AGP Executive Report

Mpilo Hospital Orthopaedics: Mpilo Central Hospital in Bulawayo has become the first public facility in the city to offer complex knee surgeries and total hip replacements after training local surgeons with visiting experts from Italy and Scotland. Water Safety in Harare: Harare Residents Trust reports erratic municipal water and widespread contamination concerns, with many boreholes showing no detectable chlorine—pushing residents toward unsafe sources. Ebola Testing Capacity: United Bulawayo Hospitals’ new US$1.5m lab is nearing completion and is set to offer Ebola testing and other specialised screening once equipment installation finishes. Health System Planning: Health and Child Care Minister Dr Douglas Mombeshora says strategic plans must be turned into real implementation, not shelf documents, to guide budgeting and service delivery. Rabies Vaccine Alert: India’s regulator flagged an Abhayrab rabies vaccine batch as substandard and possibly spurious after a potency failure, raising concerns about counterfeit doses. Child Protection: VP Kembo Mohadi reaffirmed government commitment to child welfare after touring Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa Children’s Home in Chiredzi. Waste-to-Energy Push: President Mnangagwa witnessed signing of an EPC deal for a waste-to-energy plant, aiming to improve waste management and reduce refuse collection problems.

Ebola readiness in Bulawayo: United Bulawayo Hospitals’ US$1.5m lab is nearing full operation, with Ebola testing and screening expected once equipment installation is finished (about 75% complete), and key machines due by end of year or early 2027. Water safety crisis in Harare: A Harare Residents Trust report says erratic municipal supply is pushing residents toward unsafe boreholes and shallow wells, with many samples showing no detectable chlorine and some water described as dirty and unfit for drinking. Child protection push: VP Kembo Mohadi toured Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa Children’s Home in Chiredzi, reaffirming government commitment to the welfare of vulnerable children and highlighting rehabilitation and opportunity for residents. Health system planning focus: Health Minister Dr Douglas Mombeshora urged the ministry to turn strategy into real implementation, with budgets, programmes and partnerships aligned to deliver services on time. One Stop Centre model for HIV and violence: In Umzingwane, a ZACH-run One Stop Centre supported by NAC is credited with reducing HIV risk among adolescent girls and young women while offering medical care, counselling and legal support. Public health and dignity at funerals: Calls on radio urged Zimbabweans to stop profiteering at funerals and respect grieving families, warning that opportunism undermines ubuntu/hunhu. Drug safety watch (regional): India flagged a rabies vaccine batch as substandard and potentially spurious after potency test failures, renewing concerns about counterfeit doses.

Workforce & Skills: President Mnangagwa urged Harare Institute of Technology graduates to use their skills to industrialise and modernise Zimbabwe after capping 734 students at the 17th graduation ceremony. Health Infrastructure: Zimbabwe is moving to expand disease testing capacity at United Bulawayo Hospitals, with an Ebola-capable lab at UBH expected to start screening once equipment installation is completed. Public Health Intelligence: Africa CDC and partner countries validated a Behavioural Intelligence and Infodemic Management framework to better use community and information data for outbreak response and immunisation decisions. Road Safety & Injury Prevention: Government plans a demerit points system that could cancel driving licences for repeat traffic offenders, aiming to curb fatal crashes. Child Protection: A Ruwa maid was arrested over alleged sexual abuse of a 5-year-old boy, highlighting risks for children in homes where domestic workers have access. Disaster Response: A minibus crash involving members of the African Apostolic Church left at least 27 dead and prompted a State of Disaster, with government pledging support for medical bills and burials. HIV & Youth Support: A One Stop Centre in Umzingwane is helping reduce HIV risk, teen pregnancies and violence for adolescent girls and young women through layered medical, counselling and legal support.

