Exploring perceptions of sexuality among youth with physical disabilities in Gweru, Zimbabwe.

Background: Disability and sexuality are topical issues although they are not given much-deserved attention in most societies, and Zimbabwe is not an exception. The socio-cultural stigma associated with disability adversely impacts sexuality and seeps into the social existence of youth with disability. Youths with disability are assumed to be hypersexual or asexual. Objectives: This article explores the sexuality views and experiences of youth with disability in the context of the negative stigma associated with disability and sexuality in Gweru, Zimbabwe. Method: Semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions were conducted among 20 Gweru youth (18-35 years old) with physical disabilities and five key informants. Perceptions of youth with disability and socio-cultural assumptions regarding their sexuality were analysed. Results: The study established that most youths with disability faced social closure in terms of sexuality, with sparse offerings of sexuality education in their families. One sexual education theme that emerged from this study is sexual abstinence. Some suggestions of more open forms of communication on sexuality and disability also emerged although as a minority view. Conclusion: It was concluded from the study that, most youth feel that they are denied information on sexuality in their families and communities, as they are wrongfully assumed to have no need for it. However, youths with disability do not passively accept the negative perceptions about their sexuality, and they demonstrate their agency in resisting such negative perceptions. Contribution: The study contributes to knowledge on sexuality and disability among youths with disability in contexts where strong traditional beliefs, myths, and misconceptions exist.

'We thought supporting was strengthening': re-examining the role of external assistance for health systems strengthening in Zimbabwe post-COVID-19.

Zimbabwe has received substantial external assistance for health since the early 2000s, including funding earmarked for, or framed as, health systems strengthening (HSS). This study sought to examine whether external assistance has strengthened the health system (i.e. enabled comprehensive changes to health system performance drivers) or has just supported the health system (by increasing inputs and improving service coverage in the short term). Between August and October 2022, we conducted in-depth key informant interviews with 18 individuals and reviewed documents to understand: (1) whether external funding has supported or strengthened Zimbabwe's health system since the 2000s; (2) whether the experience of COVID-19 fosters a re-examination of what had been considered as HSS during the pre-pandemic era; and (3) areas to be reconsidered for HSS post COVID-19. Our findings suggest that external funders have supported Zimbabwe to control major epidemics and avert health system collapse. However, the COVID-19 pandemic showed that supporting the health system is not the same as strengthening it, as it became apparent at that time that the health sector is plagued with several system-wide bottlenecks. External funding is fragile and highly unsustainable, which reinforces the oft-ignored reality that HSS is a sovereign mandate of country-level authorities, and one that falls outside the core interests of external funders. The key positive lesson from the pandemic is that Zimbabwe is capable of raising domestic resources to fund HSS. However, there is no guarantee that such funding will be maintained. There is a need, then, to reconsider government's stewardship for HSS. External funders need to re-examine whether their funding really strengthens the national health system or just supports the country to provide basic services in their areas of interest.

The World Health Organisation Global Code of Practice and migration of health workers from Zimbabwe.

The migration of health workers remains one of the most pressing challenges facing many countries in the global South. This short communication seeks to reignite debate on the effectiveness of the World Health Organisation (WHO) Code as a tool for managing the migration of health workers from the South. While the WHO Code was somewhat effective in reducing the migration of health workers from countries such as Zimbabwe during the first five years of its implementation, demand for health workers in the UK after Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the rate of migration of health workers from countries facing critical shortages. Clearly, new solutions are needed that strike a balance between the right of health workers in the South to migrate and the right of citizens in the region to a stable supply of health workers.

Genetic trends in the Zimbabwe's national maize breeding program over two decades.

