When The Sun Speaks, The World Listens Room 100, Desson Building, 8th Street and Robert Mugabe way, Gweru, Zimbabwe Telephone: 263 712 718 043 Email: [email protected] Read Full Story on Page 2 The Sun 20-25 May 2024 Page 5 PVO Bill meeting ends in chaos Welcome King of Dancehall Livingston Churu To host U19 Men’s World Cup 2026 Men’s World Cup 2027 Perfect Chivima A praise and worship team from the Apostolic Faith Mission (AFM) church in Gweru, Mkoba made headlines over the weekend for all the wrong reasons as members of the choir got into a physical altercation over which band would lead the songs at the big Sunday ceremony. Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with punches being thrown and instruments being knocked over. The church members who had come to worship in peace were left shocked and dismayed by the behavior of the praise and worship team. "I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw members of the choir fighting amongst themselves. It was supposed to be a time of worship and praise, but instead, AFM choir exchanges fists in church service To Page 5
The Sun 20-25 May 2024 2. LOCAL NEWS The paper that digs deeper CITY OF GWERU REGIONAL TOWN AND COUNTRY PLANNING ACT (CHAPTER 29:12) NOTICE OFAN APPLICATION FOR CHANGE OF USE IN TERMS OE SECTION 26(3) OF THE ACT Notice is hereby given of an application to carry out the following development on the Remaining Extent of Subdivision A of Stand 470 Gwelo Township, Gweru situated along 9th Street. It is proposed to establish a Liquor Wholesale and Retail Outlet on the above mentioned property. The Remaining Extent of Subdivision A of Stand 470 Gwelo Township is in the Residential Zone 1E, in terms of the Operative Gwelo Municipal Town Planning Scheme wherein the establishment of a Liquor Wholesale and Retail Outlet may be permitted through the Special Consideration of the Local Authority. The application plans and any special conditions which the Local Planning Authority is likely to impose, in the event that this application being favourably considered may be inspected in the City Planning and Development Control Section during normal office hours. Any person wishing to make objections or representations relating to the application must lodge them with the undersigned within one month of the date of the first insertion of this notice. The Acting Town Clerk City of Gweru P.O. Box 278 Gweru By Richard Shumba All hell broke loose at the Gweru theatre as the PVO bill consultation hearings could not commence as suspected Zanu Pf youths invaded the event while instilling fear in anyone who spoke against the bill. Parliamentarians and members of the public who were attending the consultative meeting had to scurry for safety after the youths started chanting political slogans and behaving in an unruly manner The event witnessed suspected Zanupf youths pulling out machetes and button sticks as a way to intimidate those who were not supporting the bill. One of the participants who spoke on condition of anonymity said that she had been attacked and slapped in the face because she had spoken against the bill. “As we were leaving the theater and approaching the Total Fuel station some random person came from behind me and hit me with what seemed to be a button stick and ran away, I am now even afraid to go home alone as I am no longer certain what this person may do to me, they could probably follow me and I don’t know what to do,” she said. The Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Public Service is currently gathering views on the Bill viewed to be oppressive as its provisions will effectively eliminate CSOs involved in promoting and defending human rights in the country. The majority of non-governmental organizations operating in Zimbabwe have been campaigning against the amendment bill, arguing that it is a move by the government to throttle independent civil society organizations. Though a mixed bag of views, most attendants raised a NO vote to the bill and the few consented to the bill. Speaking at the event NANGO Titus Mangoma said that the intentions of the bill were malicious and sought to silence the NGO fraternity “To tell the truth they are laws that deal with terrorism in this country and I think that the PVO is not necessary a resident said the PVO bill was further entrenching authoritarian and dictatorship rule in Zimbabwe “We reiterate that amendments to the PVO Act are part of the efforts to close the democratic space in Zimbabwe and citizens must unite in rejecting these amendments which will curtail fundamental freedoms and entrench authoritarian rule,” said Brisky Ncube. Meanwhile, others supported the PVO bill saying that operations of NGOs should be scrutinized as they used to give food aid in bags with notes encouraging people to vote for a certain political party. “We have noticed in previous elections that NGOs donate food to us people from the rural areas but what you would realize is that this aid is not free it's a calculated measure to attain regime change and topple the government,” said Victor Maride. He also further elucidated that NGOs should be properly monitored so that their source of inVictor Maride come is established.