Ebola readiness: United Bulawayo Hospitals’ new state-of-the-art lab is set to begin Ebola testing and screening, with diagnostic equipment about 75% installed and more machines due by early 2027, strengthening Zimbabwe’s outbreak response for the region. Mental health & relationships: Zimbabwe’s “mjolo pandemic” is being linked to rising anxiety, depression and even suicidal thoughts as toxic relationship stress spills into everyday life. HIV, teens and violence support: Umzingwane’s One Stop Centre model is helping adolescent girls and young women with safety, medical care, counselling and legal support—aimed at cutting HIV infections and gender-based violence. Child safety in homes: A Ruwa maid has been arrested over alleged sexual abuse of a 5-year-old boy, renewing attention on risks for children left in domestic workers’ care. Clean-up for healthier cities: Health and Environment officials are pushing a national clean-up drive, while Harare issues a stern deadline for illegal vendors to vacate streets—citing sanitation and public safety concerns. EU health partner loss: EU Ambassador Katrin Hagemann died suddenly in Harare; the EU says she was a major voice on governance and health-related cooperation.

UK visa relief for care workers: The UK Home Office removed a key restriction that tied some Skilled Worker visas to a specific employer when the worker is formally recognised as a modern slavery victim—allowing affected Zimbabweans and other Africans to switch jobs without losing immigration status. Player health and workload: India’s cricket board (BCCI) held a review after overseas defeats, with officials pointing to congested schedules and injuries, and saying it will restructure the Future Tours Programme for more rest and acclimatisation. Local health access in Binga: Government commissioned a council clinic plus motorbikes and service vehicles in Binga to bring health services and better road access closer to remote communities. HIV response beyond clinics: Nehemiah Trust in Bulawayo is expanding HIV work by linking prevention with skills training, education and livelihood support to reduce stigma and new infections. El Niño warning for Zimbabwe and region: UN and WMO warnings say a very strong El Niño could bring extreme heat, drought and floods, with UNICEF flagging major risks to children’s nutrition, health and water access across Eastern and Southern Africa, including Zimbabwe. Unidentified murder victims: Police appealed for help identifying seven victims in Harare and Chitungwiza mortuaries, including a boy found near the Mukuvisi River. Dairy health focus: A veterinary indaba in Bulawayo will centre dairy animal health and milk production, stressing disease prevention and welfare. Food security and farming inputs: Farmers were urged to consider organic liquid fertilisers ahead of drought fears linked to Super El Niño. Cancer outreach in Karanda: A mobile outreach at Karanda Mission Hospital offered cancer screening (breast, cervical, prostate), eye tests, and wellness checks, with referrals for oncology care. Royalty system under scrutiny: Musicians in Bulawayo called for an overhaul of royalty collection and distribution during parliamentary hearings involving ZIMURA and ZICCO. OK Zimbabwe recovery: OK Zimbabwe says it has restarted supplies and reopened branches after securing bank guarantees, though analysts warn the risk may have shifted to banks rather than fully fixing underlying problems.

Silicosis & TB payouts: A major gap remains in Zimbabwe’s silicosis and TB compensation drive, with Tshiamiso Trust having paid only a fraction of the estimated 500,000 potential claimants—leaving many still waiting. El Niño health risks: UNICEF warns that over 162 million children across eastern and southern Africa, including Zimbabwe, face worsening nutrition, health, education and safe-water threats as El Niño intensifies. Dairy health focus: Veterinary professionals meet in Bulawayo to strengthen dairy animal health and milk production, stressing disease prevention and safer veterinary medicine use. Joint replacement at Mpilo: Mpilo Hospital expands hip replacements and prepares its first knee replacements with visiting Italian training support—aiming to cut reliance on treatment abroad. Unidentified murder victims: Police appeal for help identifying seven victims in Harare and Chitungwiza mortuaries, including a boy found near the Mukuvisi River. Street vending crackdown: Harare vendors have until 9 September to vacate illegal trading sites, with officials linking some roadside areas to public health and safety concerns. Pesticide poisoning: A global study estimates nearly half of farmers suffer unintentional pesticide poisoning each year, with fatalities reported and the burden highest in the Global South.