Monitoring genetic gains within breeding programs is a critical component for continuous improvement. While several national breeding programs in Africa have assessed genetic gain using era studies, this study is the first to use two decades of historical data to estimate genetic trends within a national breeding program. The objective of this study was to assess genetic trends within the final two stages of Zimbabwe's Department of Research & Specialist Services maize breeding pipeline between 2002 and 2021. Data from 107 intermediate and 162 advanced variety trials, comprising of 716 and 398 entries, respectively, was analyzed. Trials were conducted under optimal, managed drought stress, low nitrogen stress, low pH, random stress, and disease pressure (maize streak virus (MSV), grey leaf spot (GLS), and turcicum leaf blight under artificial inoculation. There were positive and significant genetic gains for grain yield across management conditions (28-35 kg ha-1 yr-1), under high-yield potential environments (17-61 kg ha-1 yr-1), and under low-yield potential environments (0-16 kg ha-1 yr-1). No significant changes were observed in plant and ear height over the study period. Stalk and root lodging, as well as susceptibility to MSV and GLS, significantly decreased over the study period. New breeding technologies need to be incorporated into the program to further increase the rate of genetic gain in the maize breeding programs and to effectively meet future needs.

Understanding perspectives of HIV/AIDS affected households on food and nutrition interventions and social protection programmes in Zimbabwe.

Introduction: The study was aimed at understanding the needs and perspectives of HIV affected households on food and nutrition security intervention programmes. Methods: The study used qualitative methods that include focus groups discussions and key informant interviews to solicit for lived experiences of People Living With HIV (PLWHIV). Results: The results revealed that intervention programmes by both government and development partners (donors) can be divided into four (4) categories: food and nutrition security, livelihood, health, and social protection. Interventions that targeted health included the provision of HIV antiretroviral drugs to PLWHIV and counselling to both PLWHIV and affected persons. Intervention programmes targeted at social protection included provision of food aid and cash transfers. Discussion: The recommendations based on the research findings are that intervention programmes should focus more on resilience building as a way of building capacity of PLWHIV. This way, sustainability of intervention programmes is improved. As such, it is important to ensure, through policy, that all intervention programmes have a component of capacity building to improve resilience of participants and programme sustainability. Furthermore, there is a need to improve targeting for beneficiaries of intervention programmes and clearly define the "vulnerable" group.

"We chose PrEP because I wanted to be sure that this child my wife was going to conceive was indeed mine." Factors influencing the choice of safer conception methods and experiences with its use: a qualitative study among HIV sero-discordant couples in Zimbabwe.

BACKGROUND: Safer conception services are needed to minimize HIV transmission among HIV sero-discordant couples desiring pregnancy. Few studies have evaluated the choices couples make when they are offered multiple safer conception methods or real-world method acceptability. This paper addresses an important knowledge gap regarding factors that influence the choice of safer conception methods, couples' actual experiences using safer conception methods, and why some couples switch safer conception methods. METHODS: Between February and June 2019, we conducted semi-structured in-depth interviews among 14 men and 17 women, representing 17 couples who exited the SAFER study-a pilot safer conception study for HIV sero-discordant couples in Zimbabwe that offered couples a choice of ART with monthly viral load monitoring (ART/VL), oral PrEP, vaginal insemination, and semen washing. All couples in SAFER had used at least two safer conception methods. RESULTS: We found that safer conception method choice often centered around a desire for intimacy, condomless sex, and certainty in the conception process, particularly for men. Method-related attributes such as familiarity, perceived ease of use, side effects, and perceived level of effectiveness in preventing HIV and achieving pregnancy influenced method choice, switching, and satisfaction. Concerns were expressed about each safer conception method and couples were willing to try different methods until they found method(s) that worked for them. The majority of participants reported having positive experiences using safer conception, especially those using ART/VL + PrEP, citing that they were able to attempt pregnancy for the first time with peace of mind and experienced joy and satisfaction from being able to achieve pregnancy safely. CONCLUSIONS: The differences in method preferences and experiences voiced by participants in this study and in other studies from the region point to the importance of having a variety of safer conception options in the service delivery package and addressing concerns about paternity, intimacy, and method-related attributes to enable HIV sero-discordant couples to safely achieve their reproductive goals.

