Plant species from the Euphorbiaceae (spurge) family used for medicinal purposes in Zimbabwe: a review / Especies de plantas de la familia Euphorbiaceae (tártago) utilizadas con fines medicinales en Zimbabue: una revisión

The present review was aimed at documenting medicinal uses of species of the Euphorbiaceae family in Zimbabwe. Literature was collected from online databases such as BioMed Central, W eb of Science, Springerlink, Google Scholar, Scielo, PubMed, Science Direct, ACS Publications, Scopus and JSTOR. This study showed that 29 species are used to manage human and animal diseases in Zimbabwe. These species are used against 49 medical condition s, mainly as ethnoveterinary medicine (21 use reports), and traditional medicine against respiratory (23 use reports), gastro - intestinal (14 use reports), male reproductive (11 use reports), antenatal and postpartum (10 use reports each) and sexually trans mitted infections (9 use reports). Acalypha brachiata , Bridelia cathartica , B. mollis , Croton megalobotrys , Euphorbia ingens , E. matabelensis , Flueggea virosa , Monadenium lugardiae , Pseudolachnostylis maprouneifolia , Ricinus communis and Spirostachys afric ana have the highest number of medicinal uses. There is need to unravel the therapeutic potential of the family through further ethnopharmacological research.

La p resente revisión tuvo como objetivo documentar los usos medicinales de especies de la familia Euphorbiaceae en Zimbabwe. La literatura se recopiló de bases de datos en línea como BioMed Central, Web of Science, Springerlink, Google Scholar, Scielo, PubMed, Science Direct, ACS Publications, Scopus y JSTOR. Este estudio mostró que se utilizan 29 especies para el tratamiento de enfermedades humanas y animales en Zimbabwe. Estas especies se utilizan para tratar 49 condiciones médicas, principalmente como medici na etnoveterinaria (21 informes de uso), y medicina tradicional para enfermedades respiratorias (23 informes de uso), gastrointestinales (14 informes de uso), reproductivas masculinas (11 informes de uso), prenatales y posparto (10 informes de uso cada una ) e infecciones de transmisión sexual (9 informes de uso). Acalypha brachiata , Bridelia cathartica , B. mollis , Croton megalobotrys , Euphorbia ingens , E. matabelensis , Flueggea virosa , Monadenium lugardiae , Pseudolachnostylis maprouneifolia , Ricinus communi s y Spirostachys africana son las especies con mayor número de usos medicinales. Es necesario desvelar el potencial terapéutico de esta familia a través de futuras investigaciones etnofarmacológicas.

Use of herbal, complementary and alternative medicines among pregnant women in Makoni District, Zimbabwe / Uso de medicinas a base de hierbas, complementarias y alternativas entre mujeres embarazadas en el distrito de Makoni, Zimbabwe

Use of herbal, complementary and alternative medicines during pregnancy, labour and delivery is common in Zimbabwe. This study aimed at documenting herbal, complementary and alternative medicines used during pregnancy in Makoni District in Zimbabwe. Snowballing was used to select 66 participants which included herbalists (45.5%), traditional birth attendants (18.2%), traditional healers (15.2%), and assistant traditional healers and herbal medicine vendors (10.6% each). Pregnant women in the study areaused a total of 47 plant species from 27 families, and 14 non-plant products as herbal, complementary and alternative medicines by. A total of 26 medical cases were treated with the majority of medicinal plants and non-plant products, used to dilate or widen the birth canal (55.3%) and to augment labour or speed up the delivery process (46.8%). This study showed that herbal, complementary and alternative medicinesplay an important role in the provision of basic health care in Zimbabwe.

