The Health and Child Care Ministry of Zimbabwe has reassured the public that the recent surge in flu-like infections is due to the common cold and not COVID-19 or any new viruses. Dr. Aspect Maunganidze, the Permanent Secretary, emphasized that the increase in cases is typical for the winter season and advised the public to maintain healthy lifestyles. No deaths have been reported, and the highest number of cases were in Mashonaland East and West provinces.

Zimbabwe has launched a Multi-stakeholder Platform (MSP) to implement the Resilient African Feed and Fodder Systems (RAFFS) project, aiming to address food and nutrition security amid the El Nino-induced drought. The initiative, supported by the African Union Interafrican Bureau for Animal Resources, seeks to reduce livestock deaths and promote local feed production. The MSP involves various stakeholders, including women groups and financial institutions, to create jobs and enhance trade. The platform aims to be a long-lasting solution to feed and fodder challenges in Zimbabwe and other African countries.

The Government of Zimbabwe, in collaboration with partners like the Embassy of Sweden and the United Nations Populations Fund, celebrated the International Day of the Midwife by recognizing 15 midwives for their exceptional service. The event highlighted the critical role midwives play in ensuring maternal and newborn health, especially in challenging conditions exacerbated by climate change and public health crises. Investments in midwifery have significantly reduced maternal mortality rates in Zimbabwe, and ongoing support aims to further strengthen midwifery skills and services.

Nurse practitioners play a crucial role in healthcare, blending nursing and medical services. The journey to becoming an NP involves obtaining a BSN, passing the NCLEX-RN, and completing a graduate program (MSN or DNP). Certification through organizations like ANCC or AANP and state licensure are essential. NPs must maintain their credentials through continued education. The role offers autonomy and the opportunity to build long-term patient relationships but comes with significant responsibilities and challenges, including advocating for their role within the medical community.

Zimbabwe has launched a pioneering advocacy cohort coordination program to unify diverse Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) movements, aiming to enhance collaboration among Civil Society Organisations (CSOs). Spearheaded by the Sexual Rights Centre (SRC) and the AIDS and Rights Alliance For Southern Africa (ARASA), the initiative addresses the fragmented nature of regional movements, promoting coordinated efforts for effective policy implementation. Key figures like Dr Ntombi Muchuchuti and Musa Sibindi emphasize the need for collective action to achieve sustainable advocacy and social justice. The program also aims to equip members with skills to engage with higher offices, including parliament and government.

Zimbabwe's restrictive abortion laws lead to unsafe practices, causing severe complications and deaths. The Ministry of Health & Child Care has launched new comprehensive abortion care guidelines based on WHO recommendations to improve access and reduce risks. The guidelines aim to involve the private sector in providing affordable post-abortion care, emphasizing the need for training and coordination. The article highlights the importance of private sector engagement to ensure universal access to sexual reproductive health services and reduce unsafe abortions.

In Harare, Zimbabwe, pharmaceutical retailers have adopted a two-tier pricing system for medicines, charging different prices in US dollars and local currency equivalents (Bond notes, Ecocash, RTGS), due to severe foreign currency shortages. The Pharmaceutical Society of Zimbabwe (PSZ) does not support this practice, and discussions with the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Finance are ongoing to secure foreign exchange. Retailers claim they are forced to pay wholesalers in foreign currency, leading to inflated prices for critical drugs. The government's recent financial policies, including a 2 percent tax surcharge, have exacerbated the situation. Pharmacies are struggling to stay in business, with some closing due to stock shortages. The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe has been unable to allocate sufficient foreign currency for drug imports, with only US$7 million allocated for the second quarter. The Zimbabwe Doctors for Human Rights has called on the government to prioritize foreign currency for drug procurement to prevent a health crisis.

The article discusses the challenges faced by individuals with schizophrenia, focusing on the story of Tobias Mudavanhu, a 40-year-old schizophrenia survivor from Zimbabwe. It highlights the stigma associated with mental disorders and the importance of medication adherence, hope, faith, and love in preventing relapses. The World Health Organisation (WHO) statistics are cited, noting that schizophrenia affects over 23 million people globally and is more common in males. The article also touches on the side effects of antipsychotic drugs, the risk factors for relapse, and the economic difficulties faced by patients in accessing medication. Mudavanhu's personal journey, including his father's battle with mental illness, his own struggle with schizophrenia, and his efforts to support his wife with Bipolar Affective Disorder, is detailed. The article concludes with comments from ZNAMH clinical psychologist Ignatious Murambizi on strategies to avoid relapses in schizophrenia.

Janet Manyowa, an award-winning gospel singer, has postponed her year-end concert, A Night of Thanksgiving, due to a surge in COVID-19 cases in Zimbabwe. The Ministry of Health and Child Care reported 4,996 new cases on December 8. Manyowa's management emphasized their responsibility to protect public health and stated that tickets already sold will remain valid or be refunded if the new event date is beyond January 1, 2022.

Zimbabwe faces a critical shortage of psychiatrists, with only 17 in the country and just three in full-time private practice. Most psychiatrists are based in Harare, with only one in Bulawayo. The shortage is part of a broader issue affecting many low- to middle-income countries. Dr. Fungi Mazhandu highlighted the potential for growth in the field and the rewarding nature of forensic psychiatry. The World Health Organisation's MH Gap program aims to improve mental health services in resource-scarce settings. The Friendship Bench program by Dr. Dixon Chibanda is also noted for its positive impact.