Acceptability of a community health worker- led health literacy intervention on lifestyle modification among hypertensive and diabetes patients in the City of Harare, Zimbabwe.

Deploying community health workers (CHWs) is a vital strategy to improve health at a community level in low- and middle-income countries. Whilst there is substantial evidence on the effectiveness of CHWs interventions, there is a need for more research on the mechanisms through which these interventions work. Understanding the acceptability of these interventions is one way of assessing the mechanisms through which they work. This article examines the acceptability of a community health worker- led health literacy intervention on lifestyle modification among hypertensive and diabetes patients based on the perspectives of the CHWs, community nurses and diabetes and hypertensive patients. A qualitative study was imbedded within a cluster randomized trial to assess the effectiveness community health worker- led health literacy intervention on lifestyle modification among hypertensive and diabetes patients in the City of Harare, Zimbabwe. Data were gathered through semi-structured interviews with 3 community health nurses and 15 diabetes and hypertension patients as well as 2 focus group discussions with CHWs. Data were analyzed manually using the thematic analysis method. There was consensus that the intervention had many benefits amongst CHWs and community nurses. However, among patients, there were mixed perceptions regarding the benefits of the intervention. The main challenges that were mentioned by CHWs include resistance to advice by patients, insufficient resources, and lack of acceptance at some of the patient's homes. All participants believed the intervention was acceptable. Our study provides vital information that should be considered in upscaling CHW led interventions.

Prevalence and predictors for cisplatin-induced toxicities in Zimbabwean women with cervical cancer.

Aim: To describe treatment-induced toxicities (TITs) and associated factors in Zimbabwean cancer patients receiving cisplatin. Methods: In total, 252 Zimbabwean women with cervical cancer, receiving cisplatin were followed up over 12 months for TITs and disease status. Results: Peripheral neuropathy (70%) and ototoxicity (53%) were most prevalent. Advanced disease (OR = 1.3; 95% CI = 1.1-1.5; p = 0.02), pain comedications (OR = 1.3; 95% CI = 1.1-1.5; p = 0.03), alcohol (OR = 2.8; 95% CI = 1.1-7.5; p = 0.04) and comorbidities (OR = 1.2; 95% CI = 1.1-1.4; p = 0.04) increased peripheral neuropathy and ototoxicity risk. Older age increased risk of disease progression (OR = 1.9; 95% CI = 1.4-3.0; p = 0.033). Conclusion: High peripheral neuropathy and ototoxicity prevalence were observed, which are not routinely monitored in Zimbabwe. There is a need for capacity building to incorporate comprehensive TIT testing and optimize cancer care in Zimbabwe.

Cancer treatment has side effects, also known as treatment-induced toxicities (TITs), that can lead to death if not management properly. African populations are more likely to develop TITs, however, not many studies research on TITs in Africans and why they are more prone to TITs. This study followed up 252 Zimbabwean women with cervical cancer, over 12 months for TITs and found that loss of sensation and ear complications most commonly occurred after treatment. Advanced disease, prescribed pain medication, alcohol consumption history and underlying diseases such as diabetes increased likelihood of TITs, while older age increased risk of unresponsive cancer. This study highlights a need to incorporate comprehensive monitoring for TITs for at-risk individuals toward improving cancer care.

"First was to sit down and bring our minds together". A qualitative study on safer conception decision-making among HIV sero-different couples in Zimbabwe.

