AGP Executive Report

Sports Medicine & Women’s Football: Female coaches at the CAF All-Women C Coaching Course in Harare are learning sports medicine basics—exercise health, nutrition, hydration, injury prevention, doping control and mental health—so they can better protect female players and improve performance. HIV Prevention Update: A new HIV prevention drug, lenacapavir, is being rolled out with mixed reviews, with reports highlighting its promise as an injection-based option that could reduce adherence challenges. Lake Kariba Disaster (Public Health Angle): Zimbabwe declared the Lake Kariba ferry capsizing a national disaster after at least 44 deaths, with survivors calling out ignored warnings before departure; authorities say survivors need medical and psychosocial support while rescue teams continue recovery and identification amid mortuary strain. Accountability & Safety: Police say the Mbuya Nehanda/RIDA vessel may have carried far more than its stated capacity, prompting scrutiny of maritime safety systems and enforcement of passenger limits. Road Safety Tragedies: Multiple crashes across Zimbabwe left fatalities and serious injuries, including a Kadoma head-on collision that killed four mourners. Community Health & Welfare: Zimbabwe’s health ministry says there’s no cause for alarm over rising flu cases, urging calm as monitoring continues. Church & Wellness Tech: A major Pan-African Church conference in Bulawayo will discuss how churches can use technology, including AI, to support community wellbeing.

Lake Kariba Disaster: Zimbabwe’s Lake Kariba ferry tragedy is now officially at 44 deaths, after police and rescue teams recovered more bodies near Long Island; 67 survivors were rescued and taken for medical care, while authorities say the exact passenger count is still being verified amid reports of overloading. Health Response & Mortuary Strain: Local health services are struggling with mortuary capacity, with Kariba facilities able to hold only a small number of bodies at a time, forcing coordination with nearby districts for identification and post-mortem services. Accountability & Safety Gaps: President Mnangagwa called the crash a national disaster, citing serious deficiencies in maritime safety and directing agencies to act fast; police say the vessel’s stated capacity was 90 but initial reports suggested 120+ people aboard, raising questions about compliance and oversight. Road Safety: In separate crashes, six people died on major highways, including a bus-related crash and a head-on collision, with police urging motorists to avoid overloading. Public Health Policy: The Ministry of Health called for cross-border cooperation to prevent and respond to infectious disease outbreaks, stressing that diseases spread with people across borders.

Lake Kariba Ferry Disaster: Zimbabwe’s Civil Protection Unit and ZRP report 13 bodies recovered and 67 survivors rescued after the overloaded Mbuyanehanda Ferry capsized near Long Island, with 27 still missing; authorities say the ferry’s confirmed capacity is 90 (excluding crew) and the exact passenger count is still being verified as search teams continue. Flu Update: The Ministry of Health and Child Care says rising influenza cases are part of the normal winter seasonal pattern, with no cause for alarm, urging high-risk groups (young children, older people, pregnant women, and those with conditions like HIV, diabetes, asthma) to seek care early. Health Law for Emergencies: A newly enacted Medical Services Amendment Act requires private hospitals to admit and stabilise life-threatening emergencies for up to 48 hours without upfront payment, but critics warn of unfunded mandates and legal confusion. Cross-Border Disease Preparedness: Zimbabwe’s health officials called for stronger cross-border cooperation to prevent and respond to infectious disease outbreaks, stressing that diseases spread with people and borders can’t stop them. Workforce Pressure: Police say Masvingo has had no resident doctor for three years, relying on doctors from other provinces to manage health records and staff medical status. Child Online Safety: Cabinet approved a Zimbabwe National Child Online Protection Policy (2026-30) to tackle online sexual exploitation, cyberbullying, grooming, sextortion and privacy violations.

