AGP Executive Report

Cancer Care Boost: Two advanced LINAC radiotherapy machines have arrived for Mpilo Central Hospital and Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals, aiming to cut treatment delays, reduce costly travel abroad, and expand local oncology capacity. Regional Health Cooperation: SADC Justice Ministers meeting in Victoria Falls adopted legal instruments to deepen integration, including a charter for pooled procurement of medicines—potentially lowering drug costs and improving access across the bloc. Healthcare Costs & Innovation: CIMAS Health Group launched Healthathon 3 (June 22–July 12) calling on Zimbabwean innovators to build practical solutions to rising medical costs, fragmented services, and affordability gaps. HIV Response in Bulawayo: NAC says Bulawayo remains on track toward HIV targets, with community-led prevention gaining momentum in Umguza through awareness drives and condom distribution. Food Safety & Public Health: Bulawayo City Council health officials flagged hygiene and licensing violations amid seizures and discoveries of unsafe meat, warning enforcement must protect consumers. Child Protection Alarm: Shamwari YeMwanasikana reports 518 child pregnancy cases in Bubi district in a year, urging stronger prevention and accountability. Livestock Disease Watch: South Africa’s new voluntary FMD vaccination scheme could affect cross-border livestock movement and disease control planning for Zimbabwean farmers. Scholarships for Future Health Workers: Bridging Gaps Foundation awarded fully-funded medicine and law scholarships to 20 vulnerable students, with a mentoring push to help younger learners.

Cancer Care Boost: Zimbabwe has received advanced TrueBeam radiotherapy machines, with installation planned at Mpilo Central Hospital and Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals—an upgrade expected to cut the cancer treatment backlog. Sugar Tax Scrutiny: While sugar-tax funded cancer equipment is welcome, an editorial calls for full transparency on suppliers, procurement process, timelines, maintenance, training and how much has been raised since 2024. HIV Response in Bulawayo: NAC says Bulawayo remains on track in HIV targets, but highlights a “mature” epidemic profile and ongoing youth burden; separate reporting notes community-led prevention efforts in Umguza are improving participation and reducing stigma. STI Concern in Bulawayo: Bulawayo’s health promotion unit reports rising sexually transmitted infections despite high male condom uptake, warning that correct and consistent use still matters. Child Protection Alarm: Shamwari YeMwanasikana flags 518 child pregnancy cases in Bubi, urging faster action on ending child marriages and pregnancies. Regional Health Integration: SADC adopted legal instruments in Victoria Falls, including a pharmaceuticals pooled procurement plan to help member states buy medicines in bulk and improve access. Livestock Health Watch: South Africa’s new voluntary Foot-and-Mouth Disease vaccination scheme could affect cross-border livestock trade and disease control for Zimbabwe. Drug Enforcement: ZRP stepped up anti-drug operations in Harare, arresting suspects and recovering dagga and unregistered cough syrups.

STI Update (Bulawayo): Bulawayo’s Health Promotion Unit says sexually transmitted infections are rising despite high male condom uptake and HIV prevention efforts, warning that low-risk perception and inconsistent condom use may be driving the trend. Mobile Health Access (Bulawayo): A Bulawayo mobile clinic partnership under the AIDS Levy-funded social contracting programme is helping patients who can’t afford clinic fees or transport, with families reporting faster, more dignified care. HIV Prevention (Bulawayo): National AIDS Council reports high-impact, low-cost interventions are helping scale down HIV prevalence through community education and sustained treatment support. Neuromodulation Breakthrough (Harare): A Chinese medical team helped Zimbabwe complete the country’s first Deep Brain Stimulation surgery and first Spinal Cord Stimulation procedure, with patients reported stable after successful operations. Women’s Livelihoods at Risk (e-Tricycles): Police crackdowns on rural electric tricycles are threatening the income of women beneficiaries who struggle to meet registration and licensing costs. Health Tech Skills Fair (Matabeleland South): Learners showcased a smart robotic health monitoring system that can alert healthcare workers via mobile notifications when danger is detected. Ebola Preparedness (Hurungwe): Government says there are no Ebola cases yet, but Hurungwe has activated emergency preparedness and isolation readiness. Drug & Alcohol Concern: Harare officials warn drug and alcohol abuse is harming productivity and affecting children.