El uso de medicinas a base de hierbas, complementarias y alternativas durante el embarazo, el trabajo de parto y el parto es común en Zimbabwe. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo documentar las medicinas a base de hierbas, complementarias y alternativas utilizadas durante el embarazo en el distrito de Makoni en Zimbabwe. Se utilizó bola de nieve para seleccionar a 66 participantes que incluían herbolarios (45,5%), parteras tradicionales (18,2%), curanderos tradicionales (15,2%) y asistentes de curanderos tradicionales y vendedores de hierbas medicinales (10,6% cada uno). Las mujeres embarazadas en el área de estudio utilizaron un total de 47 especies de plantas de 27 familias y 14 productos no vegetales como medicinas a base de hierbas, complementarias y alternativas. Un total de 26 casos médicos fueron tratados con la mayoría de plantas medicinales y productos no vegetales, utilizados para dilatar o ensanchar el canal del parto (55,3%) y para aumentar el parto o acelerar el proceso de parto (46,8%). Este estudio mostró que las medicinas a base de hierbas, complementarias y alternativas desempeñan un papel importante en la prestación de atención médica básica en Zimbabwe.

Migrações sul-sul: a recente onda de imigrantes zimbabweanos em Tete - Moçambique (2007-2016) / South-south migration: the recent wave of Zimbabwean immigration in Tete − Moçambique (2007-2016) / Migraciones sur-sur: la reciente ola de inmigrantes zimbabuense en Tete − Mozambique (2007-2016)

O objetivo deste artigo é analisar a dinâmica das migrações internacionais sul-sul a partir do estudo de caso da recente imigração de zimbabweanos para a província de Tete, Moçambique, historicamente uma região de emigração. Nesse sentido, examinamos as características sociodemográficas desses novos imigrantes, assim como as condições e motivações individuais, familiares e estruturais subjacentes ao fluxo migratório. Para tanto, combinamos dados quantitativos provenientes do Censo moçambicano de 2007 e dos registros de trabalhadores imigrantes da Direção Provincial de Trabalho, Emprego e Segurança Social, com entrevistas semiestruturadas junto aos imigrantes zimbabweanos em Tete. Os resultados indicam uma multiplicidade de fatores que contribuíram para a recente onda de imigração em Tete, com destaque, além das motivações econômicas e de subsistência familiares, para aspectos sociais e culturais relacionados à longa tradição da mobilidade intrarregional na África Austral, facilitada por fronteiras relativamente porosas e fortes laços culturais, linguísticos e de parentesco. Discutimos, também, como a instalação de megaprojetos de mineração com capital brasileiro, em Tete, contribuiu para torná-la atrativa como destino migratório, num contexto em que se assistiam violentas ondas de xenofobia contra imigrantes na África do Sul, principal destino das migrações na região.

This article analyses the dynamics of international South-South migration through the case study of the recent immigration of Zimbabweans to the province of Tete, Mozambique, historically a region of emigration. We examine immigrants' socio-demographic characteristics, as well as the individual, family and structural conditions and motivations underlying this new migration flow. The analysis combines quantitative data from the 2007 Mozambican Census and administrative records for immigrant workers from the Provincial Directorate of Labour, Employment and Social Security, with semi-structured interviews with Zimbabwean immigrants in Tete. The results indicate a multiplicity of factors that contributed to the recent wave of immigration in Tete. In addition to economic and subsistence motivations, social and cultural aspects related to the long tradition of intra-regional mobility in Southern Africa, facilitated by relatively porous borders and strong cultural, linguistic and kinship ties, seem to be important. We also discussed how the installation of mining megaprojects with Brazilian capital in Tete, contributed to its appeal as a migrant destination, in a context in which violent waves of xenophobia against immigrants were occurring in South Africa, the main destination for migrants in the region.