Lake Kariba Ferry Disaster: A passenger ferry capsized on Zimbabwe’s Lake Kariba, with police confirming 90 people and five crew aboard and rescue teams racing to find survivors; early reports vary on deaths and missing, and authorities are treating it as a major disaster. Flu Alert, No Panic: Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Health says rising influenza cases are following the usual winter pattern, urging people—especially children, older adults, pregnant women and those with conditions like diabetes, heart disease, asthma and HIV—to seek care early if symptoms worsen. Police Doctor Shortage: Zimbabwe’s police say Masvingo has had no resident doctor for three years, relying on periodic secondments from other provinces to manage staff health checks and records. Emergency Care Law Criticised: A newly enacted Medical Services Amendment Act requires private hospitals to stabilise critical emergencies for up to 48 hours, but lawyers warn of contradictions and unfunded burdens that could leave patients and facilities in legal limbo. Breastfeeding Support in Beitbridge: World Breastfeeding Week was marked with community training and demonstrations, including father and grandparent involvement, to strengthen safe breastfeeding practices. Youth, Sport and Substance Abuse: International Youth Day events will use sport to push “no to drugs, no to doping,” linking clean participation with mental health and wellbeing.

Influenza alert: Zimbabwe is seeing a surge of seasonal flu cases, with Bulawayo reporting five deaths at Mpilo Central Hospital; the Ministry of Health says it’s peak winter flu and not COVID-19, but urges vulnerable groups (young children, older people, pregnant women, and those with diabetes, heart disease, asthma or HIV) to seek care early and follow prescribed treatment. Road safety tech: Harare’s new traffic cameras have flagged over 1.1 million suspected violations since they went live, as authorities step up enforcement ahead of the holiday period. Child development support: L’Arche Zimbabwe launched a campaign to promote early identification of intellectual disabilities in children, stressing that timely screening improves school readiness and long-term quality of life. Health infrastructure: Construction of a mothers’ shelter at Nyamandlovu Hospital is nearing completion, aiming to support safer care for mothers and families. Community health funding: Harare is expanding a suburban community health fund to strengthen local access to services. Public health weather watch: The Meteorological Service warns of cold, windy and wet conditions from 11–13 August, advising vulnerable groups and farmers to take precautions.

Influenza update: Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Health and Child Care says the current rise in flu cases is normal for winter and urges people not to panic, but to watch vulnerable groups (young children, older persons, pregnant women, and people with diabetes, heart disease, asthma, HIV or weakened immunity) and seek early care. Early disability support: L’Arche Zimbabwe has launched a campaign pushing early identification of intellectual disabilities in children, saying timely screening and intervention can improve school readiness and long-term quality of life. Local medicines push: The Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association says public procurement must prioritise locally made medicines, warning that state purchases have fallen to about 1% over four years despite local capacity to produce nearly half of essential medicines. Illegal mining health risks: Government has moved to set up a task force to tackle illegal mining, citing damage to land and water plus health harms including silicosis, TB and sexually transmitted diseases. Public health & safety: Police report two mentally challenged women died in a locked-room fire in Mutare, and a separate Nyanga case saw a 76-year-old woman burnt to death—both prompting calls for better protection of vulnerable people. Community health education: A campaign is also underway to promote early identification of intellectual disabilities, while weather advisories warn of cold, windy and wet conditions from 11–13 August.

Child Development & Disability: L’Arche Zimbabwe launched a campaign pushing early identification of intellectual disabilities, saying timely screening and support can improve school readiness, independence and long-term quality of life. Public Health: Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Health urged people not to panic over rising flu cases, saying it’s peak seasonal activity and advising vulnerable groups to seek early care and follow clinician guidance. Medicines & Health Systems: Local pharmaceutical manufacturers say state buying has collapsed to about 1% in four years, urging government to realign procurement to prioritise locally made medicines to protect health security. Road Safety: A head-on crash near Heroes Acre in Chinhoyi killed four people, including a couple travelling from Zambia for a funeral, with others injured. Fire & Vulnerable People: Two mentally challenged women died after being locked in a room that caught fire in Manicaland, while a separate Nyanga case saw a 76-year-old woman burnt to death, prompting renewed calls for rural fire safety. Gender-Based Violence: Bulawayo leaders highlighted the deadly cost of relationship violence after a family tragedy in Bedford, England, reigniting debate on domestic abuse and prevention. Intersex Rights: Government says it is reviewing intersex laws after a landmark court challenge, including calls for identity document accuracy and protection of intersex minors. Illegal Mining & Health: Authorities plan a task force to tackle illegal mining after reports linked it to pollution and health harms, including diseases such as silicosis, STIs and TB. Cholera & Returnees: EU support of US$345,000 backs Zimbabwe Red Cross efforts to manage a “twin emergency” of displacement and cholera, focusing on shelter, clean water and hygiene.