Neuromodulation Breakthrough: A Chinese team helped Zimbabwe complete the country’s first Deep Brain Stimulation and first Spinal Cord Stimulation surgeries at Milton Park Hospital; patients are stable after successful May 28–29 procedures. HIV Response in Bulawayo: National AIDS Council says high-impact, low-cost community interventions are scaling down HIV prevalence, with emphasis on knowledge, sustained treatment, and preventing new infections as Zimbabwe targets ending AIDS by 2030. Ebola Preparedness: Hurungwe district has activated emergency Ebola readiness after DRC/WHO alerts about a Bundibugyo strain outbreak, setting up an isolation centre at Chirundu and stepping up traveller screening. Drug Abuse Push: Harare Province officials say drug and substance abuse remains a national disaster, pointing to treatment and psychosocial support centres and warning that costs still keep many families out. Food Security Update: Fews Net reports food insecurity should stay at Stressed levels in crop-deficit areas through September 2026, though access is improving as harvests progress. Governance & Health Systems: NRZ CEO Munyaradzi Charangwa resigned on medical grounds after two months; acting CEO appointed as the rail turnaround continues. Regional Xenophobia Health Risks: South Africa’s anti-migrant violence continues to trigger warnings and repatriation moves across the region, raising concerns for safety and access to care for affected communities.

Ebola Preparedness: Hurungwe has activated emergency Ebola readiness after the DRC and WHO confirmed a Bundibugyo virus outbreak, setting up an isolation centre at Chirundu Border Post and intensifying screening and surveillance. Menstrual Health & HIV Support: ZNNP+ in Umguza, Bulawayo, launched a reusable pad-making training using Global Fund support, equipping adolescent girls with skills and improving menstrual health management. Nutrition at School: Government urged schools to fully embrace school feeding as a daily, sustainable commitment so learners don’t attend hungry, with calls for nutrition gardens. Road Safety: Police are investigating a hit-and-run in Norton that left a 42-year-old pedestrian with a fractured leg, who was referred to Harare Hospital. Drug Abuse Focus: A Harare minister warned that drug and substance abuse remains a national threat to youth health and productivity, pointing to treatment and rehabilitation centres and affordability challenges. Food Security Update: Fews Net reports food insecurity should stay at Stressed levels in crop-deficit areas through September 2026, though access is improving after the main harvest.

Rail Health & Leadership: NRZ CEO Munyaradzi Stephen Charangwa has resigned on medical grounds just two months after taking office, with deputy Ainah Dube-Kaguru named acting CEO as the rail turnaround and recapitalisation push continues. Substance Abuse & Youth Well-being: Harare’s provincial leadership says drug and alcohol abuse is still a national disaster hitting productivity and youth health, pointing to treatment and psychosocial support centres but warning many families can’t afford private rehabilitation stays. Menstrual Health Support: ZNNP+ has launched a reusable sanitary pad training drive in Umguza, equipping mentors and adolescent girls with sewing machines and materials to build skills and income while improving menstrual health management. Ebola Preparedness: Government says Zimbabwe remains Ebola-free but has activated its incident management system, intensified port-of-entry screening, and designated isolation facilities as regional risk rises. HIV Prevention Focus: NAC highlights two Bulawayo suburbs as HIV hotspots and says targeted testing and community interventions are driving the higher case findings. Local Clinic Upgrades: Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume calls for urgent investment to modernise outdated municipal clinics and finish stalled projects like Wilkins Hospital. Drug Supply Crackdown: Police report a major mbanje seizure in Southerton, exposing the scale of Zimbabwe’s drug smuggling problem. Youth Policy: Cabinet approved the National Youth Policy (2026–2030), with health and well-being, including mental health and substance abuse, placed alongside jobs, skills and technology.