Decision-making on childbearing and safer conception use in HIV sero-different couples involves an intricate balance of individual desires and perceived HIV acquisition risk. This paper addresses an important knowledge gap regarding HIV sero-different couples' considerations and the relationship and power dynamics involved when deciding to use a safer conception method. Between February and June 2019, we conducted semi-structured in-depth interviews among 14 men and 17 women, representing 17 couples, who exited the SAFER study - a pilot study assessing the feasibility, acceptability and cost-effectiveness of a safer conception programme for HIV sero-different couples in Zimbabwe. All couples in SAFER were provided with a choice of safer conception methods and were followed for up to 12 months of pregnancy attempts and 3 months following pregnancy. While couples generally perceived their safer conception discussions to be easy and consensus-driven, the decision-making process also involved complex gender dynamics and trade-offs in relationship power, which resulted in differing interpretations of what constituted a joint or shared couple decision. Participants regarded effective couple communication as an essential component of and precursor to good safer conception conversations and requested additional training in couple communication. Couples relied on information from healthcare providers to kickstart their safer conception discussions. Safer conception programmes should address relationship power imbalances, promote effective couple communication and offer healthcare provider support to enable HIV sero-different couples to make informed choices about conception in a manner that upholds their safety and reproductive autonomy.

Our study explored how HIV sero-different couples in Zimbabwe made decisions on the use of safer conception methods. We interviewed 14 men and 17 women who participated in the SAFER study ­ a pilot study looking at how feasible, acceptable and cost-effective a safer conception programme for HIV sero-different couples is in Zimbabwe. We sought to understand the relationship dynamics, considerations and power trade-offs involved in choosing a safer conception method. Couples reported that their conversations about safer conception were easy and agreeable. At the same time, we found that both gender norms and HIV status shaped the couples' decision-making process, with male gender and partners with an HIV-negative status often having more influence in the final decision of which method to use. Effective couple communication was deemed crucial to support safer conception conversations, with participants requesting additional training in this area. The findings emphasise the importance of providing safer conception methods in a context that addresses power disparities, fosters good communication and includes healthcare providers' support to uphold HIV sero-different couples' reproductive rights and help them achieve their reproductive goals.

Schistosomiasis transmission in Zimbabwe: Modelling based on machine learning.

Zimbabwe, located in Southern Africa, faces a significant public health challenge due to schistosomiasis. We investigated this issue with emphasis on risk prediction of schistosomiasis for the entire population. To this end, we reviewed available data on schistosomiasis in Zimbabwe from a literature search covering the 1980-2022 period considering the potential impact of 26 environmental and socioeconomic variables obtained from public sources. We studied the population requiring praziquantel with regard to whether or not mass drug administration (MDA) had been regularly applied. Three machine-learning algorithms were tested for their ability to predict the prevalence of schistosomiasis in Zimbabwe based on the mean absolute error (MAE), the root mean squared error (RMSE) and the coefficient of determination (R2). The findings revealed different roles of the 26 factors with respect to transmission and there were particular variations between Schistosoma haematobium and S. mansoni infections. We found that the top-five correlation factors, such as the past (rather than current) time, unsettled MDA implementation, constrained economy, high rainfall during the warmest season, and high annual precipitation were closely associated with higher S. haematobium prevalence, while lower elevation, high rainfall during the warmest season, steeper slope, past (rather than current) time, and higher minimum temperature in the coldest month were rather related to higher S. mansoni prevalence. The random forest (RF) algorithm was considered as the formal best model construction method, with MAE = 0.108; RMSE = 0.143; and R2 = 0.517 for S. haematobium, and with the corresponding figures for S. mansoni being 0.053; 0.082; and 0.458. Based on this optimal model, the current total schistosomiasis prevalence in Zimbabwe under MDA implementation was 19.8%, with that of S. haematobium at 13.8% and that of S. mansoni at 7.1%, requiring annual MDA based on a population of 3,003,928. Without MDA, the current total schistosomiasis prevalence would be 23.2%, that of S. haematobium 17.1% and that of S. mansoni prevalence at 7.4%, requiring annual MDA based on a population of 3,521,466. The study reveals that MDA alone is insufficient for schistosomiasis elimination, especially that due to S. mansoni. This study predicts a moderate prevalence of schistosomiasis in Zimbabwe, with its elimination requiring comprehensive control measures beyond the currently used strategies, including health education, snail control, population surveillance and environmental management.

