daglous masvetaMrs Wendy Nyakurerwa-Matinde: Rumbidzayi Zinyuke in Murehwa
Hundreds of Zimbabweans are gathered at Murehwa Centre, Mashonaland East, for the regional
commemoration of the Southern African Development Community (Sadc) Malaria Day and the launch of the Zimbabwe ‘Zero Malaria Starts with Me’ campaign.
The Herald Online crew is in Murehwa to give you all the updates on the story.
The annual celebrations aim to create awareness about malaria and mobilise the communities to participate in malaria control programmes.
Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by parasites that are transmitted to people through the bites of infected female mosquitoes.
VP Chiwenga in Murehwa
Mukudzei Chingwere
Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga has arrived in Murehwa for the 2024 Sadc Malaria Day regional commemorations and launch of the Zimbabwe Zero Malaria Starts with Me campaign.
The Sadc Malaria Day is an important fixture that brings together the regionโs Ministries of Health, policymakers, healthcare professionals, and community representatives to chart ways of eliminating malaria in the region.
This yearโs commemorations are running under the theme โResilient Health Systems and Communities: Key to Malaria Elimination.โ
VP Chiwenga was welcomed by Mashonaland East Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Apollonia Munzverengi, Health and Child Care Minister Dr Douglas Mombeshora, regional health leaders, and other senior Government officials.
Leading health sector stakeholders from across the region converged in Harare this week for the Sadc Ministers of Health Conference to chart ways on maximising universal health coverage across the region.
The ministers deliberated on public health issues affecting the Sadc region
Dr Chiwenga launches malaria campaign
Rumbidzayi Zinyuke
Vice President Constantino Chiwenga has cut the ribbon to officially launch the Zimbabwe โZero Malaria Starts with Meโ campaign at Murehwa Centre where the Sadc Malaria day commemorations are taking place.
The campaign is part of a broader initiative to address the disproportionate burden of malaria in the African region, where 94 percent of global cases and 95 percent of deaths occur.
The โZero Malaria Starts with Meโ campaign has already been launched in 23 countries.
Malaria remains a significant public health concern, accounting for about 40 percent of outpatient attendances in moderate to high transmission districts.
End Malaria Council in the pipeline
Mukudzei Chingwere
The Government is determined to reach vulnerable groups and special populations with malaria interventions and will soon launch the End Malaria Council (EMC), comprising members from both the private and public sectors.
Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga said this in Murehwa this morning when he launched the Zimbabwean leg of the โZero Malaria Starts With Meโ campaign, joining 24 other African countries, predominantly from the Sadc region, in the fight against malaria.
The launch coincided with the Sadc Malaria Day, which is set aside to coordinate the efforts of the regionโs health sector stakeholders in the fight against malaria.
โAs Government, we remain determined to reach the vulnerable groups and special populations with malaria interventions,โ said VP Chiwenga.
โIn due course, the Ministry of Health and Child Care in consultation with other ministries, Government departments, the private sector and civil society will spearhead the formation and launch of the End Malaria Council, comprising members from both private and public sectors.
The End Malaria Councilโs mandate will be to:
๏ถ Raise additional domestic funding for malaria elimination to complement annual allocation from the Treasury and donor contribution.
๏ถ Enhance country ownership and sustainability of the programme.
๏ถ Provide oversight on the use of malaria funds.
Scottland coach Mangombe over the moon
Scottland coach Genesis โKakaโ Mangombe has hailed his chargesโ positivity after their 3-1 Northern Region Soccer League win over Black Mambas lifted them to the Premiership at Rufaro this afternoon.
It was a nervy last day of the season and for once Scottland looked like they were never going to get over the line.
But once Ronald Pfumbidzai got his range from the penalty spot right 25 minutes into the game, the party was on its way.
They looked to be cruising when Leroy Mavunga doubled their lead although Black Mambas did halve the deficit going to the break.
Mavunga made sure of the win with the third goal moments into the second half.
And Mangombe was full of praise for his boysโ efforts.
โI will give it to my boys for the fighting spirit and the strong mentality.
โIt was a difficult season and a difficult game today. โI am happy we managed to pull through and here we are,โ said Mangombe.
leeroy mupariri
