AGP Executive Report

Dementia alarm: Zimbabwean senators are pushing for urgent action on the rising dementia and Alzheimer’s burden, citing stigma, poor diagnosis and a lack of a national strategy. Antibiotic misuse warning: “Flu packs” sold over the counter in Bulawayo are under scrutiny for including prescription medicines, including antibiotics, despite flu being viral—raising fears of antimicrobial resistance. Baby dumping case: A Bulawayo woman faces charges after newborn twins were allegedly burnt and abandoned at a refuse site, reigniting calls for stronger support for vulnerable mothers. Road safety tragedy: Two people died and another was seriously injured in a head-on crash on Plumtree Road near Mbokodo Butchery, with victims trapped in wreckage. Blood transfusion safety: Zimbabwe says it now ranks among the best for blood safety after expanding advanced screening, including nucleic acid testing. Albinism rights: The UN urges Zimbabwe to treat sunscreen, eye care and skin cancer screening for people with albinism as essential rights, not optional services. Community drug response: Bulawayo graduates 80 lay counsellors trained to tackle drug and substance abuse at grassroots level. Environmental health risk: Bulawayo’s mayor warns illegal mining in the Umzingwane Dam catchment is damaging rivers and threatening water security.

Public Health Alert: Zimbabwe pharmacies in Bulawayo are selling illegal “flu packs” for as little as US$1, with warnings that antibiotics are being pushed for viral illnesses—fueling antimicrobial resistance and long-term harm. Food Safety: World Food Safety Day focus turns to leftovers and unsafe storage, with diarrhoea and vomiting linked to poor hygiene and handling practices. Cancer & Skin Rights: The UN marks International Albinism Awareness Day urging Zimbabwe to treat sunscreen, eye care and skin cancer screening as essential rights, not optional services. Dementia Watch: Senators raise alarm over a growing dementia and Alzheimer’s burden, calling for national awareness and a dedicated strategy. Child Health Tech: Malawi’s IMPALA AI monitoring system is cutting child deaths in paediatric wards, offering a model for low-resource settings. Drug Abuse Prevention: Bulawayo graduates 80 community lay counsellors trained to tackle drug and substance abuse through prevention and rehabilitation. Health Financing: Government is finalising a National Health Fund Bill to expand access to treatment at public facilities, funded partly through taxes on cigarettes and alcohol. Energy Access for Health: ZETDC reports 80% electricity connection in Binga town, improving conditions for services and daily life.

Food Safety: A World Food Safety Day report warns that leftovers—especially sadza and spicy foods—can quietly cause illness when stored or handled unsafely, with children among the worst affected. Climate & Health: Systems thinker Chido Nyaruwata highlights how climate shocks worsen gender inequality and health risks, calling for feminist-led community resilience. Dementia Watch: Zimbabwean senators urge urgent action on dementia and Alzheimer’s, citing stigma, low diagnosis rates and the need for a national strategy. Drug Abuse Prevention: Bulawayo graduates 80 community lay counsellors trained to strengthen local counselling and prevention against drug and substance abuse. Road Safety: Two people died in a fatal Plumtree Road crash near Mbokodo Butchery; one passenger was seriously injured. Albinism Rights: The UN calls for sunscreen, eye care and skin cancer screening as fundamental rights for people with albinism, warning of preventable harm and discrimination. HIV Prevention: Mashonaland West reports low female condom use, driven by poverty and women’s limited power to negotiate safer sex. Universal Health Access: Government says a National Health Fund Bill could bring free treatment at public hospitals, funded partly through taxes on cigarettes and alcohol. Cancer Care: Officials discuss access to newly procured cancer machines, including how remote patients will benefit. Water & Disease Risk: China-aided boreholes deliver clean water to over 75,000 people, reducing waterborne disease risks in drought-hit communities. Local Health Capacity: Bulawayo’s community counselling push and prison rehabilitation programmes underscore growing focus on mental health and substance abuse support.