El objetivo de este artículo es analizar la dinámica de la migración internacional sur-sur a partir del estudio de caso de la reciente inmigración de zimbabuenses a la provincia de Tete, Mozambique, históricamente una región de emigración. En este sentido, examinamos las características sociodemográficas de estos nuevos inmigrantes, así como las condiciones y motivaciones individuales, familiares y estructurales inherentes a este flujo migratorio. Para este fin, combinamos datos cuantitativos del censo de Mozambique de 2007 y registros de trabajadores inmigrantes de la Dirección Provincial de Trabajo, Empleo y Seguridad Social, con entrevistas semiestructuradas con inmigrantes zimbabuenses en Tete. Los resultados indican una multiplicidad de factores que contribuyeron a la reciente ola de inmigración en Tete, entre los que se destacan, además de las motivaciones económicas y de subsistencia familiar, aspectos sociales y culturales relacionados con la larga tradición de movilidad intrarregional en el sur de África, facilitada por fronteras relativamente porosas y por fuertes lazos culturales, lingüísticos y de parentesco. También discutimos cómo la instalación de megaproyectos mineros con capital brasileño en Tete contribuyó con su atractivo como destino migratorio, en un contexto en el que se asistía a violentas oleadas de xenofobia contra inmigrantes en Sudáfrica, el principal destino de las migraciones en la región.

Looking under the veil: challenges faced by people with disabilities in cross-border entrepreneurship

Background: Cross-border entrepreneurship is one source of livelihood that is transforming people's lives, especially those with limited resources and educational qualifications and those in need of supplementary earnings to complement meagre formal earnings. However, despite strides made to make this avenue worthwhile, this Zimbabwean study shows that hidden hindrances still persist from procedural and structural barriers from road entry point management systems. To people with disabilities (PWDs), the impact of these hidden barriers is severe to the extent of obstructing their optimum progression into cross-border entrepreneurship. Objectives: This article sought to interrogate some veiled challenges in border management systems affecting PWDs' quest to venture into cross-border entrepreneurship. This angle has, to this end, been timidly addressed as most organisations and legislation have concentrated on making things work for the majority of the populace. Method: Qualitative phenomenological method in which researchers' lived experiences, review of literature, ideas and opinions is complemented by secondary survey data from a road entry point management system study in the Zimbabwean setting. Results: Cross-border entrepreneurship has potential to transform people's lives: 1) road and border management systems' procedural and structural complications present hidden challenges impeding PWDs' entry and optimum participation in cross border entrepreneurship, 2) people with disabilities are not automatically dependents; in fact, most have dependents looking up to the, 30 social construction of disability persists and must be curbed and 4) there is a need to institute a 'stakeholders triad approach'. Conclusion: The existing road entry points' management systems are not informed by considerations from PWDs, hence the existence of hidden challenges. Cross-border entrepreneurship can open significant livelihood avenues to PWDs. A stakeholders 'triad-approach', proposed herein, can solve some of the policy discrepancies as it recommends utilising inputs from PWDs, research and policy-makers

Evaluating the response to the scourge of Coronavirus pandemic in poor resourced countries : the case of Zimbabwe

Towards the end of 2019 the world woke up to a novel virus which has come to be known as the Coronavirus (COVID-19). COVID-19 is threatening to reorder and reconfigure the world order in all spheres of life. Global infection rate has now surpassed two million. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared COVID-19 as a public health emergency of international concern. Worldwide there are measures and guidelines formulated to contain the pandemic. This paper evaluates the response of poor resourced countries to the scourge of COVID-19 and the measures or responses initiated to fight Coronavirus in poor resourced economies like Zimbabwe. The various measures taken by the Zimbabwean government to curb the spread of the virus in the country include onsite screening lockdown holding returning residents in isolation for a period of 21 days as well as public enlightenment and awareness about COVID-19. Notably these measures are laudable and commendable; however more is needed to ensure the spread of the disease is effectively managed and contained. Compulsory testing and enforcement of such best practices as social distancing and confinement to homes or self-isolation are desirable

Accessibility of healthcare in rural Zimbabwe: the perspective of nurses and healthcare users

