runs until 15 May 2022. DO NOT BE LEFT BEHIND, GET VACCINATED TODAY.

30/04/2022

More sites from the Ministry of Health and Child Care stand
at ZITF where we are providing oral health and HIV services, TB and cervical cancer screening, Covid-19 testing and vaccination card activation, traditional medicine awareness and treatment.

30/04/2022

Sites from the Ministry of Health and Child Care's stand at the ZITF where we are providing COVID-19 vaccination. Visit our stand today and get vaccinated today. COVID-19 is real.

28/04/2022

Modernizing indigenous and exotic traditional medicines in Zimbabwe...Visit the Ministry of Health and Child Care stand at ZITF for more information on Zimbabwean and Chinese traditional medicines.

23/04/2022

Malaria cases on the decrease

A reduction of 47,9% of malaria cases was noted in the first week of 2022 second quarter as compared to the same period in 2021 with Malaria deaths over the same period going down from 48 the previous year to 26 in 2022.

The Ministry of Health and Child Care is working hard in order to meet the Global Malaria Strategy 2030 targets which are to reduce Malaria case incidence by at least 90%, reduce Malaria mortality rate by at least 90%, eliminate malaria in at least 35 countries as well as prevent a resurgence of Malaria in all countries that are malaria-free.

Ministry of Health and Child Care is conducting house spraying in all the 10 Provinces of Zimbabwe as well as providing protective bed nets to places with outbreaks as a way to curb Malaria and meet the Global Malaria Strategy,2030.

Ministry of Health and Child Care Malaria Department, Social Behavior Change Communications Officer, Mrs. Fortunate Manjoro, in the Ministry of Health and Child Care, urge the public to be aware of the Malaria signs and symptoms so that in the event that they experience the symptoms they should seek treatment.

“We urge the public to know the Malaria signs and symptoms that include fever, headache, general body pains, hot and cold spells, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite. Anyone experiencing these signs and symptoms should go for testing for malaria, delays in seeking treatment for malaria leads to severe diseases which may lead to deaths”, said Mrs. Manjoro.

The Ministry of Health and Child Care urges pregnant women in high to moderate malaria transmission areas to book early and receive tablets to prevent malaria monthly till they deliver.
“All pregnant women in high to moderate malaria transmission areas should book early and receive tablets to prevent malaria monthly till they deliver”, said Social Behavioral Change Communications Officer.

Although Malaria cases are on the decrease ,the Ministry of Health and Child Care through the Weekly Surveillance Report would like to advice the public that Mashonaland Central, Mashonaland East and Manicaland Provinces are recording the highest cases of Malaria accounting for 77% of the total (3066) cases recorded so far in April 2022.

Cumulative number of Cases,2022 (Week1-12)Manicaland 5 891, Mashonaland Central 5824, Mashonaland East 3941,Masvingo 2323,Mash West 734,Matebeland North 369, Matebeland South 203, Midlands 138,Harare 57 and Bulawayo 16.

22/04/2022

Operation of Hope will be performing FREE cleft-lip and cleft-palate surgeries in Bulawayo at Mpilo Central Hospital from 18-15 May 2022.

21/04/2022

The Ministry of Health and Child Care Nursing Department wishes to advise applicants for the 2022 General Nursing Diploma Course Intake that shortlisting was completed on 19 April. Successful candidates will be invited for interviews at nearest training schools in their localities between 25 & 29 April 2022.

20/04/2022

The Ministry of Health and Child Care will be exhibiting at the 62nd edition of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) to be held in Bulawayo running under the theme, "Rethink, Reimagine, Reinvent Value Chains for Economic Development." The fair runs from 26 to 30 April 2022.

Services including COVID-19 PCR and antigen testing, Vaccination Card activation, alcohol disorder and drug use screening tests, among others, will be provided on site.

14/04/2022

Ministry of Health and Child Carehas decentralised the activation of the QR code on COVID-19 vaccination cards. Please visit your nearest centre to activate your COVID-19 vaccination card.

22/02/2022

22/02/2022

OBSTETRIC FISTULA

Obstetric fistula is a complication of prolonged or obstructed labor. This happens when the child is too big for the pelvis or in the wrong position. The pelvis may not be completely developed; but obstetric fistula can be fixed.