Universal Health Coverage Push: Zimbabwe’s Health and Child Care Minister Dr Douglas Mombeshora says a National Health Fund Bill will soon entitle all Zimbabweans to free treatment at government hospitals, with financing partly from taxes on cigarettes and alcohol. Cancer Care Upgrade: The Senate questioned access to newly procured cancer machines for Parirenyatwa and Mpilo, highlighting the need for better reach for patients from remote areas. Clean Water for Health: China’s handover of 300 boreholes is delivering safe water to over 75,000 people across 300 villages, with officials linking the project to lower waterborne disease risk and stronger farming resilience. Medicine Shortage Alarm: Government continues to scramble to avert a medicine crisis as public facilities face intermittent stock problems. Child Health Protection: Senators called for tougher enforcement against child marriage and teenage pregnancy, warning exploitation of girls is harming education and long-term wellbeing. Prison Health & Rehab: Plumtree Prison held Culture Day while officials pointed to rising mental health and substance-abuse challenges among inmates, alongside rehabilitation programmes. Waterborne Risk in Displacement: Malawians sheltering at Durban’s Sherwood Hall face overcrowding and rising health risks as numbers surge. Rural Livestock Health: Farmers report cattle losses from January tick-borne disease as dipping chemicals are in short supply, forcing hand-tilling and raising hunger fears.

Cancer Care Boost: Zimbabwe’s Health ministry says two new multi-energy radiotherapy machines have arrived for Mpilo Central Hospital and Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals, building on earlier low-energy units to expand cancer diagnosis and treatment capacity. Universal Health Coverage Under Strain: Health officials admit public hospitals still face medicine and equipment shortages, with medicine availability averaging about 47% against a 50% target, while insisting universal health coverage remains the goal. Accountability for Cancer Funding: Youth Accountability Initiative and ZLHR push for transparency over sugar tax-funded radiotherapy purchases, after officials reportedly rejected a Freedom of Information request. Women’s Health Push: At the World Health Assembly, countries and partners—including Zimbabwe—called for stronger, accountable systems to eliminate cervical cancer, focusing on HPV vaccination, screening access, referral pathways and primary care integration. Child Protection: Zimbabwe’s Senate demands tougher enforcement against child marriage and teenage pregnancy, linking the crisis to poverty, weak law enforcement and harmful cultural practices. Community Wellness: Indian Embassy and partners ran yoga and wellness sessions for NUST students to help manage stress and improve wellbeing. Public Health Infrastructure: REA reports electrifying 175 rural institutions in early 2026, including rural health centres, schools and clinics. Medicine Crisis Worry: Government continues scrambling to avert medicine shortages as hospitals report ongoing supply pressures.

Universal Health Coverage Under Strain: Health officials say Zimbabwe remains committed to universal health coverage, but public hospitals are hit by medicine shortages, ageing infrastructure, staff gaps and rising costs. Maternal Care Push: Government plans to expand midwifery training, e-learning and retention to tackle the shortage of midwives and improve maternal and newborn outcomes. Cancer Care Funding Scrutiny: A youth group is demanding transparency over procurement of radiotherapy and cancer machines reportedly bought using sugar tax funds, after officials allegedly rejected information requests. Hypertension Alarm: A new focus on Zimbabwe’s hypertension epidemic highlights low awareness and treatment rates, warning of stroke, heart disease and kidney failure risks. Midwives Shortage: Authorities also flag critical shortages of midwives as demand for maternal services rises. Child Protection: Senators call for tougher enforcement against child marriage and teen pregnancy, linking the crisis to poverty and weak law enforcement. Road Safety Tragedy: Seven schoolchildren died in a Gweru kombi fire, with investigations pointing to negligence and overcrowding concerns. Food Safety Crackdown: Bulawayo seized 1.5 tonnes of elephant meat and issued penalties after inspections found licensing and hygiene breaches. Migration and Health Risks: ZCTU blames South Africa’s soft stance for worsening migration pressures amid xenophobic attacks, while displaced people in South Africa face serious health and sanitation risks. Responsible Mining: WWF Zimbabwe and partners launched a project to promote environmentally and socially responsible mining and benefit local communities.