Prison Health & Rights: Zimbabwe Independent Complaints Commission’s visit to Chikurubi Maximum Prison spotlights overcrowding, poor sanitation and drainage problems, while noting some welfare improvements since 2023. Maternal Care Upgrade: Nyamandlovu District Hospital’s mothers’ shelter is nearing completion, expected to help pregnant women stay up to six weeks before delivery and reduce dangerous delays. Public Health at the Border: EU emergency funding of US$345,000 supports Zimbabwe Red Cross response to cholera amid the return of thousands of Zimbabweans fleeing violence in South Africa, with shelter, clean water and hygiene support. HIV Treatment Access Crisis: A Zimbabwean man living with HIV in South Africa reportedly lost access to ARVs after clinics were blocked by anti-immigrant groups, and died after returning home. Illegal Mining & Disease Risk: Government task force plans to tackle illegal mining in Bindura after reports link it to environmental damage and health harms including silicosis, TB and sexually transmitted diseases. Road Safety & Emergency Response: ConCERT urges motorists to drive safely during the Heroes’ Day and Defence Forces Day holidays, stressing first aid and faster emergency links. Community Mental Health & Safety: Police report two mentally challenged women died in a Mutare house fire after being locked in, calling for better care of vulnerable people. Women’s Health & Inclusion in Media: ZIDIAC’s disability advocacy radio drama, about bipolar disorder and stigma, gains approval for broadcast on ZBC Central Radio.

Cholera + returnee crisis: At Beitbridge, nearly 110,000 Zimbabweans fleeing xenophobic violence in South Africa face winter hardship as cholera spreads from Rushinga into Manicaland and the Midlands; the EU is funding a US$345,000 emergency lifeline via the Zimbabwe Red Cross for shelter, clean water, hygiene support and surveillance. Road safety and health access: ConCERT urges motorists to drive sober and buckle up during the Heroes’ Day and Defence Forces holidays, warning that faster first aid can save lives. Flu deaths in Bulawayo: Mpilo Central Hospital reports five deaths linked to a nasty flu-like illness since May, with severe cases and community-acquired pneumonias rising. Mothers’ shelter at Nyamandlovu Hospital: Construction nears completion, expected to reduce dangerous delays for pregnant women by keeping them closer to care up to six weeks before delivery. HIV treatment disruption for returnees: A Zimbabwean man living with HIV in South Africa reportedly lost access to ARVs after clinic blockades by anti-immigrant groups, dying soon after returning home. Unregistered medicines bust: Police in Mazowe arrested three people with cough expectorant medicines and second-hand clothes found at a roadblock. Health infrastructure planning: Government says a 20-year health infrastructure master plan is coming, aiming to expand primary care, cut maternal and child mortality, and improve medicine access. Gambling harm reduction: NACZ and the Lotteries and Gaming Board launch a Responsible Gambling Skit Challenge to promote safer choices. Community emergency response: First responders’ trauma is highlighted as Zimbabwe continues to face deadly road crashes.

Budget Transparency: Zimbabwe ranks third in Africa for budget transparency and fiscal openness, with Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube citing improved debt reporting and tighter public finance controls. Road Safety & Health Access: A community-led push helped complete Petronella Clinic in Mwenezi North after years of delays, cutting long trips that exposed pregnant women, children and chronic patients to serious risks. Drought Resilience: Zimbabwe, China and UNICEF launched a two-year drought resilience programme for over 212,000 people, focusing on nutrition, WASH, child protection and birth registration. Court & Victim Protection: The High Court overturned a ruling that allowed Walter Magaya rape accusers to testify in a Victim Friendly Court, sending the matter back for proper vulnerable-witness procedure. Public Health & Policing: Police arrested three people at a Harare-Mukumbura roadblock for allegedly transporting unregistered cough medicines and second-hand clothes. Intersex Rights: A renewed call urges Zimbabwe to protect intersex people from rushed early medical decisions tied to “boy or girl” birth certificate rules. Livestock & Disease Pressure: Namibia and the US explored a livestock breeding partnership as regional disease outbreaks strain breeding-stock supply chains. Road Trauma: Four Zimbabwe National Army soldiers died and three were injured in a crash along the Harare–Mutare Road near Bromley.