Mental Health Focus: Zimbabwe’s mental health needs to sit at the centre of public health planning, with depression and suicide highlighted as growing concerns. Orthopaedic Care Upgrade: Mpilo Hospital is expanding joint replacement services, training local surgeons for hip and preparing for knee replacements, aiming to cut the need for patients to travel for care. Drug Rehab to Jobs: First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa urged employers to absorb rehabilitated youths from the Angel of Hope Drug Rehabilitation Centre, pushing skills into real livelihoods. Traditional Medicine Safety: African Traditional Medicine Day coverage calls for stronger scientific research, regulation and integration of proven traditional treatments into the health system. El Niño Warning for Children: UNICEF warns over 162 million children across eastern and southern Africa are at risk from El Niño-driven drought, heat, flooding and health service strain, with Zimbabwe named among affected countries. SRHR Regional Push: SADC countries met in Harare to strengthen sexual and reproductive health and rights programme monitoring and implementation. Climate & Food Security: Fish farmers in Matabeleland are urged to reduce stocking densities and plan for water stress as El Niño approaches. Critical Care Modernisation: Avenues Clinic invested US$500,000 to upgrade ICU/HDU/CCU with new monitoring and dialysis capacity to improve care for critically ill patients. Public Health & Urban Order: Government set a September 9 deadline for illegal vendors to vacate Harare streets, citing sanitation and safety risks.

Road Safety & Emergency Response: Zimbabwe’s Chivhu highway crash has killed 28 people, with police saying three victims were burnt beyond recognition and will only be identified after DNA testing; Government has declared a state of disaster and pledged to cover medical and burial costs, while ZRP urges people to avoid night driving and for church leaders to coordinate safer travel. Maternal Health Access: At Karanda Mission Hospital in Mt Darwin, three young mothers travelled over 100km for guaranteed maternity care and are now supported at the Mothers’ Waiting Shelter with prenatal monitoring and rapid triage when labour starts. Traditional Medicine Integration: First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa called for stronger scientific research, regulation and integration of traditional medicines into Zimbabwe’s health system to ensure safety, quality and effectiveness. Cattle Health & Vaccination: A lumpy skin disease workshop for farmers in Bulawayo highlights the viral cattle illness and pushes for better prevention as Zimbabwe strengthens its national herd. Mental Health & Suicide: A new look at Zimbabwe’s suicide toll points to depression, poverty pressures and substance abuse as key drivers, urging earlier mental health support. Eye Care Screening: A Victoria Falls initiative screened hundreds for free vision problems, referring cases for further checks and helping catch silent conditions like glaucoma. Tobacco Worker Risks (WHO): WHO reports tobacco-leaf production in Africa is rising, warning that farmers face serious health harms such as green tobacco sickness.

Chivhu Crash Aftermath: Zimbabwe’s Government has declared a state of disaster after a deadly head-on collision near Chivhu that killed 28 people, with seven others in critical condition, and pledged to cover medical and burial costs. Police say the crash involved a commuter omnibus carrying African Apostolic (Mwazha) Church members and a haulage truck, with identities of victims being released only after DNA checks for those burnt beyond recognition. Road Safety Warning: ZRP urged people to avoid night driving due to poor visibility and asked church leaders and conference organisers to ensure safer travel. Traditional Medicine Push: First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa called for stronger scientific research, regulation and collaboration to integrate traditional medicine into Zimbabwe’s healthcare system, aiming to improve safety, quality and effectiveness. Tobacco Worker Health: WHO reports tobacco-leaf production in Africa rose nearly 9% from 2012 to 2024, warning that farmers face serious health risks such as green tobacco sickness. Eye-Care Access: A Victoria Falls community initiative screened hundreds for free vision problems, helping detect silent conditions like glaucoma and referring patients for further care. Solar Power Boost: ZETDC signed an escrow and security deal for the 100MW Munyati solar project, aiming to secure off-take revenues and speed up implementation.