Background: Accessibility of healthcare in rural areas is globally impeded by physical, material, human, financial and managerial resources and societal barriers in the healthcare system. Developing countries like Zimbabwe are significantly affected. Aim: The aim of this article was to share the perspectives of nurses and healthcare users (HCUs) in the rural areas of Zimbabwe with regard to the accessibility of healthcare. Setting: The study was conducted at 45 rural health facilities in Chegutu district, Mashonaland West province and Masvingo district in Masvingo province, Zimbabwe. Methods: A self-administered questionnaire (for professional nurses) and a structured interview questionnaire (for HCUs) were utilised to gather data in a cross-sectional survey. Two districts were randomly sampled from 59 districts. All nurses working in 45 public health facilities in the selected two districts, who were willing and available to participate, were included. Ninety nurses participated in the study. The HCUs were selected through a multistage sampling technique. The sample size for HCUs was calculated by using Dobson's formula, and 445 HCUs were included via convenience sampling. Results: Nurses reported challenges such as work overload because of staffing shortages (55%) and the supply of necessary medical drugs that lacked consistency in both the quantity and type ordered(46.7%). The challenges faced by HCUs included long distances from villages to health facilities (86%), unaffordability of transport costs and lack of access to medical drugs (59.95%), causing them to seek assistance from traditional healers (43%). Conclusion: Both the nurses and HCUs perceived grave challenges regarding access to health facilities, health workers and medical drugs, all of which are bound to have an impact on the health of communities in rural Zimbabwe

Prevalence of diabetes mellitus and hypertension in people living with human immunodeficiency virus on antiretroviral therapy in Gweru district, Zimbabwe

Background: While antiretroviral therapy (ART) has markedly increased survival in people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLHIV), emerging trends of co-existence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and HIV could negate the gains already achieved in controlling HIV. Aim: The study aimed to determine the prevalence of hypertension and diabetes mellitus in PLHIV on ART in Gweru district. Setting: Six high-volume ART sites in Gweru district under Midlands province in Zimbabwe. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study. Screening and data collection occurred over a 3-month cycle when all patients were expected to have visited the ART sites for their monthly ART drug supply. The process also allowed the identification of health system challenges regarding data management for HIV-NCD comorbidity. Poisson regression analysis was used to calculate NCD prevalence ratio (PR) in PLHIV. Results: Nearly 18 000 PLHIV registered for ART were identified. Hypertension (19.5%) and diabetes mellitus (8.4%) were the most common NCDs identified with a high proportion of those who did not know their diagnosis (over 50%). The prevalence of hypertension and/or diabetes mellitus among women was 74.9% compared to 25.1% in men (PR 3.22; 95% CI: 3.07­5.51, p = 0.0000). Other factors associated with increased prevalence of hypertension and/or diabetes mellitus were age group of ≥ 60 years (PR 2.5; 95% CI: 1.42­3.22, p = 0.00023), and duration of ≥ 5 years on ART (PR 6.4; 95% CI: 4.70­8.01, p = 0.0011). Separate data collection for NCDs and HIV was a key challenge affecting quantification of magnitude of HIV-NCDs comorbidity and subsequently management of NCDs in PLHIV. Conclusions: Indications of increasing prevalence of NCDs in PLHIV call for integrated electronic data management for HIV, TB and NCDs. This will allow active NCD case finding, and eventually improve prevalence data and treatment for HIV-NCD comorbidity. Future studies should focus on the health experiences and access to treatment in PLHIV diagnosed with NCDs; and to establish the accurate manner in which HIV status, ART and NCDs might be associated, through conducting a case control or cohort study

An evaluation of the perinatal mortality surveillance system in Gwanda District, Matabeleland South Province, Zimbabwe

Background. A preliminary review of perinatal mortality surveillance data (January - August 2017) suggested an under-reporting of perinatal deaths in Gwanda District, Matabeleland South.Objective. To evaluate the effectiveness of the perinatal mortality surveillance system in Gwanda District, Matabeleland South, Zimbabwe.Methods. This descriptive cross-sectional study interviewed 50 healthcare workers employed in the district using pretested intervieweradministered questionnaires. The sample was drawn from 16 randomly selected healthcare facilities. Records for perinatal mortality cases were reviewed and data were analysed.Results. Only 32% of healthcare workers knew the case definition of perinatal death. Approximately two-thirds of participants (68%) knew who should complete notification forms and ~half (52%) of the respondents cited fear of blame as the reason for a low perinatal death report rate in the district. Although 50% of participants reporting having participated in perinatal death reviews and 78% reporting using the data for planning community health programmes, there was no recorded evidence in support. Perinatal mortality case notification forms were not in stock at 13 of the 16 sampled healthcare facilities.Conclusion. Poor knowledge of the perinatal mortality surveillance system was found among participants. The low reporting rate suggests that the system does not function effectively in the district. Healthcare workers feared blame, which suggests management intervention is required to create a trusted reporting environment

