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Patients complain over high cost of diabetes drugs, diet

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Patients complain over high cost of diabetes drugs, diet

Beverly Bizeki

On November 14 of every year, the world commemorates diabetes day and this year’s commemorations were held under the theme ‘Access to diabetes care’, with the World Health Organization (WHO) highlighting the need for equitable access to essential care and raising awareness on how people with diabetes can minimize the risk of complications.
However, diabetes care seems not to be affordable to a number of people, and one patient Rugare Chinouya (not real name) a 48-year-old woman from Masvingo who was diagnosed with diabetes type 2 says drugs and maintaining the proper diet are some of the challenges she and other patients face in the journey after diagnosis.
For Chinouya, diabetes is a manageable disease but poor public health care services in the country have made it worse for people with diabetes as drugs are costly and the diet needed to manage the disease is costly too.
“My condition is almost always under check when I have all the drugs prescribed by the doctors but the challenge comes on some days when I run out of drugs and I am supposed to buy them in pharmacies. The drugs are costly and spend about US$50 every month on drugs including insulin jabs that I take every day,” said Chinouya.
Chinouya said the condition was taking its toll on her as she has since stopped going to work and is now confined to her home as she often fails to get money to buy the drugs on time.
She says she has some secondary diseases caused by the chronic condition that has forced her to stay home and is now selling chickens for a livelihood.
“I stopped going to work because of diabetes as I was almost in hospital and since then I have struggled to make ends meet and now I have a small chicken project at home where I am earning a livelihood.
I was used to go to work and provide for my family but since the diagnosis, my health deteriorated such that I find it difficult to have a full-time job,” said Chinouya.
Although she was receiving medication to keep the disease under control, she said she had constant fears of her condition deteriorating and said her wish was that medications and sundry be made available at public hospitals so that people easily get treatment and more people get early diagnosis and seek treatment.
Statistics by the International Diabetes Federation show that one in 10 adults worldwide have diabetes and over 90 percent have type 2 diabetes.
Diabetes is a chronic health condition that results in too much sugar in the blood which, with time might lead to serious damage to the heart, blood vessels, eyes, nerves, and kidneys. With diabetes, the body cannot make enough insulin or it fails to use the insulin as it should.

Women can lead: Female councilor makes development strides

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Women can lead: Female councilor makes development strides

Staff Reporter

MASVINGO – With very few women taking part in politics and other leadership roles in many spheres, the election of a female councilor in ward 13 of Masvingo Rural District Council (RDC) and the work she has done since taking oath of office in August shows that women can really do it.
The people of Ward 13 gave Sarah Phinias Munemo a mandate despite a number of de-campaigning likes he was said to be not from Masvingo as well as being based in Zaka.
Her detractors went on to say they could not be led by a woman worse, someone who was not from Masvingo, however, as it stands, she is making developmental strides that many people in the ward are beginning to envy.
“As a ward we are focusing on 5 pillars of development during this term, and the very first thing we have done is to bring all stakeholders aboard so that we are on the same page. This has been completed but with ongoing consultations. We have put up 3 ward community development committees (Wadco) each with 13 people, all sectors represented, the councilor and chief giving a total of 41 members,” said Munemo.
The five pillars include energy, education, agriculture, roads, water sanitation, and health.
“On energy, we have had a transformer at Chikarudzo Secondary School and is now energized and a transformer is now available at Machitenda Primary School. A power line that was damaged in 2020 has been repaired as well.
“We have successfully managed to have all our business centers Barahanga and Nekanda Business Centres and the 3 schools, Chikarudzo Primary, Gwanha Primary, and Barahanga School that are without electricity listed for consideration with REA,” said Munemo.
Munemo said as council they also want to provide clean water at all the schools in the ward with urgent attention required at Gwanha and Machitenda Primary School
“One of the critical areas when it comes to education is to have clean water at all schools. Gwanha and Machitenda Primary schools are the worst and need urgent attention. We expect to get solarised pumping systems in place in the next year.
“Mamoti is about 3.5km from Machitenda Primary School and ECD children are expected to walk to school for about 7km daily. The small room available is below standard hence we are putting up a shelter for ECD pupils.
“We already have bricks available that were sponsored by our Member of Parliament Eddison Zvobgo and me whilst the community is providing labor and other materials and the project is now on 40 percent,” she said.
Munemo also said two toilets had been completed at Barahanga, one for the toddlers and another one for the public as the whole township had only one public toilet. Another toilet has been completed at Masononga which is about 3 or 4km from Chikarudzo Primary School and ECD children walk for long distances to school in mountainous terrain.
She said efforts to provide water at Chikarudzo Primary School were futile after hitting a dry hole at 60m.
“On water, sanitation and health, our efforts were in vain as we hit a dry hole at Chikarudzo Primary School after drilling for 60mtrs,” said Munemo.
Huge development strides were also noted on the road maintenance and development with collective efforts made at Barahanga, Mupunzi Path Bridge, Janyangwa and Manunure.
“We have completed 2 small bridges at Barahanga using plough back from council and the community contributed with other materials while the Mupunzi path bridge was sponsored by our transporters ‘vezvipipi’ and it is now complete.
“At Janyangwa we got Plough back while the MP, councilor and locals contributed cement while other locals chipped in with other requirements and labour and the project is now 60percent complete.
At Manunure, council provided technical advice and the local people gave us cement while the community provided water and labour,” said Munemo.
Village Head Isaac Chikandiwa of ward 13C said Munemo had exceeded their expectations as they did not trust a woman to lead a whole community in politics and wished to have her in office in the next term.
“Munemo is doing well for the community as she is always on the lookout to create development opportunities for the people in our community. There is a road maintenance that is taking place at Manunure while potholes at Barahanga have been fixed and motorists are happy with that development.
“In Mamoti, there is a crèche that was established with the help of Munemo and a block that was built there. We are pleased with her work because we had doubts in a female leader but we are seeing that she will bring development to the community and we would like to have her as our leader in the near future.
“Munemo is also in the habit of sharing job vacancies with the youth on social media platforms and we are really grateful to have a leader who works with young people for their personal development and this is worth noting because we used not to trust women’s capabilities in such positions,” he said.
“Things have changed in our ward ever since we have selected a female councilor and we are very happy about it. Mrs Munemo brings us together to work in unity and she has unified us,” Chikandiwa said.