Ebola Preparedness: Zimbabwe has set up three Ebola isolation centres in Harare, Bulawayo and Chirundu, with tighter screening at ports of entry, staff training and emergency coordination to respond fast if cases appear. Polio Alert: Bulawayo launches a four-day polio vaccination drive for all children under five after a circulating vaccine-derived polio type 2 outbreak was confirmed in Malawi, with outreach at clinics, schools, markets and house-to-house. HIV Response: The National AIDS Council says Zimbabwe is still on track to end AIDS by 2030, using prevention and domestic funding like the AIDS Levy despite reduced donor support, while Bulawayo hotspots have been flagged for intensified action. Teen Health & Schooling: Government and NAC are pushing reintegration of teenage mothers and pregnant girls into schools under “Circular 18”, alongside counselling to reduce stigma and violence. Health Financing: Health Minister Douglas Mombeshora says sugar tax and other health levies will be ring-fenced to fund cancer care, maternal and neonatal services and non-communicable disease response. Workforce Pressure: Nurses announce a three-day protest over poor pay and deteriorating working conditions, warning public hospitals could be hit. Substance Harm: Social development officials report drug and alcohol abuse is affecting children and linked to rising mental health challenges. Maternal Care Innovation: Kenyan doctors are turning to virtual reality and telemedicine to tackle preventable maternal deaths, including postpartum haemorrhage. Rural Livelihoods at Risk: Zimbabwe’s e-tricycle crackdown is threatening rural women’s income as registration and licensing costs rise. Youth Policy: Cabinet approved a National Youth Policy (2026–2030) targeting NEETs, young women, youth living with HIV, substance abuse and vulnerable children. Climate & Violence: A study warns prolonged drought in southern Africa is linked to higher violence risk against adolescents.

Ebola Preparedness: Zimbabwe has set up three designated Ebola isolation centres in Harare, Bulawayo and Chirundu, with screening at ports of entry, PPE and staff training already in place. Polio Response: Bulawayo launched a four-day polio vaccination drive for all children under five after a CVDPV2 outbreak was confirmed in Malawi, with synchronised efforts across neighbouring countries. HIV & School Reintegration: Education and health partners are stepping up reintegration of teenage mothers and pregnant girls into schools under “Circular 18”, with counselling and anti-violence support to reduce stigma. Health Financing: Government says sugar tax and other health levies will be ring-fenced to fund healthcare needs, including cancer treatment capacity—Parirenyatwa is receiving radiotherapy machines worth US$27m. Medicines Regulation: The Health Minister challenged the new Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe board to strengthen transparent, efficient oversight so only safe, quality products reach the market. Drug Abuse Crackdown: Bulawayo police arrested 39 suspects in two weeks and moved to expand rehabilitation services, including plans for more centres. Livestock Health (FMD): South Africa’s FMD vaccine rollout is accelerating with millions of doses procured and new arrivals expected to boost vaccination in high-risk areas.

Drug crackdown in Bulawayo: Police arrested 39 suspects in the past two weeks over drug and substance abuse offences and shut down an illegal rehabilitation centre in Cowdray Park, with plans to expand treatment and recovery services including new centres in Lobengula and at Ingutsheni Central Hospital. HIV and teen pregnancy push: Primary and Secondary Education Minister Torerai Moyo urged Zimbabwe to declare HIV infections, early/unintended pregnancies, gender-based violence and rising learner substance abuse a national crisis, calling for urgent action to keep young people in school. Cancer care boost from sugar tax: Government says sugar-tax revenue is funding modern oncology equipment, including two low-energy radiation machines already delivered to Parirenyatwa and Mpilo, with multi-energy linear accelerators and CT scanners expected this week, plus a shift toward stronger diagnostics for early detection. Ebola readiness: Zimbabwe has set up three Ebola isolation centres in Harare, Bulawayo and Chirundu, with PPE prepositioned, screening intensified at ports of entry, and ongoing training for health workers despite no reported cases. Public health enforcement: Harare police arrested two suspects accused of running a backyard lab producing unregistered cough syrups for distribution through drug dealers, raising concerns about counterfeit medicines. Solar power for hospitals: A 350-kilowatt UBH solar plant is now powering critical departments including ICU and maternity, improving reliability and reducing operating costs. Advanced neurosurgery milestone: Zimbabwe has performed its first deep brain stimulation procedure as it moves into neuromodulation surgery for conditions like Parkinson’s, epilepsy and chronic pain. Livestock disease risk: South Africa rolled out its largest-ever foot-and-mouth disease vaccination programme, with implications for Zimbabwe’s border provinces and livestock movement planning.