Essential health services delivery in Zimbabwe during the COVID-19 pandemic: perspectives and recommendations

Zimbabwe reported its first case of COVID-19 on 20 March 2020, and since then the number has increased to over 4000. To contain the spread of the causative SARS-CoV-2 and prepare the healthcare system, public health interventions, including lockdowns, were imposed on 30 March 2020. These resulted in disruptions in healthcare provision, and movement of people and supply chains. There have been resultant delays in seeking and accessing healthcare by the patients. Additionally, disruption of essential health services in the areas of maternal and child health, sexual and reproductive health services, care for chronic conditions and access to oncological and other specialist services has occurred. Thus, there may be avoidable excess morbidity and mortality from non-COVID-19 causes that is not justifiable by the current local COVID-19 burden. Measures to restore normalcy to essential health services provision as guided by the World Health Organisation and other bodies needs to be considered and implemented urgently, to avoid preventable loss of life and excess morbidity. Adequate infection prevention and control measures must be put in place to ensure continuity of essential services whilst protecting healthcare workers and patients from contracting COVID-19

Simultaneous occurrence of Kaposi sarcoma and tuberculosis; Kaposi sarcoma and lymphoma in the same lymph node: a report on two HIV-positive patients from Zimbabwe

Abstract Reports of simultaneous infections and neoplasms in patients with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) are occasionally seen in the literature. However, coexistent lymphoma with tuberculosis, and Kaposi sarcoma (KS) with tuberculosis occurring in the same lymph node is rare. Coexistent lesions pose diagnostic difficulties. In this article, we report two HIV-positive patients from Zimbabwe who displayed KS and tuberculosis; KS and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in the same lymph node. We found only one similar case presentation in the literature, which was reported in India.

A description of community-based participatory research of hypertension awareness, prevention and treatment in a district of Matabeleland South Province, Zimbabwe

Background: Hypertension is an important worldwide public health challenge because of its high prevalence and concomitant risks of cardiovascular and kidney diseases. The risk factors for hypertension are well known, and screening, diagnosis and treatment of hypertension have been well researched. However, this knowledge has not been translated into community practice as there remains a huge knowledge gap between the academics, health workers and the communities. There is need for community participation in developing and implementation of health interventions among marginalised communities.Aim: The aim of this project was to improve the community's knowledge about hypertension by positively influencing beliefs and behaviours, leading to improved community hypertension outcomes.Setting: The study was undertaken in Ward 14, a rural area situated south-west of Gwanda District, Matebeleland South Province in Zimbabwe.Methods: We conducted a health services research utilising qualitative methods by using a community-based participatory approach using a cooperative inquiry group.Results: There was improvement in knowledge about awareness and primary prevention of hypertension. Community hypertension care was established through competence training of village health workers (VHWs) and more persons living with hypertension were enrolled into care. Pill pickup rate and treatment compliance improved and the community's confidence in VHWs was restored. Community hypertension screening, treatment registers and health facility referrals were established.Conclusion: The community was empowered; the VHW was established as a key link between the community and the formal health delivery. This was a sustainable form of improving community hypertension health outcomes

Hypertension among human immunodeficiency virus infected patients on treatment at Parirenyatwa Hospital: A descriptive study