School Safety Crisis: Seven pupils died after a kombi fire in Gweru, with preliminary reports pointing to negligence and unsafe transport conditions—another stark reminder that children’s lives depend on enforcement, not assumptions. Cancer Care Upgrade: Zimbabwe received a second consignment of advanced cancer treatment equipment, including LINAC radiotherapy machines, as Government moves through phases to improve diagnosis and expand access. Food Safety Crackdown: Bulawayo seized 1.5 tonnes of elephant meat and condemned unwholesome products after inspections across 1,715 premises, citing poor hygiene, weak licensing compliance and unsafe food handling. Illicit Alcohol Warning: Police operations in Bulawayo targeted illegal brewing, seizing ethanol and equipment—highlighting the health risks of “jenever/jengu” linked to liver, heart and mental health damage. Mental Health Innovation: Horses for Mental Health says its May campaign raised about $960,394 to expand equine-assisted mental health services, including programmes reaching Zimbabwe. Nutrition & Wellness: A growing shift toward indigenous grains like millet and sorghum in Bulawayo is being linked to better micronutrient intake, as experts warn processed diets fuel deficiencies and chronic disease. Healthcare Policy Watch: A debate over Zimbabwe’s Medical Services Amendment Bill is urged to refocus on patients, not corporate turf wars.

School Safety Crisis: A minibus packed with schoolchildren caught fire in Gweru (Senga suburb), killing seven pupils; 11 others were injured and rushed to hospital, with police investigating the cause and early reports pointing to a petrol jerry can. Food Safety Crackdown: Bulawayo City Council condemned 1.5 tonnes of elephant meat and issued 66 intimations/tickets after inspecting 1,715 premises, citing hygiene failures and unsafe food handling. Nursing Access Reform: Zimbabwe plans to decentralise nurse registration services so practitioners won’t have to travel to Harare for renewals and practising certificates. Cancer Care Upgrade: The Health ministry received a second batch of advanced radiotherapy equipment, including LINAC machines, as it moves from cancer infrastructure phase one into phase two focused on diagnostics and wider access. Cancer Equipment & Early Detection: Officials say the next phases will expand treatment centres beyond major cities to reach more provinces. Health Scam Warning: The ministry warned of a fake WhatsApp recruitment advert for trainee dental therapists, urging job seekers to use only official channels. Mental Health Research: A youth-led mental health intervention model tested in Botswana shows promise for teens and young adults, including those living with HIV. Nutrition & Wellness: Indigenous restaurants are rising in Bulawayo as people return to traditional grains like millet and sorghum, amid ongoing concerns about micronutrient deficiencies.

School Transport Tragedy: A minibus packed with schoolchildren caught fire in Gweru, killing seven pupils; police say a jerry can of petrol may have fueled the blaze and identities are still being verified. Cancer Care Upgrade: Zimbabwe has received a second batch of advanced radiotherapy machines (LINACs) to improve precision treatment and expand cancer services beyond major cities. Nurse Registration Decentralisation: Government plans to decentralise nurses’ registration and practising certificate services from Harare to provincial levels, easing travel burdens for health workers. Health Scam Warning: The Health and Child Care ministry warns of a fake WhatsApp recruitment advert for trainee dental therapists, urging jobseekers to use only official channels. Unclaimed Bodies Appeal: Police in Lupane ask the public to help identify 16 unclaimed bodies held at St Luke’s Hospital mortuary, including four infants. Beitbridge Growth Push: Work has started on a Beitbridge CBD extension with plans for a medical centre, shopping complexes and recreation, supporting the town’s shift from border transit to investment destination. Liquor Licensing Fees Review: Government consults stakeholders on reducing liquor licence fees and streamlining procedures to cut costs while keeping public health and safety rules. Mental Health Research: CHOP researchers report a youth-led mental health intervention model in Botswana showing promise for teens and young adults, including those living with HIV. HIV Across Borders: IOM’s “HIV Knows No Borders” programme in Beitbridge is working with mobile communities to improve HIV testing, sexual health and child protection. Burial Societies Evolve: A growing number of burial societies are now supporting the living too—offering savings plans and small-business support to help families cope with rising costs.