The paper that digs deeper LOCAL NEWS 3 The Sun 20-25 May 2024 FOR THE PRIDE OF GWERU..... PRIVATE VOLUNTARY ORGANIZATIONS ACT Regulations, 1997 PRIVATE VOLUNTARY ORGANIZATIONS ACT (CHAPTER 17:05) Notice of Application for Registration of a Private Organization Cancer Control Society. Notice is hereby given in terms of subsection (2) of section 9 of the Private Voluntary Organization Act (Chapter 17:05), that an application for registration has been made in respect of: 1. Name and Address of Private Voluntary Organization: Cancer Control Society, No 36 Keynshamburg Farm, Gweru Rural Midlands Province. 2. Aims : Alleviating the impact of cancer through creating a bridge between the vulnerable cancer patients and the specialist doctors.“Objects: i) To provide psychosocial support to the vulnerable cancer patients and their families ii) To collaborate with government agencies and other stakeholders to advocate for policies that promote equitable access to cancer services. iii) To raise cancer awareness through educating the public on how to manage and control. 3. Area or areas in which the private voluntary organization proposes to render its service. The CCS is going to refer cancer patients to specialist doctors and specialist hospitals in the communities of Gweru Rural District Council Midlands Province Zimbabwe. Any objections to this proposed registration to render of Private Voluntary Organization, P.O. Box 429 Causeway, not later than twenty-one days from the date of publication of this notice. MS FUNGAI MUDARA Secretary 1st Advert In a disturbing case that has shaken the nation, a young mother from Gokwe has been arrested for the unthinkable crime of selling her own 2-day-old son while she was living in South Africa. The 23-year-old woman, whose identity has not been released, pleaded guilty to charges of contravening Zimbabwe’s Trafficking in Persons Act during her trial in Harare. Authorities say the harrowing ordeal began on June 26th, 2023, just two days after the woman gave birth, when she allegedly sold the infant to an accomplice in Johannesburg. According to the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ), the mother had initially claimed that her baby had died shortly after birth. However, the shocking truth emerged months later in October 2023, when the accomplice smuggled the infant back into Zimbabwe. “It is the State’s case that the accused person sold her son to her accomplice on the 26th of June 2023, two days after giving birth, in Johannesburg, South Africa,” the NPAZ stated. “Some time in October 2023 the accomplice smuggled the infant into Zimbabwe. The accomplice was arrested on the 27th of November 2023 following a tip off and the infant was subsequently placed under the care of the Department of Social Welfare.” The heartbreaking case took an even more tragic turn when the mother, upon learning of her accomplice’s arrest, allegedly attempted to claim the baby back. She was then arrested herself when she returned to Zimbabwe. “She pleaded guilty to the charges and will appear in court on the 14th of May 2024 for sentencing,” the NPAZ confirmed. The shocking revelations have left the nation reeling, with many expressing outrage and disbelief at the mother’s actions. Online Blessing Nduku Police are investigating two separate fire incidents that resulted in the death of a 7-month-old baby which occurred on 11 May 2024 around 1700 hours in Mvuma and a 21-year-old man from Mberengwa at around 0300 hours on 12 May 2024. Midlands Provincial Spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko confirmed the two incidents. Saying that circumstances are that Deliwe Mapfumo (32) of Village 2 Chiwodza went to fetch water from a nearby well leaving her two boys sleeping in a hut and found the hut on fire. Deliwe Mapfumo a female (32) went to fetch water from a nearby well, leaving behind her two boy children Delight Chiunde(7 months) and Talent Fero (3), sleeping in a hut. “On her return, she found Erica Machisa (56), her female neighbor, and her son trying to extinguish the fire that had engulfed her hut.”Mahoko said that the fire was so extensive that they only managed to rescue the 3-year-old boy whilst the infant died in the blaze. The fire was so extensive that they only managed to rescue the 3-year-old toddler who had sustained severe burns. The infant died in the inferno. In a different case, circumstances are that Isaac Matsheza (71) of Village Maribha, Chief Mahlebadza Mberengwa was asleep in his bedroom with his son Tapiwa 2 dies in fire accident Matsheza (21) who had been drinking beer at Gaha Business Center. Mahoko said that unknown people set Isaac Matsheza’s thatched bedroom on fire and he woke up and tried to alert his son but to no avail escaped the bedroom. Later during the night, unknown people set their thatched bedroom hut on fire. Isaac Matsheza awoke and tried to alert his son but he failed to wake up and escaped from the burning bedroom hut with serious burns all over his body. Tapiwa MATSHEZA was trapped inside and was burnt beyond recognition. Isaac Matsheza is currently receiving treatment at Gwanda Provincial Hospital where he was admitted while Tapiwa’s body was taken to Musume Mission Hospital. The two cases were reported to the police. Insp Mahoko
The paper that digs deeper LOCAL NEWS 4 The Sun 20-25 May 2024 In search for an elusive HIV Vaccine Michael Gwarisa Over the past few years, several interventions have been developed as the world intensifies the fight against HIV and AIDS. These include combined strategies such as behavioural, biomedical, and surgical methods to prevent HIV like Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision (VMMC). For other epidemics such as smallpox, polio, measles and COVID-19, vaccines saved the day as they proved to be efficient tools against the further spread of infections. However, for HIV, it has been a different story altogether. On May 18 every year, the world unites to commemorate World AIDS Vaccine Day in honour of Clinton’s speech that underlined the urgent need for an effective vaccine. World Aids Vaccine Day was observed for the first time in 1998. Although finding an effective HIV vaccine would significantly improve prevention strategies to control the AIDS pandemic, history has shown that getting an effective HIV vaccine has been an elusive target. The search for an HIV vaccine has been going on for more than four decades, with the first HIV vaccine trials having been conducted in 1987. In Zimbabwe, the first HIV vaccine trials were conducted in 2016. Zimbabwe, through the University of Zimbabwe Clinical Trials Research Centre (UZCTRC) banner, has participated in at least five past HIV vaccine trials since 2016. These include the HVTN 703/HPTN 081/AMP Study where 430 participants were enrolled between 2016- 2021, and the Imbokodo HIV vaccine studies amongst other trials. The HVTN 705/HPX2008 or Imbokodo study, which began in 2017 to test whether the Imbokodo vaccine regimen could prevent women in SubSaharan Africa from getting HIV was discontinued in 2021 following indications that the vaccine did not provide sufficient protection against infection. Even though this development frustrated hopes of getting an effective HIV vaccine in our lifetime, findings from both clinical and pre-clinical studies have provided a new roadmap to inform future vaccine design. Dr Muchaeneta Bhondai-Mhuri, Investigator of Record at University of Zimbabwe Clinical Trials Research Centre told a Media and Science Café on HIV Vaccine Research that there was promising evidence that could lead to the development of an HIV vaccine in the future. We will not give up hope for looking for an HIV vaccine,” said Dr Bhondai-Mhuri. “With every HIV vaccine study that is being done, we are learning something new. Even if the vaccine does not show us that it is efficacious, we learn something new. For example the HVTN 705 study, did show us that even though it was not efficacious, it showed us that someone can actually mount an immune response. So that is new information that will lead to the development of an HIV vaccine.” Lessons from the Imbokodo or HVTN 705 study The primary purpose of HVTN705 study was to assess the preventive vaccine efficacy (VE), safety and tolerability of a candidate HIV vaccine (HIV) infection in HIV-seronegative women residing in sub-Saharan Africa. \The vaccine showed no safety concerns even though it did not provide sufficient protection against HIV infection, according to a primary analysis of the study data. Under the study, participants mounted an immune response leading to Vaccine-Induced Seropositivity(VISP). “The purpose of this study was to assess the preventive vaccine efficacy, the safety and the tolerability of a candidate HIV vaccine for infection in HIV seronegative women who were residing in sub-Saharan Africa. So we wanted to see, one, was this vaccine safe? Two, we wanted to see if it can be tolerated. We wanted to see if it was effective in the prevention of HIV,” said Dr Bhondai-Mhuri. By this, the vaccine trials showed that there are different sub-types of HIV. There are some sub-types which were shown to respond to this antibody, but not all of them. “Therefore, overall, it did not reduce the overall risk of acquiring HIV, but it gave us hope because it taught us that people can receive monoclonal antibodies intravenously without feeling too uncomfortable. So it showed that it was possible and it is safe for people to receive monoclonal antibodies.” The results also proved that the concept is acceptable in African communities, as shown by the number of people who participated in this study. Over 430 participants participated and could continue in the study until the end of 2021. “It paved the way for the development of more potent broadly neutralizing antibodies (BNABs), so the information it gave us and everything we learned from this study paved the way for the development of better monoclonal antibodies. It also showed us that there was a need to use combination monoclonal antibodies to be able to achieve effectiveness in the prevention of HIV.” Why an HIV Vaccine Is Important? She added that an HIV vaccine would address some of the challenges associated with HIV such as drug adherence, and access to medications among other issues. Vaccines typically provide long-lasting protection and can be given broadly to a wide range of people, leading to community immunity. In the event that an effective is developed, vaccines could eliminate adherence and stigma problems associated with HIV treatment and could be cost-effective when compared with a lifetime of treatment. “We know that more than 20 percent of people in the world who have HIV experience problems with accessing HIV treatment. We also know that all HIV prevention modalities have their challenges including adherence and access. We know that a vaccine can be present in someone’s immune system for a very long time so it entails long-term prevention.” HIV vaccine research benefits the HIV prevention and treatment field broadly as it has made fundamental contributions to scientists’ understanding of the biology of HIV infection, including the human immune response to infection. “Vaccine-focused research into HIV-blocking antibodies has resulted in those antibodies being investigated as stand-alone prevention products. Beyond HIV/ AIDS, the investment in HIV vaccine research capacity has strengthened health systems. Dr Muchaenta Bhondai-Mhuri
The paper that digs deeper LOCAL NEWS 5. The Sun 20-25 May 2024 Welcome King of Dancehall We have AZAMTV DECODER @ $25 including free subscription for first month https://wa.me/message/UYVD66S3NBKAF1 CALL/APP: 0718421718 CALL/APP: 0718421718 From Page 1 By Perfect Chivhima Gweru's dancehall scene has a new king, and his name is Defeatah King, real name Denzel Kombora. The up-and-coming artist claimed the title after a heated Gweru Cup Clash hosted by Voice Activated Zimbabwe, with the showdown overseen by the Narrator. Defeatah King's journey to the throne was not without its challenges. In the semi-finals, he was set to face off against fellow artist Choppy. However, Choppy mysteriously disappeared from the scene. Meanwhile, the Narrator faced off against Center Mars in the other semi-final match, ultimately besting his opponent and securing his spot in the final against Defeatah King. In a gripping showdown, Defeatah King and the Narrator went head-to-head in a battle of talent and skill. As the two artists took to the stage, the tension in the air was palpable. Defeatah King and the Narrator wasted no time in going head-to-head, delivering some of the fiercest performances of the night. The crowd was on their feet, cheering on their respective favorites as they battled it out for the coveted title. In the end, it was Defeatah King who emerged victorious, with the judges crowning him the winner of the Gweru Cup Clash. The crowd erupted into cheers as Defeatah King was presented with a recording contract, a cash prize, and a T-Shirt by Voice Activated Zimbabwe putting an end to the beef once and for all. After the show, both Defeatah King and the Narrator took to social media to bury the hatchet and congratulate each other on a well-fought battle. Fans of both artists were quick to show their support, praising them for their talent and sportsmanship. The Gweru Cup Clash may have started with a feud between Defeatah King and the Narrator, but it ended with a display of mutual respect and admiration between the two artists. Fans and critics alike were impressed by Defeatah King's performance, praising his unique style and undeniable talent. With this new title under his belt, Defeatah King is sure to make waves in the scene and solidify his place as a rising star in the industry. it turned into a scene straight out of a street brawl," said one church member who wished to remain anonymous. The misunderstanding reportedly arose when two bands who usually schedule their performance on rotation, showed up to perform at the Sunday ceremony both vying for the opportunity to lead the songs. Choir A which performed the previous Sunday was supposed to offer Choir B the stage nevertheless being rated the best in their last performance they wanted to showcase their talents again. Tempers flared as each band insisted that they were the rightful choice to take the stage. In response to the incident, the church leadership expressed their disappointment and issued a statement condemning the behavior of the praise and worship team. "We are saddened by the actions of those involved in the fight. As a church, we condemn violence in any form and expect our members to conduct themselves in a manner befitting of their faith," said Pastor John Marufu. The church has since launched an investigation into the matter and has vowed to take disciplinary action against those responsible for the brawl. In the meantime, the congregation is left reeling from the unexpected turn of events and is grappling with the fallout of the incident. "I never thought I would witness something like this in a place of worship. It's truly disheartening to see such behavior from members of the church," said another churchgoer. The praise and worship team has yet to state the incident. AFM choir exchanges fists
The Sun 20-25 May 2024 The paper that digs deeper LOCAL NEWS 6. Zimbabwe, like many other African nations, heavily relies on agriculture as a major source of livelihood and economic activity. The country’s agricultural sector is primarily rain-fed, meaning it depends on regular and adequate rainfall for successful crop production. However, Zimbabwe has experienced a series of prolonged droughts and erratic rainfall patterns over the past few decades, adversely affecting its agricultural productivity and water resources. Several factors contribute to the disappearing rains and drought conditions in Zimbabwe. One of the significant factors is climate change. Rising global temperatures and changing weather patterns have disrupted traditional rainfall patterns worldwide. Zimbabwe has witnessed a decline in overall rainfall and an increase in the frequency and intensity of droughts. Deforestation and land degradation are also contributing factors. Zimbabwe has experienced extensive deforestation, particularly due to unsustainable agricultural practices, commercial logging, and the use of firewood for fuel. Deforestation reduces the capacity of the land to retain moisture and alters local weather patterns, leading to reduced rainfall. Additionally, the El NiñoSouthern Oscillation (ENSO) phenomenon plays a role in Zimbabwe’s rainfall patterns. El Niño events, characterized by the warming of the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean, have been associated with decreased rainfall in southern Africa, including Zimbabwe. Conversely, La Niña events, which involve cooler-than-average sea surface temperatures in the same region, can bring increased rainfall. These natural climate variations can exacerbate or mitigate the effects of climate change on rainfall patterns. The consequences of the disappearing rains in Zimbabwe are far-reaching. Reduced agricultural productivity leads to food shortages, malnutrition, and economic instability. Water scarcity affects both rural and urban areas, impacting human health, sanitation, and access to clean drinking water. Droughts also contribute to the displacement of rural populations as people migrate in search of better living conditions. Economically speaking, climate change has affected business in Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe generates its electrical power using hydroelectric energy. When the country experiences poor rainfall, it faces power outages. The country no longer exports power to other countries in the region, affecting the country’s GDP. But even so, farmers haven’t given up already. They are still hoping for a sustainable future if governments could work together to develop and invest in technology and clean energy, implement the international climate agreements already in place, increase food security, and improve disaster management systems. To address these challenges, Zimbabwe has implemented various measures and strategies.
The Sun 22 August 2023 The Sun 18 August 2023 SPEACIL EDITION The paper that digs deeper LOCAL NEWS 7 The Sun 20-25 May 2024 CITY OF GWERU REGIONAL TOWN AND COUNTRY PLANNING ACT (CHAPTER 29:12) NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR CHANGE OF USE IN TERMS OF SECTION 40 (3) OF THE ACT NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN in terms of Section 40 (3) of the Regional Town and Country Planning Act (Chapter 29:12) that an application to carry out the following has been lodged with the undersigned. It is proposed that subdivide Stand 100 Lingfield Township of Gwelo into seventeen (17) Low Density Residential Stands measuring +/- 2000m each and one (1) agro-residential plot. The application and plan may be inspected in the City Planning and Development Control Section of Engineering Services Department, Gweru City Council Offices during normal working office hours. Any person wishing to make objections or representations to the application must lodge them with the undersigned within one month of the date of the first insertion of this notice. The Acting Town Clerk City of Gweru P.O BOX 278 Gweru Blessing Nduku The National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe (NMMZ) hosted the International Museum day commemorations at The Zimbabwe Military Museum in Gweru where 10 schools battled in National Heritage Quiz under the theme Museums for Education and Research. The event was graced by esteemed guests including Honourable Minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Kazembe Kazembe, Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Owen Ncube nee Mudha alongside Chief Bunina and other dignitaries. The atmosphere was electric with performances by Midlands’s schools’ drum majorettes, police band, Mbizo High School Band, local traditional groups and the dynamic Zi Dancehall chanter Mukudzei from Kwekwe. Speaking during the event Honorable Minister Kazembe Kazembe said that this year’s theme underscores the pivotal role of cultural institutions in providing a holistic educational experience. “This year’s theme Museums for Education and Research underscores the significance of museums as dynamic educational institutions fostering entertainment, learning, discovery and cultural understanding.” Kazembe went on to congratulate the teams that have made it to the finals as it engages young generations in guaranteeing a secure a future for Zimbabwe’s Heritage and officially open the quiz competitions. “This competition engages the young generations and goes a long way in guaranteeing a secure future for Zimbabwe’s Heritage, may I take this opportunity to congratulate all the teams that have made it to this level.” “As we celebrate International Museums Day 2024, I want to invite all Zimbabweans to rethink education, imagine a future where knowledge sharing transcends barriers and where innovation unites with tradition.” “I want you to join me, my ministry and National Museums as we explore the wealth of knowledge museums have to offer, I now declare this National Finals of 2024 Heritage Education Quiz Competition officially open.” Minister Kazembe granted two lucky pupils the opportunity to explain the significance of monuments commissioned by His Excellency Cde Dr E D Mnangagwa. The event had dynamic participation from schools like 3 Brigade, Solusi SDA, Victoria Junior and the competition was fierce from the start which was led by the quiz master Mr Murenga. The teams engaged in five rounds of challenging Questions covering the past, object identification, science, nature and general knowledge. After a nail-biting finale, David Livingstone Primary School of Harare Province emerged as the undisputed champions with 3 Brigade Primary from Manicaland securing a commendable second place and Cecil John Rhodes of Midlands Province clinched the third spot midst ties that were broken by the insightful questions by Minister Kazembe. Coming to an end of the occasion, NMMZ extended a heartfelt gesture to Minister Kazembe with a gift of a portrait capturing the majestic front entrance of the Naletale National Monument. International Museum Day is an international day held annually on the 18th of May coordinated by the International Council of Museums since 1977. Participation in International Museum Day is growing among museums all over the world. In 2023 over 37000 museums participated across about 158 countries.
The Sun 13-20 May 2024 LOCAL NEWS The paper that digs deeper 8. PRIVATE VOLUNTARY ORGANIZATIONS ACT Regulations, 1997 PRIVATE VOLUNTARY ORGANIZATIONS ACT (CHAPTER 17:05) Notice of Application for registration of a Private Voluntary Organisation Notice is hereby given in terms of subsection (2) of section 9 of Private Voluntary Organization Act (Chapter 17:05), that application for registration has been made in respect of: 1. Name and Address of Private Voluntary Organization: MIDLANDS WOMEN EMPOWERMENT NETWORK (MWEN), NO: 426 WOODLANDS PARK, PHASE 1 GWERU 2. Aims and objects of private voluntary organization proposes to render i) To motivate women to develop entrepreneurial skills, thus making them self-dependent ii) To provide education assistance to women according to the prospects of their profession and encouraging them to grow further in life. iii) To create social awareness about the problems of women and in particular regarding gender discrimination and gender violence.. 3. Area or areas in which the private voluntary organization proposes to render its service VUNGU RURAL DISTRICT COUNCIL Any objections to this proposed registration to render of Private Voluntary Organisation, P.O. Box 429 Causeway, not later than twenty one days from the date of publication notice. NORAH ERZA 2rd Advert Secretary She has come back from the deadAfter the untimely death of her daughter in March, 75– year–old Mbuya (Grandma) Konde had no choice but to become the primary caregiver to her late daughter’s children: a 9-year-old boy and two girls, ages 4 and 1. It had been a long time since she had paid attention to childhood growth milestones, but even so, Konde could see that her youngest granddaughter, Felistas, was not developing and thriving as she should. At 1 year old, Felistas still could not walk. She had no energy to play and spent most of her time crying. Even more worrying, Felistas had a cough that did not go away. Konde discussed her concerns with her husband, and they decided to talk to their local village health worker, who assessed the child and immediately referred them to the nearest clinic for further management. At the clinic, the healthcare workers noted that Felistas presented with a persistent cough and night sweats. They also ascertained that she had been in close contact with her late mother, who had been treated for tuberculosis (TB) before she passed away. Felistas tested positive for both HIV and TB. She was initiated on TB treatment on the same day as the diagnosis. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) was initiated two weeks later, following national HIV treatment guidelines. The TB treatment for Felistas consisted of two phases, the first being a two–month HRZE treatment with two daily tablets: isoniazid (H), rifampicin (R), and pyrazinamide (Z) combined in one tablet and taken with a separate ethambutol (E) tablet). While this treatment has been combined with just one tablet for adults, there is no treatment regimen developed yet for children that fixes this dose combination. After completing this two–month intensive course, Felistas treatment was switched to the continuation phase, which comprises daily isoniazid and rifampicin tablets for four months. Felistas completed her TB treatment in September 2020 and will continue on ART for HIV treatment for life. When we caught up with Konde and Felistas, we were greeted by a bubbly little girl who was chasing the chickens in the family courtyard. “She has come back from the dead,” said her grandmother, who was delighted to welcome a familiar healthcare worker. “It is really hard to give her some of the medications, especially this one for TB. It is a job and a half!” says Konde. The grandmother says that Felistas’ other medicines, such as the childfriendly formulations for ART, are sweet and there is no fuss, but when it comes time to give her the TB medication, there are always tears and heartbreak as Konde has to force her little granddaughter to take them. “It’s tricky to prepare: we have to break up the tablet and mix it with a little bit of water and then hold her down to get her to swallow,” says Konde. TB treatment for children is not available in childfriendly formations. There are no fixed–dose combinations optimized for children. This requires that caregivers manage multiple tablets when adults only need one. In addition, the treatment comes in adult-sized tablets, which infants cannot take without extra effort by the caregiver. “It was very tough emotionally in the early days,” says Mbuya, “but seeing her gain strength, begin to walk, and thrive gives me the willpower to continue to administer treatment every day.” Unitaid is a global health agency engaged in finding innovative solutions to prevent, diagnose and treat diseases more quickly, cheaply, and effectively, in low- and middle-income countries. Our work includes funding initiatives to address major diseases such as HIV/AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis, as well as HIV co-infections and comorbidities such as cervical cancer and hepatitis C, and cross-cutting areas, such as fever management.Unitaid is now applying its expertise to address challenges in advancing new therapies and diagnostics for the COVID-19 pandemic, serving as a key member of the Access to COVID Tools Accelerator. Unitaid is hosted by the World Health Organization. 