Background: Since the roll-out of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in sub-Saharan Africa (sSA) in the early 2000s, the life expectancy of people infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has increased. However, the gains made in reducing mortality from HIV-related complications have been mitigated by the emergence of age-related chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as hypertension. Protease inhibitors (PIs), and prolonged exposure to highly active ART (HAART) have been implicated in the development of hypertension in HIV-positive people. Aim: To investigate the prevalence of hypertension and its associated risk factors among HIV-positive patients receiving ART. Setting: The study was carried out at an urban-based clinic that provides HAART and primary care to HIV-positive people in Harare, Zimbabwe. Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted among non-pregnant adults on HAART attending the clinic between July and August 2018. Results: We studied 600 HIV-positive adult patients, of which 56% were women. The prevalence rate of hypertension was 29.9%. Of the participants in the hypertensive group, 11.2% were not previously diagnosed or on treatment. Factors associated with hypertension were advanced age, use of HAART for longer than 10 years, being overweight, a family history of hypertension and smoking. There was a 68.8% prevalence of body mass index greater than 25kg/m2 among all participants. Conclusion: High hypertension prevalence was recorded. Hypertension was not associated with gender or use of PI regimens but being overweight was highly prevalent. Greater vigilance and integration of resources is required in the overall treatment and monitoring of HIV-positive patients for co-morbidities

HIV self-testing services for female sex workers, Malawi and Zimbabwe

Objective To present findings from implementation and scale-up of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) self-testing programmes for female sex workers in Malawi and Zimbabwe, 2013­2018. Methods In Zimbabwe, we carried out formative research to assess the acceptability and accuracy of HIV self-testing. During implementation we evaluated sex workers' preferences for, and feasibility of, distribution of test kits before the programme was scaled-up. In Malawi, we conducted a rapid ethnographic assessment to explore the context and needs of female sex workers and resources available, leading to a workshop to define the distribution approach for test kits. Once distribution was implemented, we conducted a process evaluation and established a system for monitoring social harm. Findings In Zimbabwe, female sex workers were able to accurately self-test. The preference study helped to refine systems for national scale-up through existing services for female sex workers. The qualitative data helped to identify additional distribution strategies and mediate potential social harm to women. In Malawi, peer distribution of test kits was the preferred strategy. We identified some incidents of social harm among peer distributors and female sex workers, as well as supply-side barriers to implementation which hindered uptake of testing. Conclusion Involving female sex workers in planning and ongoing implementation of HIV self-testing is essential, along with strategies to mitigate potential harm. Optimal strategies for distribution and post-test support are context-specific and need to consider existing support for female sex workers and levels of trust and cohesion within their communities

Fighting against HIV and AIDS within a resource constrained rural setting: a case study of the Ruvheneko Programme in Chirumhanzu, Zimbabwe

Since reports of the first incidence of the HIV virus in Zimbabwe in 1985, the epidemic has negatively impacted on every facet of human security. Rural areas, by virtue of being the periphery and constrained in terms of resources and health care provision, bear the brunt of the epidemic. In light of the above background, this paper examined how the establishment of Ruvheneko Programme by the people of Chirumhanzu helped in mitigating on the impact of HIV and AIDS in the rural sphere. The paper analyses how the community of Chirumhanzu successfully engaged each other to the extent of coming up with such a vibrant programme. This is raised against the backdrop of failure usually associated with HIV and AIDS engagement projects. The study made use of field interviews and focus group discussions as data collection instruments. Participants were purposively selected on the basis of their knowledge and participation in the establishment and activities of Ruvheneko Programme. Selected were 5 St Theresa's Hospital Staff, 10 Roman Catholic Church members of which, 5 were from the St Anna's woman prayer group and 5 men from St Joseph's men prayer group, 1 village head and 2 elders from the same nearby village constituted key informants. Complementing the use of interviews and focus group discussions was the analysis of secondary data sources on HIV and AIDS in Zimbabwe as well as the Ruvheneko Programme. To understand the collective role of various sectors of the community in establishing Ruvheneko Programme, the paper derives insights from the perspective of social capital theory and its notion of commonality to strengthen communities. Findings from the study show that, unlike other HIV and AIDS programmes that are exported from the urban to the rural areas, Ruvheneko Programme demonstrates a grassroots-level response to HIV and AIDS. Again, social cohesion fostered by aspects such as religiosity, cultural ethos of Ubuntu, and a consultative approach played a key role in unifying people towards fighting HIV and AIDS in Rural Chirumhanzu