Road Safety & Public Health: Zimbabwe police say the Chivhu Harare–Masvingo crash death toll has risen to 28, with 25 victims named and at least 14 children among the dead after a minibus taxi collided with a haulage truck; families report multiple losses and authorities continue identification and follow-up. Health Systems & Access: WHO marks African Traditional Medicine Day (Aug 31) urging more investment in research, regulation and innovation so traditional care can safely support universal health coverage. Workplace Safety & Substance Abuse: Zimbabwe Republic Police Commissioner-General Stephen Mutamba warns that drug and substance abuse has “permeated” into the force, threatening dismissal for officers unable to perform duties. Paediatric Care & Wellness: RX Radio, run by and for children at Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital, appoints award-winning CEO Dave Van Niekerk to its board, backing a youth-led platform that supports children with chronic conditions. Energy & Health Security: ZETDC signs an escrow and security deal to ring-fence revenues for the 100MW Munyati Solar Power Plant, aiming to strengthen reliable power supply for health and other services. Community Health & Nutrition: East Africa restoration efforts are being urged to plant indigenous, food-bearing trees to tackle malnutrition while protecting biodiversity.

Road Safety & Emergency Response: Zimbabwe declared a state of disaster after a Harare–Masvingo highway crash near Chivhu killed 27 people, with survivors and families receiving coordinated support as investigations continue. Traditional Medicine & UHC: WHO marked African Traditional Medicine Day, urging stronger research, regulation and innovation so traditional care can safely support universal health coverage. Women’s Economic Empowerment (Health Link): President Mnangagwa urged women to lead enterprise development and innovation, promising government action to remove barriers like limited access to finance and workspaces. Drug Abuse & Public Safety: Zimbabwe Republic Police Commissioner-General Stephen Mutamba warned that drug addiction has reached officers, threatening dismissal for those unable to perform duties. Child Health & Access to Medicines: A Harare-based appeal seeks US$1,098 for tumour treatment for 10-year-old Kudakwashe Tabarira, diagnosed with Neurofibromatosis Type 1 and needing UK-sourced drugs. Tobacco & Health Risks: WHO analysis says tobacco-leaf production is rising in Africa even as global output falls, raising concerns for health, farmer livelihoods and the environment. Community-Led Development: African civil society leaders in Accra plan a new Africa-led aid model, arguing the current system fails communities and fuels dependence.

Drug Safety & Public Health: Parents in Musina, Limpopo fear drug addiction is spreading after the Hawks shut down a suspected crystal meth lab on a farm, arresting five suspects and seizing lab equipment worth about R600 million. Road Safety & Emergency Response: Zimbabwe declared a State of Disaster after a Harare–Masvingo highway crash near Chivhu killed 27 people and left seven in critical condition; government says it will cover medical bills and burial costs. Cancer Treatment Fundraising: A Harare family is appealing for US$1,098 to buy UK-based drugs for a 10-year-old boy with Neurofibromatosis Type 1 and a tumour affecting his neck. Health Systems & Access: Cure Children’s Hospitals of Zimbabwe highlights how it rebuilt a fire-damaged site to provide free paediatric surgical care, training future surgeons. Medicines & Regulation: Zimbabwe’s Potraz begins mandatory data protection inspections, with health data included under personal information rules. Traditional Medicine: As Africa marks African Traditional Medicine Day, WHO and partners focus on moving traditional care from research to wider health coverage. Community Health & Youth: RX Radio’s expansion plans aim to support children with chronic conditions through hospital-based radio programming. Food & Climate Risk: Zimbabwe braces for a stronger El Niño, warning of rainfall deficits that could worsen food insecurity and trigger disease outbreaks.

Road Safety Crisis: Zimbabwe’s worst recent tragedy hit Chivhu on the Harare–Masvingo highway after a head-on crash between an overloaded minibus taxi carrying African Apostolic Church members and a haulage truck killed 27 people, with survivors rushed to hospital; officials cited dangerous overtaking and poor enforcement, renewing calls for stronger road safety action. Disaster Preparedness & Food Security: Zimbabwe is bracing for a hotter, drier 2026/27 summer as El Niño is forecast to intensify, with planting-season rainfall deficits likely to worsen hunger risks after the country’s recent drought shocks. Health System Strengthening: A spotlight on national health capacity includes a report that Zimbabwe’s national labs are becoming a backbone for health security, supporting faster testing and better outbreak readiness. Child Health Hope: Cure Children’s Hospitals of Zimbabwe is highlighted for rebuilding hope after a fire-damaged site, offering free pediatric orthopedic and reconstructive care for vulnerable children. Women’s Rights & Health: A push to recognise unpaid domestic labour is gaining momentum, with renewed debate on the Unpaid Care and Domestic Work Bill—important for women’s wellbeing, time for rest, and access to health and livelihoods. Local Governance & Services: Beitbridge Municipality received new service vehicles to improve response times as the US$300m border modernisation drive expands water, sewer, fire services, quarantine facilities and housing.