Typhoid conjugate vaccine perceptions and coverage among children and adults: Findings from a post-campaign coverage survey - Harare, Zimbabwe, 2019.

BACKGROUND: In 2019, following a large outbreak of typhoid fever, the Zimbabwe Ministry of Health and Child Care conducted a typhoid conjugate vaccine (TCV) vaccination campaign in nine high-risk suburbs of Harare. We aimed to evaluate TCV vaccination coverage, vaccine perceptions, and adverse events reported after vaccination. METHODS: We conducted a two-stage cluster survey to estimate vaccination coverage in the campaign target areas among children aged 6 months-15 years and to classify coverage as either adequate (≥75 % coverage) or inadequate (<75 % coverage) among adults aged 16-45 years in one suburb. Questionnaires assessed socio-demographic factors, TCV vaccination history, reasons for receiving or not receiving TCV, adverse events following immunization, and knowledge and attitudes regarding typhoid and TCV. RESULTS: A total of 1,917 children from 951 households and 298 adults from 135 households enrolled in the survey. Weighted TCV coverage among all children aged 6 months-15 years was 85.3 % (95 % CI: 82.1 %-88.0 %); coverage was 74.8 % (95 % CI: 69.4 %-79.5 %) among children aged 6 months-4 years and 89.3 % (95 % CI: 86.2 %-91.7 %) among children aged 5-15 years. Among adults, TCV coverage was classified as inadequate with a 95 % confidence interval of 55.0 %-73.1 %. Among vaccinated persons, the most reported reason for receiving TCV (96 % across all age groups) was protection from typhoid fever; the most common reasons for non-vaccination were not being in Harare during the vaccination campaign and not being aware of the campaign. Adverse events were infrequently reported in all age groups (10 %) and no serious events were reported. CONCLUSIONS: The 2019 TCV campaign achieved high coverage among school-aged children (5-15 years). Strategies to increase vaccination coverage should be explored for younger children as part of Zimbabwe's integration of TCV into the routine immunization program, and for adults during future post-outbreak campaigns.

Environmental and Human Health Problems Associated with Hospital Wastewater Management in Zimbabwe.

PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW: Wastewater is a term used to describe water that has undergone degradation in quality owing to anthropogenic activities or natural processes. Wastewater encompasses liquid waste originating from academic institutions, households, agricultural sector, industries, mines and hospitals. Hospital wastewater contains potentially hazardous substances including residues of pharmaceuticals, radioisotopes, detergents and pathogens, with detrimental impacts to the environment and human health. Nevertheless, studies related to hospital waste management are limited in Africa, particularly in Southern Africa. This research offers an overview of aspects surrounding hospital wastewater in Southern Africa, focusing on Zimbabwe. Already published and grey literature was reviewed to compile the paper. RECENT FINDINGS: Number of patients, nature of medical services offered and hospital size influences generation of hospital wastewater. Partially and non-treated hospital wastewater is managed together with municipal wastewater. Management of hospital wastewater is impeded by shortage of resources, lack of co-ordination among responsible authorities and ineffective legal framework enforcement, among other challenges. Inappropriate hospital wastewater management results in environmental contamination, causing human ailments. Attainment of sustainable hospital wastewater management requires clearly defined and enforced legislation, collaboration of accountable stakeholders, sufficient resources and enhanced awareness of involved stakeholders. Application of technologies that uphold recycling and reuse of wastewater is essential to reach Sustainable Development Goals, Zimbabwe Vision 2030 and National Development Strategy 1 targets, particularly those dealing with environmental protection while upholding human health.