Zimbabwean secondary school Guidance and Counseling teachers teaching sexuality education in the HIV and AIDS education curriculum

In spite of the importance of sexuality education and HIV and AIDS education in preventing HIV infections, Zimbabwean secondary school Guidance and Counseling teachers are not engaging optimally with the current Guidance and Counseling, HIV and AIDS & Life Skills education curriculum, and hence, they are not serving the needs of the learners in the context of the HIV and AIDS pandemic. The aim of the study, therefore, was to explore how Guidance and Counseling teachers could be enabled to teach the necessary critical content in sexuality education in the HIV and AIDS education curriculum. A qualitative research design, informed by a critical paradigm, using participatory visual methodology and methods such as drawing and focus group discussion, was used with eight purposively selected Guidance and Counseling teachers from Gweru district, Zimbabwe. The study was theoretically framed by Cultural Historical Activity Theory. Guidance and Counseling teachers found themselves in a community with diverse cultural practices and beliefs of which some seemed to contradict what was supposed to be taught in the curriculum. The participatory visual methodology, however, enabled a process in which the Guidance and Counseling teachers could reflect on themselves, the context in which they taught, their sexuality education work and learn how to navigate the contradictions and tensions, and to use such contradictions as sources of learning and sources for change. The results have several implications for policy in terms of the Guidance and Counseling curriculum and engaging with cultural issues; and for practice in terms of teacher professional development, teacher training, and for stakeholder contribution

An audit of licensed Zimbabwean radiology equipment resources as a measure of healthcare access and equity

Introduction: approximately two-thirds of the world's population has no access to diagnostic imaging. Basic radiological services should be integral to universal health coverage. The World Health Organization postulates that one basic X-ray and ultrasound unit for every 50000 people will meet 90% of global imaging needs. However, there are limited country-level data on radiological resources, and little appreciation of how such data reflect access and equity within a healthcare system. The aim of this study was a detailed analysis of licensed Zimbabwean radiological equipment resources.Methods: the equipment database of the Radiation Protection Authority of Zimbabwe was interrogated. Resources were quantified as units/million people and compared by imaging modality, geographical region and healthcare sector. Zimbabwean resources were compared with published South African and Tanzanian data.Results: public-sector access to X-ray units (11/106 people) is approximately half the WHO recommendation (20/106 people), and there exists a 5-fold disparity between the least- and best-resourced regions. Private-sector exceeds public-sector access by 16-fold. More than half Zimbabwe's radiology equipment (215/380 units, 57%) is in two cities, serving one-fifth of the population. Almost two-thirds of all units (243/380, 64%) are in the private sector, routinely accessible by approximately 10% of the population. Southern African country-level public-sector imaging resources broadly reflect national per capita healthcare expenditure.Conclusion: there exists an overall shortfall in basic radiological equipment resources in Zimbabwe, and inequitable distribution of existing resources. The national radiology equipment register can reflect access and equity in a healthcare system, while providing medium-term radiological planning data

Experiences of women enrolled in a prevention of mother to child transmission of human immunodeficiency virus infection programme in Zimbabwe

Background: Prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) programmes have been reported to reduce the rate of transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection by 30% ­ 40% during pregnancy and childbirth. The PMTCT transmission is achieved by offering HIV prophylaxis or initiating antiretrovirals to pregnant women who test HIV positive. Being aware of the experiences of these women will assist in planning and implementing the relevant care and support. The study was conducted in three phases.Aim: This article will address phase 1 which is to explore and describe the experiences of pregnant women living with HIV.Setting: The study setting was a PMTCT site in a Provincial Hospital, in Zimbabwe.Methods: The study design was qualitative, exploratory, descriptive and contextual. In-depth face-to-face interviews were conducted from a purposive sample of 20 pregnant women. Thematic data analysis was performed.Results: Six themes emerged: realities of disclosure, a need for quality of life, perceived stigmatisation, inadequate knowledge on infant feeding, continuity of care, empowerment and support.Conclusions: The study concluded that pregnant women living with HIV require empowerment and support to live positively with HIV