An abnormal connection called fistula is framed between the bladder and the va**na or the re**um. Obstetric fistula indications might incorporate constant leaking of either urine or feaces, in different cases both. The affected woman will not be able to control the leaking therefore it causes her to be constantly wet and soiled, with an unpleasant smell.

There is an estimated two million women and young girls, living in destitution who might be experiencing obstetric fistula. It is pervasive in sub-Saharan Africa, since many do not look for help the number might be higher.

Obstetric Fistula has effects past the physical impacts of leaking as women are regularly slandered, socially detached and suffer in silence.

Effective fistula repairs can prompt an astounding change in the woman's life. These repairs are best done by experienced fistula specialists and at a committed fistula center.

Women are encouraged to utilize family planning to avoid unintended pregnancies, and should book their pregnancies at the healthcare facilities when they fall pregnant. Women are likewise encouraged to go to antenatal care centers and also deliver at health facilities. Young girls and women should be formally educated on issues concerning family planning, pregnancy and child birth.

Obstetric fistula can have monstrous social and mental impacts on affected women and individuals create an environment that is safe and stigma free. Women and young girls ought to have the option to have information that is sufficient enough for them to prevent obstetric fistula and seek help in the event of being affected.

The Ministry of Health and Child Care with help from partners, UNFPA and Artemedis give free medical procedures to ladies with obstetric fistula. They can book for their repairs on the toll free number 08080231.

18/02/2022

On Tuesday, Zimbabwe joined the rest of the world in commemorating the International Cancer Day which was running under the theme, “Better Survival is achievable your hands” which calls for well-wishers to help the children that are living with cancer and the frontline workers who are looking after diagnosed cancer children in the world and Zimbabwe in particular.
Deputy Minister of Health and Child Care Dr John Mangwiro was the Guest of Honour and in his speech he stated that despite the fact that eighty percent of children diagnosed with cancer can be cured, a large number of children diagnosed with cancer in low and medium income countries which include Zimbabwe die.
“In contrast to high income countries where children diagnosed with cancer survive, 8 out of 10 children diagnosed with cancer in low and medium income countries which include Zimbabwe, die,” said Dr Mangwiro in a speech read on his behalf by Ministry of Health Director for Non Communicable Diseases, Dr Wenceslas Nyamayaro.
The Deputy Minister said that the Government of Zimbabwe has strengthened its initiatives to ensure survival of children diagnosed with cancer despite the fact that the COVID 19 pandemic has made it difficult to access screening, diagnosis and treatment services.
“Sadly, the COVID 19 pandemic has made it more difficult for children with cancer to access screening, diagnosis and treatment services,” said the Deputy Minister of Health.

Dr Mangwiro said the Ministry of Health was keen to take up the World Health Organisation Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer and scale up provision of Childhood Cancer Services in Zimbabwe with a view to improve the survival rate of children with cancer by 2030.
“The Ministry of Health and Child Care has expressed its interest in taking up the World Health Organisation Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer and scale up provision of Childhood Cancer Services in Zimbabwe with a view to improve the survival rate of children with cancer from the current 20 percent to 60 percent in developing countries by the year 2030,” said Dr Mangwiro.
KidzCan Zimbabwe Executive Director, Mr David McKenzie said KidzCan Zimbabwe is now supplying chemotherapy for free at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals as well as free transport in order to help the less privileged children that are diagnosed with cancer in Zimbabwe.

“KidzCan is now supplying free Chemotherapy at Parirenyatwa as well as providing free transport to the diagnosed children aiming their goal that is early detection is the best protection”, said Mr McKenzie.
Dr Sharon Kapambwe Assistant Director Cancer Control at the Ministry of Health in Zambia said with the aim of World Health Organisation (WHO) which is 'Towards Care, Cure, and Health for all', avoidable deaths from childhood cancer in low and medium income countries are a result of lack of diagnosis amongst other things.
"Avoidable deaths from childhood cancer in low and medium income countries are a result of lack of diagnosis, misdiagnosis, or delayed diagnosis, obstacles to accessing care, abandonment, of treatment, death from toxicity, and higher rates of relapse," said Dr Kapambwe.
To ensure better survival of children diagnosed with cancer, the Ministry of Health and Child Care runs dedicated wards for children suffering from cancer at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospital and Mpilo Hospital in collaboration with Kidzcan Zimbabwe, also provide blood and blood products for free in public hospitals, and training of specialists in oncology, oncology nurses and radio oncologists is conducted at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals.