National

Omicron: Zimbabwe’s senior doctors issue warning

Published

4 years ago

December 4, 2021

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

Zimbabwe’s senior doctors have called for vigilance as the country braces for the fourth wave of the Covid-19 outbreak driven by the newly discovered Omicron variant.

The Omicron variant was first detected in South Africa and Botswana causing panic throughout the world.

Western countries last week banned travel from southern Africa, including Zimbabwe, citing the emergence of the variant.

On Friday, Health and Child Care deputy minister John Mangwiro said Zimbabwe had reported 50 cases of the Omicron variant.

The Zimbabwe College of Public Health Physicians (ZCPHP) said citizens must strictly adhere to World Health Organisation (WHO) to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

In a press statement, ZCPHP, an association of specialist public health doctors, said the surge in cases in the past few days was a cause for concern.

ZCPHP said the trends pointed an imminent fourth wave of the Covid-19 outbreak “with a high probability of the presence of the new Covid-19 variant, Omicron.”

“All citizens to double up physical distancing, masking, and hand hygiene,” ZCPHP said, adding that such measures will require a concerted effort by every individual, household and community.

“Get vaccinated urgently against Covid-19, vaccines save lives.”

ZCPHP also urged Zimbabweans to avoid or reduce non-essential travel and visits, to minimize interactions with people from other households.

“Avoid or minimize time spent in crowded ‘situations’ and areas, including family, funeral, religious and recreational gatherings, especially if these functions do not take place outdoors,” it said.

“If you must be in crowded places, always maintain at least one-meter physical distance and wear your mask covering your mouth and nose all the time.

“When you or your household member develop symptoms of Covid-19, isolate yourself, get tested as early as possible and seek medical care from a qualified healthcare provider as soon as possible.”

It encouraged healthcare practitioners to increase the level of clinical suspicion/presumption of Covid-19, and look out for patients who are potentially sick with Covid-19.

“Offer immediate Covid-19 testing, isolation, treatment and care services,” the ZCPH said.

“Facilitate closer monitoring of patients having Covid-19 who are likely to suffer severe disease, especially the elderly, those with underlying medical conditions and those who are not yet vaccinated.”

“Ensure that your own health is protected by following Covid-19 infection prevention and control measures all the time, get tested when not well or when exposed to a person with Covid-19 and seek care from other health professionals when not well.”

National

Government to reward top-performing schools nationwide

Published

4 days ago

January 27, 2026

VicFallsLive

BY NOSIZO MPOFU

The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has launched a new national initiative to promote and reward academic excellence across Zimbabwe’s education system, Minister Torerayi Moyo has announced.

In a post on X, Minister Moyo said the programme will recognise and award the top 10 best-performing schools in each province, based on their 2025 pass rates at Grade Seven, Ordinary Level and Advanced Level.

“The recognition is a celebration of high-performing schools that have consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to academic achievement and the holistic development of learners,” said Moyo. He added that the initiative aligns with the Government’s commitment to providing equitable, inclusive and quality education, in line with Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4).

In addition to provincial awards, the ministry will also identify and reward the top five best-performing schools nationally in the 2025 Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) and Cambridge examinations. These schools will be honoured on 20 March 2026.

According to the minister, the recognised institutions will serve as “beacons of excellence and inspiration,” setting benchmarks for quality education and academic performance across the country.

Minister Moyo also called on individuals, corporates, well-wishers and development partners to support the initiative through sponsorships, awards, grants and other forms of assistance.

“This support will go a long way in motivating our hardworking teachers and headmasters,” he said.

Those interested in supporting the programme have been advised to contact the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education Head Office through official communication channels.

National

79 dead as floods hit communities

Published

1 week ago

January 22, 2026

VicFallsLive

BY STAFF REPORTER

As the Zimbabwe enters the peak of its rainy season from January to March, communities across the country are being urged to remain on high alert following the deaths of 79 people due to flooding and rain-related disasters since October last year.

Speaking to the Herald newspaper, Department of Civil Protection Chief Director Nathan Nkomo said the department is closely monitoring the situation as more severe weather is expected in the coming weeks.

“We anticipate significant rainfall during this period. It’s crucial for everyone to stay informed and take necessary precautions,” Nkomo said.

According to the Department of Civil Protection, many of the deaths and injuries recorded since the start of the 2025/2026 rainfall season resulted from people attempting to cross flooded rivers and mining-related accidents, particularly involving artisanal miners operating near waterways.

“The statistics reveal a worrying trend of fatalities and injuries during this rainfall season,” Nkomo said.

Infrastructure worth more than US$1 million has also been damaged, disrupting livelihoods and access to essential services in several communities.

In response, Government has released funding towards disaster management and emergency response through a coordinated, multi-sectoral approach, involving security services and other stakeholders as outlined in the Civil Protection Act. Nkomo said the initial tranche of funds has already strengthened rescue operations.

“The money that was availed is not enough, but it is the first tranche. We are expecting another tranche from Treasury later this month to bolster our disaster response capabilities,” he said.

Authorities are urging communities to take an active role in disaster preparedness by monitoring weather forecasts, avoiding flooded areas, and implementing local emergency plans. Schools and community organisations have also been encouraged to conduct safety drills and ensure emergency procedures are well communicated.

With heavy rains expected to continue, officials warn that community vigilance and preparedness will be key in preventing further loss of life.

SOURCE: HERALD

National

Government warns farmers to step up tick control as January Disease threat looms

Published

2 weeks ago

January 15, 2026

VicFallsLive

BY STAFF REPORTER

The Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development has urged livestock farmers across Zimbabwe to heighten disease surveillance and tick control measures as the 2026 rainy season continues, warning of an increased risk of January Disease (Theileriosis).

In a farmer advisory posted on the Ministry’s official Facebook page, authorities said the tick-borne disease spreads rapidly under warm and wet conditions and can decimate entire cattle herds if not effectively controlled.

The Ministry emphasised that weekly cattle dipping is mandatory during the rainy season, in line with Government policy to curb the spread of the brown ear tick, the primary carrier of January Disease. Farmers were urged to pay dipping levies, ensure correct acaricide dilution as per manufacturers’ instructions, and utilise spray races where possible for improved effectiveness.

In high-risk areas or during active outbreaks, farmers may be directed to follow a 5:5:4 dipping regime, involving more frequent dipping intervals. The Ministry also recommended the use of tick grease on sensitive areas such as inside the ears, the udder and under the tail.

As part of broader prevention efforts, the Ministry said the locally produced BOLVAC vaccine is now available in increased quantities, with farmers encouraged to contact their local veterinary offices to access the vaccine.

Farmers were further advised to conduct daily inspections of their cattle and remain alert to early warning signs of January Disease, which include swollen lymph nodes, loss of appetite, breathing difficulties, frothing, watery or cloudy eyes, fever and general weakness.

The Ministry reminded farmers that all suspected cases or sudden cattle deaths must be reported to the Directorate of Veterinary Services within 24 hours, stressing that the movement of sick or tick-infested animals is prohibited as it contributes to the spread of the disease.

Failure to comply with dipping regulations constitutes an offence under the Animal Health Act, with penalties that may include fines or arrest, the Ministry warned.

Farmers requiring assistance or wishing to report suspected cases were advised to contact their local Veterinary Extension Officer or the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development.

“Prevention saves wealth,” the Ministry said, urging farmers to take proactive measures to protect their herds.