Bulawayo Health Supply: Bulawayo City Council has partnered with the National Blood Service Zimbabwe to boost blood reserves, allowing donation tents and collection drives at City Hall as stocks hit critical levels. Beitbridge HIV Services: IOM’s “HIV Knows No Borders” programme is working with mobile communities around Beitbridge to improve HIV testing, sexual health and child protection, tackling stigma and treatment interruptions linked to cross-border movement. Cancer Care Upgrade: Mpilo Hospital is moving ahead with new cancer treatment machines, with reports of equipment arriving and installation work underway to strengthen local oncology services. Workplace Safety Alarm: CNRG has demanded investigations after two workers died at Bikita Minerals, raising concerns about occupational health and safety standards at the lithium mining operation. Road Safety: A head-on crash on the Harare-Bulawayo Road left 18 people injured, with police saying negligent driving charges may follow. Xenophobia and Health Access: Zimbabwe Exemption Permit Holders Association has lodged a criminal complaint at the ICC against Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie over alleged xenophobic threats affecting access to healthcare for foreign nationals in South Africa. Returnees After Violence: Zimbabwe has evacuated 139 citizens from South Africa after xenophobic attacks, with a reception centre at Beitbridge to process returnees safely.

Road Safety: A head-on crash on the Harare-Bulawayo Road left 18 people injured after a Mazda Tribute allegedly veered into the oncoming lane; the driver faces negligent driving charges. Workplace Safety: CNRG wants Bikita Minerals to suspend operations and investigate after two workers died at the lithium mine, raising serious concerns about occupational health and safety. Cancer Care Funding: Treasury says the sugar tax cancer fund will keep buying modern diagnostic and treatment equipment, including a high-energy linear accelerator for Parirenyatwa and another for Mpilo. Digital Health Innovation: Cimas Health Group launched Healthathon 3.0, a digital healthcare innovation challenge to improve access, affordability and patient experience. Blood Supply Support: Bulawayo City Council partnered with National Blood Service Zimbabwe to boost blood reserves through donation drives at City Hall. Public Health & Prevention: South Africa has started rolling out lenacapavir, a twice-yearly HIV prevention injection, after trials in the region. Health Systems & Access: Zimbabwe is training rabbit breeders in Rwanda on artificial insemination to grow a fast-rising livestock sector—supporting livelihoods and nutrition indirectly. Community Tragedy: In Budiriro 3, residents and police report three deaths after people drowned in an open sewer sludge pit, renewing calls for safer public works sites.

Cancer Care Boost: Zimbabwe is set to expand radiotherapy services as Treasury continues funding the sugar tax cancer fund, with US$50m earmarked for modern diagnostic and treatment equipment—Parirenyatwa gets a high-energy linear accelerator and Mpilo is preparing for a higher-energy unit. Public Health Safety: Regulators have launched a crackdown on unregistered health facilities and illegal medicine dealers, warning that unlicensed care and counterfeit or misused prescription drugs can lead to misdiagnosis and treatment failure. Maternal & Community Water Security: First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa urged stronger African cooperation and investment in water and sanitation infrastructure, warning that climate change and uneven development keep millions facing chronic water insecurity. Local Health Infrastructure Accountability: In Budiriro 3, three people drowned after an open sewer sludge pit was left unmarked and unsecured, reigniting calls for Harare City Council to improve public works safety. Drug Control: Harare’s Copacabana and Gulf Complex have been flagged as drug “hotspots,” with authorities and residents pointing to organised networks behind street-level dealers. HIV in Prisons: NAC and ZPCS programmes at Khami Maximum Prison are credited with improving HIV awareness, testing and prevention, with inmates reporting faster ART initiation after diagnosis. Road Safety: Several passengers were injured in a commuter omnibus crash along the Bulawayo–Harare Road in Mahatshula, with police expected to investigate.

Cancer Care Upgrade: Mpilo Central Hospital is moving ahead with installing new radiotherapy equipment, with engineers already on site for a lower-energy linear accelerator and plans for a higher-energy machine plus CT scan—aimed at restoring access for southern-region patients. Regulation & Patient Safety: Health Professions Authority and Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe have launched a crackdown on unregistered clinics and illegal medicine dealers, warning of risks like misdiagnosis and counterfeit drugs. Public Health in Prisons: NAC and Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service report improved HIV awareness, testing and prevention at Khami Maximum Prison, with inmates quickly initiated on ART after positive tests. Road Safety: Several people were injured in a Mahatshula road accident on the Bulawayo–Harare Road after a commuter omnibus was sideswiped and overturned; police are investigating. Tragedy & Infrastructure: ZRP confirmed three deaths after people drowned in a Budiriro sewer pit, underscoring dangerous, unguarded municipal infrastructure. Mining Safety Remembrance: ZDAMWU marked the 54th anniversary of the Kamandama Mine Disaster, calling for tougher mine safety standards and stronger worker protections. Hope for Survivors: CancerServe Trust held Survivors Celebrations in Harare, urging patients not to lose hope and highlighting support for disadvantaged cancer patients.