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Congratulations Professor Smelly Dube River Valley Group of Companies, CEO Professor Smelly Dube has made hostory as the frist Zimbabwean to be appointed Deputy Vice Chancellor of EL Roi London University at a colorful event held in the United Kingdom recently. Prof Dube who was in London to attend the Leaders Without Borders International Economic Development & Investment Summit, said the appointment to the EL Roi London University Governing Board was a surprise and unexpected as no one had tipped her off on the pending appointment. “It is with great enthusiasm and honour that the Governing Council of the El Roi London University in collaboration with KOHRAC decided on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, to unanimously appoint Prof Smelly Dube as the Deputy Pro Vice Chancellor of El Rio London University,” reads the Certificate of Appointment. Ambassador Prof Dube, also received an Honorary Professor of Mining and Industrial Development from the Londonbased EL Roi London University in recognition of her mining ventures in Zimbabwe, with her company Tebekwe employing over 200 people in Shurugwi. The prestigious recognition was accorded during the sidelines of another colorful event in which Prof Dube and her husband, Engineer Mncedisi Dube, were conferred with honorary professional Doctorate degrees by a Paris-based university, City University of Paris. She was conferred with an Honorary Professional Doctorate in Business Administration while Eng Mncedisi Dube was conferred with an Honorary Doctorate Specializing in Engineering. “In conferring her with the Professorship, El Roi London University Pro-Vice Chancellor Prof Oluwafemi Esan said the prestigious institution was impressed by Dr Dube’s outstanding achievements in mining and industrial development in the country.
The sun port The Sun 20 May 2024 www.thesunnews.co.zw Kwekwe United moved into second position and two points behind the Central Region Soccer League log leaders Dulibadzimu United after a 1-0 win over Bishopstone at the weekend. Last Nyirenda scored the winner for the Prince Matore coached Kwekwe United who capitalised on the draw between log leaders Dulibadzimu United and Tongogara to leapfrog Tongogara who occupied the second position going into the weekend's matches and mover closer towards the top spot. Dulibadzimu United dropped points for the second consecutive match in the 1-1 draw against Tongogara having drawn 0-0 away to Blanket Mine in their previous match. Evidence Chiraswa scored for Dulibadzimu United while Irvine Njelele got the goal for Tongogara who still have a game in hand. Sheasham failed to take advantage of the drop in points by Dulibadzimu United after they came unstuck against Beitbridge FC to share spoils in a goalless draw. West Nicholson moved into fifth position with a 2-0 win at Phelandaba stadium against FC Platinum U19. Khaliphani Ndlovu came off the bench to score a memorable brace for West Nicholson while Tafadzwa 'Engineer' Takawira scored two goals as ZRP Gwanda beat Black Eagles 2-0 in a Police Derby at Simbi stadium in Mberengwa. One of the pre season favourites Chapungu continue to lose ground after going down 1-0 to Blanket Mine at Ascot stadium. Corey Black scored for Blanket Mine from the penalty spot after striker Hebron Khanyi was brought down inside the box by Chapungu goalkeeper Bezel Mukunyadze. Blanket Mine coach Max Ruza was elated getting a win on the road. "It's a plus for us coming out victors against a team like Chapungu which has a number of good players. I also feel that we could have won by a wider margin. It's good that we are back to winning ways after two straight draws. It gives us confidence going foward," Ruza said. Elton Njini scored a brace for Wangu Mazodze City in the 2-0 win away to Gokwe North at Nembudziya while Shabanie Mine edged Dinson Mvuma 1-0 at Mvuma Primary School with Victor Mabhandi getting the goal in the second half.