Maternal Health & Workforce: UNFPA and Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Health marked International Day of the Midwife at United Bulawayo Hospitals, pushing the “One Million More Midwives” call as Zimbabwe seeks to strengthen training, fair pay and retention to protect mothers and newborns. HIV Response: The National AIDS Council says Zimbabwe is in the “last mile” to end AIDS by 2030, despite reduced support from some partners, with a shift toward high-impact prevention like stopping mother-to-child transmission. Cancer Care Upgrade: Government says the final batch of multi-energy cancer radiotherapy machines is expected soon, funded through Sugar Tax revenue, to expand modern treatment capacity at referral centres. Health Financing Policy: Health officials say plans to ring-fence health programme funds from sugar tax and related levies aim to stop money meant for health being diverted. Livestock Disease & Food Security: South Africa rolled out its biggest-ever foot-and-mouth disease vaccination drive, with millions of doses and boosters planned—an important signal for Zimbabwe’s border livestock regions. Community Health Incident: Bulawayo schools faced a sudden bee swarm attack that injured dozens of pupils and a passerby, triggering emergency response and hospital care. Local Aid Leadership: CARE Zimbabwe appointed its first Zimbabwean country director in 34 years, with a background in nutrition and health-linked development work.

Cancer care upgrade: Zimbabwe’s final batch of multi-energy radiotherapy machines is expected to arrive soon after a successful airlift, funded through US$30m raised from the sugar tax—boosting capacity at primary referral centres. Health financing reform: Health and Child Care Minister Dr Douglas Mombeshora says sugar-tax and other health levies will be ring-fenced so money meant for health programmes can’t be diverted, aiming to close service delivery funding gaps. Regulation crackdown: The Health Professions Authority shut down illegal Harare cosmetic clinics and boutique “wellness” facilities for operating without registration and qualified staff, including services like IV vitamin infusions and chemical skin peels. Maternal health support: A World Bank and Global Financing Facility-backed US$25m package is strengthening integrated maternal and newborn services through Results Based Financing, now covering 60 districts. Drug rehab access: Bulawayo drug users say they avoid Ingutsheni Psychiatric Hospital due to stigma and want dedicated public rehabilitation centres; Angel of Hope Rehab’s intake highlights growing demand. Water safety alarm: Hwange communities report a water-borne illness linked to coal-polluted rivers, raising public health concerns around mining contamination. Menstrual health push: Africa Women Summit’s week-long campaign distributed sanitary pads in Norton and linked menstrual hygiene with child protection and anti-abuse messaging.

Illegal Clinics Crackdown: Zimbabwe’s Health Professions Authority shut down unregistered Harare boutique clinics offering cosmetic and invasive procedures without proper licensing or qualified staff, warning the public to use regulated facilities. Maternal Health Funding Boost: Government says a World Bank and Global Financing Facility package of US$25m (with US$24.6m from Treasury) is improving integrated maternal and child health services through Results Based Financing across 60 districts. Drug Rehab Access in Bulawayo: People seeking help for substance abuse say they avoid Ingutsheni Psychiatric Hospital due to stigma, pushing for dedicated public rehabilitation centres; a private centre is filling the gap. Menstrual Health Support: Africa Women Summit’s week-long campaign marked International Menstrual Hygiene Day by distributing sanitary pads and tackling period stigma and child protection issues in schools. Nurses Registration Bottleneck: A deputy minister urged devolution of Nurses Council registration services to provincial offices, saying nurses are forced to travel to Harare at their own expense. Water Pollution Health Fears in Hwange: Residents in Hwange’s Lukosi River area link a past mystery illness outbreak to coal-related contamination, raising renewed concerns about unsafe water and secrecy around test results. Road Safety Tragedy: A faulty scooter crashed into a classroom block in Karoi, killing a two-month-old infant and injuring eight learners. Health Financing Ring-Fence: Health Minister says sugar tax and other health levies will be ring-fenced so funds meant for health programmes can’t be diverted to other priorities. Electricity Theft Death: A man died after being electrocuted while trying to reconnect illegal power cables in Harare, with police opening an inquest docket.

Midwifery Push: Zimbabwe marked International Day of the Midwife at United Bulawayo Hospitals under “One Million More Midwives,” with calls to boost training, retention and fair pay to protect maternal and newborn health. Medicines Crackdown: Government has directed the Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe to clamp down on unregistered medicines, rogue pharmacies and falsified drugs, with a focus on surveillance and antimicrobial resistance. Public Health & Sanitation: MPs clashed over Zimbabwe’s sewage crisis, with government saying councils hold primary responsibility while central authorities step in where service delivery fails. Livestock-Wildlife Disease Risk: Communities near game reserves report rising livestock diseases linked to wildlife contact, including rabies and foot and mouth disease, raising concerns for both farmers and public health. Regional Food Security: SADC agriculture ministers met in Victoria Falls as Zimbabwe urged stronger cooperation on fertiliser regulation, food security and animal disease control. Wellness in Universities: The Indian embassy ran a yoga and wellness session at NUST in Bulawayo for over 300 students, teaching stress management and breathing exercises.