Cancer Care Upgrade: Mpilo Central Hospital in Bulawayo has started installing newly delivered radiotherapy machines, with engineers working on the lower-energy linear accelerator and awaiting the multi-energy unit and CT scan; installation and quality control could take up to three months, aiming to restore access for southern-region patients. Public Health & Food Safety: Bulawayo intensified food safety checks, inspecting 1,715 premises, issuing 66 intimations and tickets, and destroying about 1,500kg of rotten elephant meat plus other unsafe products. HIV & Health in Prisons: Khami Prison’s HIV efforts continue despite overcrowding, while NAC expands HIV and NCD programmes behind bars. Maternal Health Crisis: A report from Epworth highlights unsafe abortions and their toll on maternal deaths, pointing to stigma and gaps in accessible care. Youth, Drugs & Community Action: AFMinZ’s Overseer’s Cup in Chegutu used sport and chess to steer youths away from drugs and alcohol. Regional Health Security: Kenya and Uganda joined ECSA-HC to assess Ebola preparedness at Busia border, strengthening screening and Standard Operating Procedures. Immigration Pressure on Health Services: South Africa’s Ramaphosa announced tougher action on illegal migration while warning against xenophobia, citing strain on clinics and education. Cancer Equipment Funding Debate: Coverage also notes sugar tax support for cancer radiotherapy machines, with calls for transparency.

Ebola readiness at borders: Kenya and Uganda launched a joint assessment at the Busia One Stop Border Post with ECSA-HC to check Ebola preparedness, screening gaps and Standard Operating Procedures, using WHO tools to standardise checks and fix weaknesses fast. Cancer care upgrade: Zimbabwe says it will keep expanding cancer diagnosis and treatment by buying a full range of specialised machines for major referral hospitals, funded through the sugar content tax; Mpilo and Parirenyatwa have already received new equipment with installation underway. Bulawayo prison health strain: Bulawayo correctional facilities are overcrowded, holding 5,456 inmates against an approved 4,554, with HIV programmes at Khami Prison helping inmates despite pressure on services. Food safety crackdown: Bulawayo’s health team inspected 1,715 premises, issued 66 intimations and tickets, and destroyed about 1,500kg of rotten elephant meat, citing hygiene and licensing failures. Maternal health warning from Epworth: A report from Epworth highlights unsafe, illegal abortions and stigma, linking them to preventable maternal deaths and urging safer access to care. Mental health spotlight: Clinical psychologist Dr Olga Filippa Nel calls for therapy and better emotional support, echoing growing attention to mental wellbeing.

Cancer Care Upgrade: Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube says Zimbabwe will acquire the full range of machines needed for cancer diagnosis and treatment, with Mpilo Central Hospital and Parirenyatwa already receiving new radiotherapy equipment funded by the sugar content tax. Water & Health Risk: Despite heavy rains, Bulawayo and Harare still face water shortages and rationing, raising concerns about hygiene and disease outbreaks. Neuromodulation Breakthrough: A Chinese medical team helped Zimbabwe complete the country’s first Deep Brain Stimulation surgery and first Spinal Cord Stimulation procedure for complex neurological disorders; both patients are stable. HIV in Prisons: NAC expanded HIV prevention and primary healthcare outreach at Khami Maximum Prison, boosting peer education and access to services. Public Health Enforcement: ZRP arrested two Mutare company directors for allegedly manufacturing illicit alcoholic brew under unhygienic conditions, warning businesses to comply with health regulations. Safe Water Global Lens: A new global assessment flags unsafe drinking water as a major public health risk, with many African countries among the worst affected. Environment for Health: Zimbabwe has started a major river restoration programme after declaring emergency rehabilitation for damaged riverine ecosystems.