MISA engages Gweru scribes, miners on environmental mining reportage

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MISA engages Gweru scribes, miners on environmental mining reportage

Tinaani Nyabereka

Gweru- The Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Zimbabwe, last week organized a press club discussion with journalists and miners in Gweru to enhance journalists’ understanding of mining and environmental issues to equip journalists with skills to report on mining-related issues.
Speaking at the press club, Midlands Miners Forum Chairperson, Edgar Benjamin said it was important for the media to be well equipped and know how best to report on issues to do with violence in the mining sector.
“As the Midlands Miners Forum, we are happy to be part of this engagement because it is key in terms of fostering relations between the mining sector and the media.
“Such engagements help us to amplify the voices of miners as well as expose acts of violence and abuse which go unearthed as a result of late exposure.
“As a Miners Forum, we usually conduct engagements with various stakeholders. So it is our prayer that we always engage the media as well,” he added.
Benjamin said as a forum they were advocating for the safety of miners.
“As the forum, we have been advocating for the safety of miners as it remains a key factor. The challenge we have is that we don’t have adequate funding which usually targets rescue operations. Usually, we rely on companies like Mimosa and Unki which have rescue equipment. At times the police are roped in but the challenge is they don’t have the capacity to rescue,” he added.
Save Our Environment Trust, (SOET) Director, Oswald Chishanga said at a certain time, NGOs had forged an alliance to stand against environmental degradation due to illegal mining.
“We need to work hand in hand as people, as CSOs recently engaged with other CSOs to try and lobby for issues that affect our environment with regards to mining activities.
If we destroy the environment, we destroy life, it’s always good to protect the surroundings which protects us,” Chishanga said.
Gweru-based journalist, Stephen Chadenga called upon journalists to further research in mining communities, and impact positively by reporting on mining developmental issues.

Ungrateful man steals three beasts from lent herd

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Ungrateful man steals three beasts from lent herd

Bright Zhou

An ungrateful man from Sonamizi village under Chief Nyajena was arrested and has since appeared before Masvingo Magistrate Elizabeth Hanzie on charges of stock theft after he stole three beasts from a fellow villager who had lent him his cattle.
The accused person Wireless Chimeura (36) was remanded in custody to November 20, 2023, for continuation of trial after he requested to be given time to look for a lawyer.
The court heard that on February 26, 2023, the accused went to the complainant, Marakia Muvenge (73)’s homestead, and requested cattle for ploughing.
Muvenge agreed to help Chimeura and gave him a head of five cattle. After about two months Chimeura went again and asked for more of which he was given an additional of four to make a total of nine.
That same month Chimeura reported to Muvenge that three of his cattle had died and they confirmed that they died of foot and mouth disease and was then left with six cattle.
On September 12, 2023, Chimeura took three cattle from the six and sold them to Raymond Chisveto without Muvenge’s knowledge and consent and lied that they had disappeared.
He told Muvenge that he released the cattle to a grazing area and left them unattended and when he went to check for them later that day, he discovered that three beasts were missing.
Some villagers told Muvenge that they had seen Chimeura with Chisveto, a well-known cattle buyer.
The complainant went on to report to the police leading to the arrest of the suspect.