Experiences of women enrolled in a prevention of mother to child transmission of human immunodeficiency virus infection programme in Zimbabwe

Background: Prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) programmes have been reported to reduce the rate of transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection by 30% ­ 40% during pregnancy and childbirth. The PMTCT transmission is achieved by offering HIV prophylaxis or initiating antiretrovirals to pregnant women who test HIV positive. Being aware of the experiences of these women will assist in planning and implementing the relevant care and support. The study was conducted in three phases. Aim: This article will address phase 1 which is to explore and describe the experiences of pregnant women living with HIV. Setting: The study setting was a PMTCT site in a Provincial Hospital, in Zimbabwe. Methods: The study design was qualitative, exploratory, descriptive and contextual. In-depth face-to-face interviews were conducted from a purposive sample of 20 pregnant women. Thematic data analysis was performed. Results: Six themes emerged: realities of disclosure, a need for quality of life, perceived stigmatisation, inadequate knowledge on infant feeding, continuity of care, empowerment and support. Conclusions: The study concluded that pregnant women living with HIV require empowerment and support to live positively with HIV

An evaluation of the effectiveness of the Behaviour Based Safety Initiative card system at a cement manufacturing company in Zimbabwe

BACKGROUND: A behavior-based safety initiative card-issuing system was introduced at a cement-manufacturing company in Zimbabwe in 2008 to try and curb accident occurrence. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the Behaviour Based Safety Initiative card system as a tool used for reducing accident frequencies. METHODS: A mixed-method approach that involving administering piloted questionnaires to 40 out of 244 randomly selected employees, making observations, and reviewing secondary data were done to collect data from different sources in the organization in 2013. A paired t-test was conducted to test whether there was significant difference in accident occurrence before and after the implementation of the BBSI. Scatterplots were also used to establish the correlation between the issuance of cards and the accident and injury occurrence. RESULTS: The findings suggest that the introduction of the card system brought a significant decrease in accident and injury occurrence. A negative correlation between card issuance and accident occurrence was observed, i.e., the greater the number of cards issued, the fewer the number of accidents. It was also noted that the card system positively influenced the mindset of workers towards safe work practices. CONCLUSION: The card system had an influence on the reduction of accidents and injuries. The organization should leverage on issuing more cards to further reduce the number of accidents and injuries to zero.

Strategic establishment of an International Pharmacology Specialty Laboratory in a resource-limited setting

Background: A growing number of drug development studies that include pharmacokinetic evaluations are conducted in regions lacking a specialised pharmacology laboratory. This necessitated the development of an International Pharmacology Specialty Laboratory (IPSL) in Zimbabwe.Objectives: The aim of this article is to describe the development of an IPSL in Zimbabwe.Methods: The IPSL was developed collaboratively by the University of Zimbabwe and the University at Buffalo Center for Integrated Global Biomedical Sciences. Key stages included infrastructure development, establishment of quality management systems and collaborative mentorship in clinical pharmacology study design and chromatographic assay development and validation.Results: Two high performance liquid chromatography instruments were donated by an instrument manufacturer and a contract research organisation. Laboratory space was acquired through association with the Zimbabwe national drug regulatory authority. Operational policies, standard operating procedures and a document control system were established. Scientists and technicians were trained in aspects relevant to IPSL operations. A high performance liquid chromatography method for nevirapine was developed with the guidance of the Clinical Pharmacology Quality Assurance programme and approved by the assay method review programme. The University of Zimbabwe IPSL is engaged with the United States National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Division of AIDS research networks and is poised to begin drug assays and pharmacokinetic analyses.Conclusions: An IPSL has been successfully established in a resource-limited setting through the efforts of an external partnership providing technical guidance and motivated internal faculty and staff. Strategic partnerships were beneficial in navigating challenges leading to laboratory development and training new investigators. The IPSL is now engaged in clinical pharmacology research