Opportunities and challenges of mainstreaming disaster risk management in faith institutions.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic had created mayhem world over in the year 2020 and confirmed the need and urgency of equipping religious leaders with disaster risk management (DRM) knowledge and skills. Religious leaders are often expected to be among the first responders when disasters strike. This is especially the case in Africa where faith communities often have greater reach among the populace than the state itself. Using multifaceted methodology and purposive sampling interview analysis, this article shows that the responses of religious leaders in Africa, Zimbabwe in particular, to COVID-19 highlighted the urgency of adopting a more focussed and deliberate approach towards equipping religious leaders with DRM knowledge and skills. It further demonstrates that in some areas religious leaders responded effectively (communicating the right message, impact mitigation activities, etc.), in most other areas, they were as unprepared and in a state of paralysis as the rest of the populace. It would however, be grossly unfair to critique their response since most of them have never been exposed to the basic tenets of DRM, either in their formation or as part of life-long learning. Contribution: The article concludes by suggesting mainstreaming tragedy hazard reducing in the curricula of religious institutions for stoppage, mitigation and actual answer to current and future tragedies within communities.

Bidirectional needs assessment of otolaryngology-head and neck surgery short-term surgical trips in Zimbabwe.

Objectives: To describe findings from an otolaryngology-specific needs assessment tool in Zimbabwe. Methods: Surveys were developed and shared with Low-Middle Income Country (LMIC) hosting institutions in Zimbabwe and to High-Income Country surgical trip participants (HIC). Respondents were otolaryngologists identified online and through professional networks who had participated in a surgical trip. Results: The most common procedures Zimbabwe otolaryngologists reported treating were adenotonsillectomy (85.7%), chronic rhinosinusitis (71.4%), chronic otitis (57.1%), and head and neck tumor intervention (57.1%). The most common untreatable conditions that host physicians wanted to treat were skull base surgery (71.4%), flap reconstructions (57.1%), and laryngotracheal reconstruction (57.1%). The largest discrepancy between host desires and visiting team offerings were flap reconstruction (57.1%), nasal bone deformities (37.1%), and laryngotracheal reconstruction (17.1%). Perceptions of short-term surgical trips (STST) were recorded for host and visiting teams, and important differences between the public and private sectors of care in Zimbabwe were also identified. Conclusion: The surveys utilized in this study served as a bidirectional needs assessment of the requirements and care goals of host institutions and visiting teams in Zimbabwe. Differences between public and private sectors of care, particularly regarding infrastructure, resources, and surgical goals, were revealed, and the results can be utilized as part of efforts to maximize efforts within global surgical partnerships. Level of Evidence: VI.

Sustainability in radiography education: A case study of a tertiary institution in Zimbabwe.

INTRODUCTION: To equip radiographers to tackle the negative impacts of climate change, it is crucial to offer in-depth education on planetary health and sustainability. This study aimed to use a tertiary institution in Zimbabwe as a case study to assess radiography students' views on the integration of sustainability into their curriculum. METHODS: A quantitative cross-sectional study using a questionnaire took place at a tertiary institution in Harare, Zimbabwe, where students were sampled consecutively. Categorical variables were described using frequencies and percentages. Data analysis was carried out using Stata 13.1. RESULTS: A total of 96 out of 111 students participated, with an 86% response rate. The majority of students believed in the importance of environmentally friendly radiography practices (90.62%) and felt that sustainability is crucial for better patient care. While sustainability teaching was acknowledged in the curriculum, many students were not confident about the topic in exams. There was no consensus on the preferred methods of teaching sustainability. University lecturers specializing in climate-related fields were seen as the most suitable teachers for sustainability education. CONCLUSIONS: The curriculum reflects efforts in sustainability education, but student confidence and awareness of climate-focused research units require improvement. Continuous education is crucial to link sustainability awareness with practical implications in radiography. Future studies should investigate tailored teaching methods to engage students effectively in sustainable radiography practices. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: The findings highlight the importance of ongoing education and awareness campaigns to address the disconnect between understanding the importance of sustainability and implementing it effectively in radiography practice.

Sustainability in radiography: Knowledge, practices, and barriers among radiographers in Zimbabwe and Zambia.