Public Health Workforce: Zimbabwe approved 8,785 new health worker posts for 2026 and plans to double the health workforce by 2030, with a rural retention package of US$11.8m—though nurses say their pay grievances from a recent strike are still unresolved. Medicine Safety Crackdown: Government says the Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe will move fast to stop unregistered medicines, curb rogue pharmacies, enforce prescription rules to fight antimicrobial resistance, and strengthen checks on falsified drugs. Child Health Protection: EMA introduced new lead-in-paint rules (SI 82 of 2026), capping lead at 90ppm to reduce toxic exposure—especially for children. Water & Sanitation Risk: Parliament debated the sewage crisis; the agriculture minister pointed to local authority failures while government steps in where councils fall short. Disaster Preparedness for Rivers: A 90-day suspension and emergency rehabilitation plan was gazetted for degraded riverine ecosystems, with strict protection and restoration led by an inter-ministerial committee. Road Safety Tragedy: A head-on crash on the Gokwe Town–Kwekwe Highway at Ngondoma killed 10 and left others seriously injured, adding to a rising road death toll. Mental Wellness for Students: Yoga and meditation sessions at NUST in Bulawayo reached 300+ students to help manage stress and improve wellbeing. Climate Resilience Support: UNDP-backed Zimbabwe Resilience Building Fund Phase 2 will support 450,000 people across seven districts with climate resilience, food security and livelihoods. Regional Food Security: SADC ministers in Victoria Falls urged harmonised fertiliser rules and stronger disease control to protect livestock and reduce hunger across the region.

Health Workforce Push: Zimbabwe has approved 8,785 new health worker posts for 2026 and says it aims to double the health workforce by 2030, but nurses’ pay dispute after a recent strike is still unresolved. Public Health Regulation: EMA introduced new rules banning high-lead paints, limiting lead in paint to 90 parts per million to protect children and reduce toxic chemical exposure. River Protection Emergency: Government has started a 90-day shutdown and rehabilitation drive for heavily degraded river systems, declaring a national state of disaster for riverine ecosystems. Food Security & Disease Control: SADC ministers urged faster fertiliser reforms and stronger regional disease-control as hunger and livestock outbreaks threaten millions. Climate Resilience Support: UNDP is expanding climate resilience and food security support for 450,000 people across seven districts under ZRBF Phase 2. Student Mental Wellness: An Indian Embassy-backed yoga and meditation programme at NUST reached 300+ students ahead of International Yoga Day. Child Safety in Focus: A Bulawayo man was sentenced to 40 years for the rape of a 4-year-old girl, with a medical exam presented in court. Health System Accountability: HealthPoint Hospital rejected claims of unprofessional treatment after a robbery-related admission, saying records show appropriate care and specialist review. Community Health & Displacement: CNRG raised concerns over displaced families near Manhize steel operations, citing poor conditions, water shortages, and inadequate compensation. Wellness & Prevention: The week also included calls for teen reproductive health support and action to contain outbreaks like measles.

Health Workforce Boost: Zimbabwe has approved 8,785 new health worker posts for 2026 to ease long-running hospital and clinic staffing shortages, though officials warned funding delays and staff retention still threaten progress. Maternal Health After Trauma: A pregnant Gweru vendor struck during a municipal raid is now hospitalised after complications following childbirth, with her family facing mounting medical costs and the case heading to court. Road Safety and Emergency Care: The Gokwe–Kwekwe Road crash death toll has climbed to 10, while the Deka Bridge tragedy has been declared a State of Disaster, underlining urgent needs for safer roads and rapid response. Public Health Regulation: EMA has introduced new rules banning lead in paint, setting a strict maximum lead limit to protect public health. Adolescent Health Policy: Civil society is pushing for a law to let girls under 18 access sexual and reproductive health services based on maturity and understanding, as teenage pregnancies and HIV among adolescents rise. Workplace/Community Health Risks: Mercury use in artisanal gold mining remains widespread despite known harm to brains, kidneys and lungs, with calls for safer practices. Private Healthcare Oversight: Proposed amendments to SI 330 are set for stronger parliamentary debate, with healthcare stakeholders divided over how medical aid societies should be allowed to run service arms.