Road Safety Push: Zimbabwe launched the 2026 Heroes and Defence Forces Road Safety campaign in Mazowe, warning crashes cost the economy about US$400 million a year and urging patience behind the wheel to avoid ending up “a patient in hospital.” Drought & Child Health: Government, China and UNICEF rolled out a two-year drought resilience programme for over 212,000 people across eight districts, focusing on nutrition, WASH, child protection and birth registration as El Niño impacts linger. Returnees, Cholera Support: The EU added US$345,000 for Zimbabwe Red Cross support for more than 5,000 vulnerable returnees from South Africa and to strengthen cholera response with shelter, clean water, healthcare and hygiene help. Local Healthcare Access: Community action helped restart momentum for Petronella Clinic in Mwenezi North, cutting long trips of up to 40km for pregnant women, children and chronic patients. HIV Prevention Alert: Bulawayo raised alarm over a condom shortage linked to reduced donor funding, warning it could undermine HIV prevention in rising hotspots. Legal Protection for Rape Trial: Zimbabwe’s High Court set aside a ruling that would have let Walter Magaya’s rape complainants testify in a Victim Friendly Court, remitting the matter for proper handling of vulnerable-witness protection. Sexual Violence Victim Dies: Political violence survivor Mavis Mahachi, who suffered injuries in 2008, has died after breathing difficulties. Agriculture Resilience: SIRDC says it will launch five new climate-smart maize seed varieties, aiming to improve drought tolerance, yields and disease resistance for household food security. Road Infrastructure Strain: The Bulawayo–Victoria Falls corridor remains a major health and safety concern as road works under the emergency rehabilitation programme have progressed slowly, leaving long, dangerous travel times.

Child Health & Drought Recovery: Zimbabwe and UNICEF launched a two-year Chinese-funded programme to help children recover from the 2023/24 El Niño drought, with support for nutrition, WASH, child protection and community resilience in up to eight districts. Cholera & Returnee Support: The EU pledged US$345,000 for Zimbabwe Red Cross relief for over 5,000 vulnerable returnees from South Africa and cholera response, including shelter, food, clean water, healthcare and psychosocial support. Road Safety & Public Health Costs: Transport Minister Felix Mhona said road crashes cost about US$400m a year and unveiled the Heroes and Defence Forces road safety campaign, pushing safer driving and enforcement. HIV Prevention Under Strain: Bulawayo warned of a condom shortage after donor funding withdrawals, with Pumula and Magwegwe flagged as rising HIV hotspots and calls for safer sex and HIV testing. Health Policy Reform: Government is moving to overhaul medicines regulation, family planning laws and rules on advertising health services to modernise and strengthen the health sector. Maternal/Newborn Care Upgrade: Renovation work on the neonatal unit at Sally Mugabe Hospital is underway with support from Türkiye/TİKA and ZIMNZAF. Legal/Health Rights: A court case alleges a United Airlines passenger was tricked into an ICE arrest, with claims of denied medical care affecting an IVF cycle.

Neonatal care upgrade: Sally Mugabe Hospital’s neonatal unit is being renovated with support from Türkiye’s TİKA and ZIMNZAF, including ward upgrades and a better waiting area for mothers—aimed at improving outcomes for newborns and their mothers. Defence-linked health capacity: Defence Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri says the Zimbabwe Defence Forces are investing in specialised training and modern technologies, with the force also supporting disaster response and healthcare delivery. HIV response and funding shifts: China is expanding HIV/Aids support in Africa, including prevention projects in Zimbabwe, as UNAIDS warns global aid cuts could slow progress and raise infections. Intersex law review: Zimbabwe is reviewing its legal framework for intersex persons after a landmark court challenge, with Justice and Health ministers meeting experts, civil society and people with lived experience to guide reforms. Cost-of-living pressure: MPs challenged government on why macroeconomic gains are not lowering prices of essentials like food, transport and medicine. Health and safety in transport: Free State authorities continue identifying victims after a bus crash north of Trompsburg, with survivors still in hospital and investigations ongoing. Sexual health and harm risks: Bulawayo reports a shift toward “mobile” Vuzu parties in tinted kombis, raising concerns about unprotected sex and drug use. Livestock and nutrition resilience: Stakeholders urge farmers to set aside land for pasture and fodder to cut livestock deaths during dry spells, protecting household food and livelihoods. Education for health futures: Zimbabwe’s Education 5.0 push includes university innovation and commercialisation, while a new policy removes maths as a compulsory entry requirement for Indigenous Minority Languages teacher training.