Road Safety & Emergency Response: Zimbabwe declared a State of Disaster after a head-on crash on the Harare–Masvingo highway near Chivhu killed 27 people and left seven critically injured, with the kombi reportedly catching fire after the collision; government says it will cover medical bills and burial costs as rescue and recovery continue. Infectious Disease Preparedness: Zimbabwe is strengthening early warning for emerging infections by expanding laboratory testing and surveillance, including an environmental surveillance unit for polio supported by WHO. Health System Capacity: National labs are being positioned as the backbone of early detection and confirmation, helping authorities respond faster when outbreaks start. Public Health & Community Care: NAC is training and engaging traditional healers and faith practitioners to improve disease prevention and timely referral, aiming to reduce deaths from conditions like TB, malaria and cholera. Health Risks Beyond Clinics: Police in South Africa uncovered large-scale meth production linked to “Mexican cooks,” highlighting cross-border drug threats that can fuel health harms. Climate & Health Security: Zimbabwe braces for a hotter, drier 2026/27 summer, with below-normal rainfall expected—raising concerns for food, water and livestock survival. Workplace Health & Justice: A Chitungwiza woman appeared in court accused of stealing US$569,347 from a pharmaceutical company, with charges tied to alleged money laundering and fictitious transactions.

Road Safety Emergency: President Mnangagwa has declared a State of Disaster after a deadly Harare–Masvingo highway crash near Chivhu killed 27 people and left seven critically injured, with police saying a foreign-registered truck was attempting to overtake before the head-on collision and post-impact fire. Cancer Care Accountability: An MP says government procurement of six cancer-treatment machines may be massively overpriced, questioning a US$27.27m bill and calling for scrutiny of how costs were calculated. Public Health Training for Healers: NAC is shifting from blame to capacity-building, training traditional and faith healers on rapid testing and disease prevention in a bid to improve early referral for illnesses like TB, malaria and cholera. Climate-Resilient Nutrition in Hwange: UN officials highlight solar-powered community nutrition gardens in Hwange as a model for water-smart, locally maintained projects amid worsening climate pressures. Safer Mining, Better Finance: Stakeholders in Bulawayo discuss barriers to formal finance for artisanal gold miners, pushing for mercury-free processing and more flexible funding to support safer practices. Community Healthcare Support: Mutapa Gold’s charity golf day raised US$100,000 for Loretto Mission, Shamva Hospital and Bindura Hospital.

Road Safety Crisis: A minibus taxi carrying church members collided head-on with a haulage truck on the Harare–Masvingo highway near Chivhu, killing 27 and injuring seven; police say the truck was overtaking and the taxi later burst into flames, with victims taken to Chivhu Hospital mortuary. Health Funding Hope: United Bulawayo Hospitals midwife Princess Zinge, battling lupus-related kidney failure, has secured Government funding for a life-saving kidney transplant in India after a public appeal and support from Bulawayo officials. Healthcare Access in Cities: Population Services Zimbabwe opened the Eastgate CBD clinic in Harare to bring primary and reproductive health services closer to working people, stressing prevention, screening and early diagnosis. Mining & Health Support: Mutapa Gold’s inaugural US$100,000 Charity Golf Day raised funds for Loretto Mission, Shamva Hospital and Bindura Hospital, backing community healthcare around its operations. Public Health & Safety Systems: Zimbabwe is rolling out a QR-code product verification system to curb counterfeits, warning that fake food, chemicals and medicines can pose serious health risks. TB/Silicosis Compensation: Tshiamiso Trust says it has paid R2.53bn to 26,300 mineworkers and dependents under the silicosis and work-related TB settlement, with claims activity rising as it moves into its final years.