INTRODUCTION: As the global demand for radiography services increases, departments need to be aware of the environmental impact of their practices and strive to reduce their carbon footprint. However, sustainability in radiography, particularly in low-resource settings, remains underexplored. This study aimed to investigate the knowledge, practices, and barriers to sustainability in radiography practice among radiographers in Zimbabwe and Zambia. METHODS: A quantitative cross-sectional study involving 216 consecutively sampled radiographers who completed an online questionnaire was conducted. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics, the Chi-square test, and exploratory factor analysis using principal component analysis. RESULTS: Overall, 81.49 % of the radiographers had some familiarity with the concept of sustainability. The radiography educational curriculum was singled out as lacking sufficient content on sustainability (44.44 %). More than half of the radiographers reported the absence of deliberate sustainable practices in place in their respective departments (Zambia 51.02 %, Zimbabwe 54.69 %). The top reported barriers to sustainability include; a lack of priority for sustainability from leadership and organization (73.61 %), a lack of incentives for sustainability (75.46 %), and a lack of partnerships between suppliers and consumers on ways to improve diagnosis, patient safety and sustainability (82.4 %). CONCLUSION: This study offers valuable insights into the current state of sustainability in radiography in Zambia and Zimbabwe, highlighting the need for academic reforms, intentional departmental practices, and systemic changes to drive sustainable efforts in the field. Future research should aim to enhance the sustainability of radiographic examinations and procedures, thereby advancing the core practice of radiographers.

'The tablets make a certain noise': uncovering barriers and enablers related to providing PMTCT services to adolescents and young women living with HIV in Zimbabwe.

BACKGROUND: Zimbabwe antenatal HIV prevalence rate is 16.1%. HIV-positive pregnant adolescent girls and young women (AYW) are at high risk to experience perinatal mental health challenges, attributed to a combination of factors including HIV status, stigma and perinatal depression. Perinatal depression and stigma among AYW is understudied in Zimbabwe and may affect short- and long-term health of HIV positive mothers and their children, and can impact treatment adherence. METHODS: Qualitative data was gathered from four focus group discussions with (2 urban and 2 rural) PMTCT providers (N = 17). Focus group discussions were also conducted among AYW clients (N = 20) from two clinics in Mashonaland East. RESULTS: Qualitative analyses identified patterns related to: (1) drop out and loss to follow up, (2) retention and adherence, (3) recurring feelings of internalized stigma; and (4) acceptability of potential MH interventions. MH services are not available and AYW have limited access to adherence counseling (1-2 times at onset). Psychological support was not available at either clinic, despite both providers and clients perceiving high rates of stigma, discrimination, and challenges with disclosure. Challenges related to long waits for ART distribution and gaps in disclosure support emerged as barriers. Providers noted that AYW present as anxious (non-diagnosed), and attribute depression to those clients who are lost to follow up, stating lack of time to screen for MH related issues or actively refer them for services. Challenges related to the ability to provide strong advice and support for disclosure also emerged among providers. CONCLUSIONS: This study can contribute to policy and practice recommendations to better integrate MH into HIV services and develop person-centered service models for HIV positive AYW. HIGHLIGHTSPerinatal adolescents and young women (AYW) living with HIV have gaps in retention and care in the current Zimbabwe PMTCT service model.Mental health stigma must be addressed to integrate mental health into HIV services.HIV providers are aware of the need to provide mental health support to reduce loss to follow-up.Mental health screening and referrals for services are not part of standard care for perinatal HIV positive AYW in Zimbabwe.Linkages between disclosure and AYW mental health was identified as a challenge by HIV providers.Context responsive interventions can support integration of mental health screening, services, and referrals.

A cost analysis of a simplified model for HCV screening and treatment at a tertiary hospital in Zimbabwe.