HIV & Health Funding: The US Embassy in Harare rejected Zimbabwe’s claims that a proposed US$367m health deal was a threat, saying it would have delivered life-saving support across HIV, TB, malaria, maternal and child health, and outbreak preparedness. Anti-Drug Drive: Harare courts remanded President Mnangagwa’s daughter-in-law, Kelsea Tadiwa Tafirenyika, in custody after police allegedly seized pethidine, morphine and cannabis in a Greystone Park raid; prosecutors opposed bail. Road Safety & Care: ZRP confirmed a Toyota Aqua crash at a Harare pedestrian crossing left one man dead and another injured, with Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals treating the survivor. Health Tech in Industry: Econet won a top service-sector award for its MARS Mobile Clinics and Hospital Solutions, bringing digital healthcare and emergency support to remote mining areas. Education for Health Workforce: Higher and Tertiary Education Minister Frederick Shava urged universities to stop acting as “degree factories,” pushing Education 5.0 innovation and stronger industry partnerships. Livestock & Nutrition Security: Farmers and livestock stakeholders called for policies requiring 10–20% of arable land for pasture and fodder as dry spells drive feed costs up and livestock deaths rise.

HIV Prevention Breakthrough: UNAIDS reports major progress at the 26th International AIDS Conference in Rio, with new prevention options in the pipeline and countries including Zimbabwe showing strong reductions in new infections. HIV Treatment Access & Funding Pressure: An editorial highlights that ending the AIDS pandemic needs more than science, as US aid freezes and cuts threaten prevention and treatment momentum. Intersex Rights Reform: Zimbabwe is reviewing laws affecting intersex people after a landmark court challenge, with research and stakeholder input feeding recommendations to Cabinet. Maternal Health & Service Delivery: Rwanda’s drone blood delivery model is spotlighted as a lifesaving fix for emergency care delays—useful for Zimbabwe as health systems look to reduce access gaps. Rural Health & Animal Health: Masvingo steps up anthrax vaccinations ahead of El Niño, while Gwanda South runs free mobile donkey clinics to protect rural livelihoods and welfare. Public Health After Xenophobia: Zimbabwe urges returnees from South Africa’s xenophobic violence to get medical checks early for injuries, trauma and hidden illnesses. Hospital Modernisation: Hwange Colliery Hospital is upgrading with smart monitoring, piped oxygen and plans for an oncology centre. Health System Governance: Inmates at Chikurubi appeal for space amid overcrowding, raising concerns that directly affect health and legal access.

HIV Prevention Breakthrough: UNAIDS reports new HIV infections and AIDS deaths are at their lowest in 30+ years, with lenacapavir-style prevention drugs showing major promise and several countries (including Zimbabwe) cutting new infections sharply since 2010. Public Health Safety Call: Zimbabwe urges people returning from South Africa after xenophobic attacks to get medical check-ups immediately, warning that injuries, trauma and hidden infections can worsen if treatment is delayed. Livestock Health Ahead of El Niño: Masvingo ramps up anthrax vaccination, already surpassing targets, alongside diptank repairs, water development and farmer training to protect food security and livelihoods. Clinic Access Boost: Government commissions the US$250,000 Kennebec Clinic in Umguza, Matabeleland North, bringing solar-powered services, piped water and pharmacy support to thousands. Child Online Safety & Mental Health: Chitungwiza Junior Council launches a digital awareness campaign in schools under the national child online protection policy, followed by a mental health awareness drive. Animal Welfare Support: Free mobile donkey clinics in Gwanda South offer examinations, deworming, wound care and anti-parasitic spraying. Food Safety Warning: Investigations allege some chicken farmers illegally mix ARVs into feed, raising concerns about harm to consumers and risks to HIV treatment. Water & Hygiene Stress: Reports from Musina highlight how unreliable water supply undermines basic hygiene and healthy living conditions for indigent families. Health System Context: A broader SDG 3 focus highlights uneven progress in Zimbabwe’s health outcomes, with infant mortality singled out as a key area of improvement.