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Zimbabwe: Battling the virus when religion and public health collide

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BY GAMUCHIRAI MASIYIWA/ EVIDENCE CHENJERAI / LINDA MUJURU

Growing up, Emmanuel never received any of the vaccinations that Zimbabwe requires children to get, such as the polio vaccine and the Bacillus Calmette-Guérin inoculation, which protects against tuberculosis. 

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His parents were members of an Apostolic sect that rejects conventional medicine and puts its faith in God for healing. 

Whenever Emmanuel got sick, the members of his church would pray for him, and he avoided going to doctors and hospitals for treatment.

“God spoke to our chief prophet a long time ago and told us not to seek medical attention, because we can get protection from all illnesses through prayers, and this is what we believe in,” Emmanuel says.

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Now, as an adult, he is continuing that tradition with his own family. 

The Zimbabwean government has launched its campaign to vaccinate the public against the coronavirus. 

But Emmanuel and thousands of other members of Apostolic communities across the country are choosing not to get vaccinated — a decision that threatens to undermine the government’s efforts to protect the public and end the pandemic.

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“We were prayed for, but were told [by the head of our church] to make a personal decision on whether to get vaccinated or not,” says Emmanuel, a member of the Johane Masowe Chishanu Apostolic Church, who requested that his last name not be published because he feared retribution for opposing the government’s vaccination policy.

Neither he nor his three wives or seven children, who range in age from 9 to 18 years old, will get the vaccine against Covid-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus. 

“I made a choice for me and my family that we will not get vaccinated for personal reasons,” Emmanuel says.

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The government’s vaccination campaign began in February. 

Initially, front-line workers, elderly citizens, people with chronic health conditions, and other high-risk groups received priority, but vaccinations are now open to the entire population. 

More than 750,000 people have received a first vaccine dose, according to the Ministry of Health and Child Care. 

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Since the start of the pandemic, there have been more than 46,000 confirmed Covid-19 cases in the country and more than 1,700 deaths.

Infections have started to creep up in recent weeks, and the government has issued lockdowns in some hot spot areas. 

Officials still have a long way to go to achieve the country’s goal of vaccinating 10 million people, or 60% of the population, in order to reach herd immunity.

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Vaccine hesitancy among the Apostolic community in particular represents a significant challenge. 

One-third of Zimbabwe’s population belongs to Apostolic religious groups, tied to Christianity, and leaders of Apostolic churches hold significant sway in society.

A survey conducted last year by the Zimbabwe College of Public Health Physicians found that while 50% of Zimbabweans would accept the vaccine, 30% were unsure about it, and 20% would reject it.

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“Religion has always been highly influential when it comes to public health decisions,” said Grant Murewanhema, an epidemiologist and public health physician.

 “With regards to Covid-19 vaccination in Zimbabwe, some outspoken religious leaders with very huge followings have spoken against Covid-19 vaccines, associating them with the devil’s intention to destroy mankind.”

Beyond concerns about vaccines and broader religious objections to conventional medicine, researchers have also noted that corruption and lack of trust in the government may contribute to vaccine hesitancy among Zimbabweans.

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Agnes Mahomva, chief coordinator of the national response to the Covid-19 pandemic in the Office of the President and Cabinet, says the government is holding workshops and outreach sessions with religious leaders in an effort to overcome opposition to the coronavirus vaccine.

“We are engaging every religious sector to make sure that as they preach to their followers, they are also promoting vaccination,” said Mahomva. 

“The good news is we have had a number of religious leaders coming to get vaccinated.”

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Chipo Dzingai, the chief adviser of an Apostolic sect in Harare, said the members of her congregation don’t oppose vaccines, including the coronavirus vaccine, and that members of the public should follow the government’s health advice.

“We understand that there are things that require spiritual guidance and others that do not need that guidance,” she said. “We just have to follow the experts in the field. All coronavirus measures that are being implemented are not meant to harm us, but to protect us.”

Andby Makururu, founder of Johane the Fifth of Africa Apostolic Church, agrees that vaccines will help curb the spread of the coronavirus. He’s planning to be vaccinated himself and says he’s advising members of his congregation to do so as well, though some are still hesitant.

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“As a church leader, I encourage the people of Zimbabwe to take the vaccine,” he said.

Mahomva says the government respects individual religious views but that church leaders and members of the public damage the country’s overall efforts to protect public health when they speak out against vaccines. She says she hopes more religious leaders will help spread the message that vaccines are safe and effective.

“Individuals have their beliefs,” Mahomva said. “But we work on communicating the right information, the right science, and to get them to come on board, so that their followers can get the vaccination which they all need.” – Global Press Journal 

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Hwange

Hwange mourns the loss of Africa’s giant: Big Charlie Nyoni

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BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI 

The community of Hwange is in mourning after the passing of Charles Nyoni, affectionately known as Big Charlie, a giant of a man who stood at an astonishing 2.10 meters tall and weighed 288kg.

Big Charlie’s demise yesterday has sent shockwaves throughout the nation, with many remembering him as a gentle giant and a local icon. His larger-than-life personality and towering physique earned him the title of Hwange’s own Goliath and possibly the biggest man in Africa.

According to a close relative, Big Charlie was admitted to St. Patrick’s Hospital last Friday, where he succumbed to his long-standing health issues. He had been battling gigantism, acromegaly, high blood pressure, and diabetes in recent years.

The Office of the MP for Hwange Central constituency has issued a statement confirming Big Charlie’s passing and appealing for urgent financial assistance to cover his medical expenses. The community is rallying around the Nyoni family, with many calling for support to help with the burial costs.

“Big Charlie was more than just a local celebrity; he was a symbol of hope and resilience for our community,” said Daniel Molokele, Hon. MP for Hwange Central constituency. “We urge everyone to come together and support the Nyoni family during this difficult time.”

As the community comes to terms with the loss of this giant of a man, memories of his infectious smile, kindness, and generosity continue to flood social media. Big Charlie’s legacy will undoubtedly live on, inspiring future generations with his remarkable story.

The family has appealed for donations to help with the burial expenses. Those wishing to contribute can contact Florence Sibanda on 078 732 8056.

 

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Hwange

Jambezi officer of the law turns alleged rapist

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BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

A 39-year-old police officer stationed at Jambezi has been arraigned before the Victoria Falls Magistrates’ Court on charges of raping a 13-year-old girl. The alleged incident occurred on January 18, at around 12:30 am, when the accused officer reportedly pounced on the minor, who was with her cousin at the time.

According to the allegations, the police officer questioned the two girls about their presence at that late hour, and they explained that they were waiting for their sister. The accused then dragged the 13-year-old behind a nearby shop, where he fondled her breasts, kissed her, and ultimately raped her.

In an attempt to silence his victim, the police officer bought her two soft drinks, two packets of biscuits, and a bottle of opaque beer. The accused has been remanded to February 7, pending further proceedings.

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Hwange

Victoria Falls man appears in court for rape of 13-year-old girl

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BY STAFF REPORTER 

A Victoria Falls man was arraigned before the Victoria Falls Magistrates Court on charges of raping a 13-year-old girl.

According to the National Prosecuting Authority, the  alleged incident occurred on October 10, last year, at around 7 pm, at a house in Chinotimba Township.

The accused allegedly entered the complainant’s bedroom while she was alone, forcefully undressed her, and raped her.

After the assault, he threatened to kill her if she revealed the incident to anyone.

The matter only came to light on January 12, when the complainant confided in her aunt about her ordeal.

The case has been remanded to tomorrow.

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