BACKGROUND: The treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection using directly acting antivirals was recently adopted in the treatment guidelines of Zimbabwe. The objectives of this study were to design a simplified model of HCV care and estimate the cost of screening and treatment of hepatitis C infection at a tertiary hospital in Zimbabwe. METHODS: We developed a model of care for HCV using WHO 2018 guidelines for the treatment of HCV infection and expert opinion. We then performed a micro-costing to estimate the costs of implementing the model of care from the healthcare sector perspective. Deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were performed to explore the impact of uncertainty in input parameters on the estimated total cost of care. RESULTS: The total cost of screening and treatment was estimated to be US$2448 (SD=$290) per patient over a 12-week treatment duration using sofosbuvir/velpatasvir. The cost of directly acting antivirals contributed 57.5% to the total cost of care. The second largest cost driver was the cost of diagnosis, US$819, contributing 34.6% to the total cost of care. CONCLUSION: Screening and treatment of HCV-infected individuals using directly acting antivirals at a tertiary hospital in Zimbabwe may require substantial financial resources.

Threshold effect of non-interest income disaggregates on commercial banks' financial performance in Zimbabwe.

Financial performance has become a trending concept in corporate finance and strategic management in recent times especially in the aftermath of the Global Financial Crisis (GFC) of 2007-2009. As an antidote to charter value erosion caused by stiff competition from incumbents in traditional banking activities, banks venture into non-core banking activities as a diversification and survival strategy. The purpose of the study is to determine the optimal threshold levels of non-interest income that stimulate financial performance of ten Zimbabwean commercial banks using non-interest income disaggregates over 2009-2020. Unfortunately, studies that examine the non-interest-income-financial performance nexus of banks involved in intermediation are scant and inconclusive. Furthermore, the use of threshold models to crack this puzzle are conspicuous. The study employed Fully Modified Ordinary Least Squares and Threshold difference Generalized Methods of Moment nonlinear threshold approaches. The aggregated and disentangled non-interest income dynamic optimal thresholds found are 26 %, 17 % and 10 % whereas the average static ones are 35 %, 28 % and 17 %. Compared to aggregated non-interest income, the study reveals that the disaggregates pose a greater positive impact on financial performance of banks in the upper regime than their counterparts in the lower regime. In addition, more banks were found to be operating below the required minimum thresholds. To avert episodes of bank failures and hedging against banking sector fragility, commercial bank managers should come up with well-diversified portfolios of income-generating ventures. Also, central bank regulations must promote non-interest activities, competition, growth and reduce leverage of commercial banks.

Antenatal care coverage and early childhood mortality in Zimbabwe: new interpretations from nationally representative household surveys.

Zimbabwe has implemented universal antenatal care (ANC) policies since 1980 that have significantly contributed to improvements in ANC access and early childhood mortality rates. However, Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) and Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys (MICS), two of Zimbabwe's main sources of health data and evidence, often provide seemingly different estimates of ANC coverage and under-five mortality rates. This creates confusion that can result in disparate policies and practices, with potential negative impacts on mother and child health in Zimbabwe. We conducted a comparability analysis of multiple DHS and MICS datasets to enhance the understanding of point estimates, temporal changes, rural-urban differences and reliability of estimates of ANC coverage and neonatal, infant and under-five mortality rates (NMR, IMR and U5MR, separately) from 2009 to 2019 in Zimbabwe. Our two samples z-tests revealed that both DHS and MICS indicated significant increases in ANC coverage and declines in IMR and U5MR but only from 2009 to 2015. NMR neither increased nor declined from 2009 to 2019. Rural-urban differences were significant for ANC coverage (2009-15 only) but not for NMR, IMR and U5MR. We found that there is a need for more precise DHS and MICS estimates of urban ANC coverage and all estimates of NMR, IMR and U5MR, and that shorter recall periods provide more reliable estimates of ANC coverage in Zimbabwe. Our findings represent new interpretations and clearer insights into progress and gaps around ANC coverage and under-five mortality rates that can inform the development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of policy and practice responses and further research in Zimbabwe.