Man rapes 12-year-old niece

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Man rapes 12-year-old niece

Admire Chatindo

A 23-year-old man from Chief Makore area recently appeared before Masvingo magistrate, Bishard Chineka facing charges of rape after he allegedly raped his 12-year old relative who is doing grade six at a local school on Election Day whilst waiting for election results.
The accused (name withheld to protect victim) pleaded not guilty saying the charges were fabricated and the case was deferred to a later date for continuation of trial.
The court was told that on August 23 2023 at Makonde Business Centre, Gutu, the accused allegedly raped his 12-year-old relative who had gone behind a shop to relieve herself whilst they were waiting for the harmonized election results.
The incident happened around 2300 hours as the complainant was at the business center in the company of her mother and their house help waiting for election results.
The accused allegedly proposed love to the complainant who turned down the proposal and after a while, the complainant went behind a shop to relieve herself and the accused followed her.
Whilst behind the shop, the accused grabbed the complainant’s hand, fondled her before raping her.
The complainant is alleged to have told their house help who told her not to tell anyone but she later told her mother on October 4 2023 who escorted her to make a police report.
Investigations were carried out leading to the arrest of the accused.
Eunice Shoko prosecuted.

Chiredzi woman busted with 50 guka satchets

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Chiredzi woman busted with 50 guka satchets

Beverly Bizeki

A Chiredzi woman narrowly avoided a custodial sentence when a Chiredzi Magistrate suspended two out of her 12 months prison term, provided she refrained from committing a similar offense within the next five years, with the rest of the sentence being commuted to community service.
The woman was found in possession of 50 sachets of guka, a hazardous drug widely abused, especially by youths, with a street value of US$150. She will perform 350 hours of community service at Chiredzi Magistrates’ Court for the offense.
The incident occurred on November 8 during a police operation targeting illicit drugs. Acting on a tip, police discovered that Nyaradzo Chipato was selling guka, also known as crystal meth or mutoriro.
A search of her residence, aided by sniffer dogs, led to the recovery of 50 sachets of the dangerous drug hidden behind a curtain in a bread pack, resulting in her arrest.
This development aligns with the country’s ongoing efforts to combat drug and substance abuse, particularly among the youth population.

Woman scalded with hot water in fight over debt

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Woman scalded with hot water in fight over debt

Bright Zhou

In a shocking incident that rattled Muzvimwe village under Chief Charumbira, Masvingo, a 49-year-old woman, Precious Beretu, was recently scalded with water following a dispute over debt.
Netsai Rubita (47) appeared before Masvingo Magistrate Ivy Jaona to face charges related to the incident and was remanded in custody pending further trial.
According to the state’s case, presented by prosecutor Tinotenda Makoti, the altercation unfolded on July 28, 2023, around 20:30 hours when Beretu visited Rubita’s residence to request the repayment of a US$20.00 debt owed to her.
In the confrontation that ensued, Rubita, who was in the process of cooking, informed Beretu that she could only repay the debt in two weeks. This response did not sit well with Beretu, who insisted on receiving the money on the same day.
The disagreement escalated, leading Rubita to physically push Beretu out of her house. Undeterred, Beretu resisted, emphasizing that she would not leave without her owed money. In response, Rubita resorted to violence, striking Beretu twice on the head with a log and once on the right hand, causing a head injury.
In a more severe act of aggression, Rubita then grabbed a pot of boiling water from the fireplace and poured it onto Beretu’s back. The victim’s cries for help prompted neighbors to intervene, rushing her to a nearby clinic. Beretu later reported the incident to the police, leading to Rubita’s subsequent arrest.

Chiredzi man killed over missing donkeys

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Chiredzi man killed over missing donkeys

Beverly Bizeki

In yet another incident of mob justice gone wrong, a Chiredzi man was killed by fellow villagers who were accusing him of stealing 10 donkeys that had gone missing in the village on November 13 at Mawiro school grounds in Netumbare village.
Masvingo Province deputy Police Spokesperson Assistant Inspector Lorraine Ndlovu Chanakira confirmed the incident and urged members of the public to desist from taking the law into their own hands.
“I urge members of the public to desist from taking the law into their own hands. We appreciate that members of the public identify suspects in communities and report to responsible authorities but they must not administer justice,” said Chanakira.
Circumstances are that on the fateful day, 42 year old Hlomani Mahlavire, Naveto Vhlengoma (56), Petros Mazarire (46) and villagers of Mboma village lost about 10 donkeys and suspected that 38year old Nicholas Jakata of Netumbare village was responsible for stealing the missing donkeys.
The group tracked Jakata at Gondanyemba Open Market where they confronted him on the stolen donkeys.
Jakata felt he had been accused and decided to inform the village head William Chitsange and the group of villagers decided to follow him too and they met his accomplice only identified as Chisiiwa (43) from Mubvongodzi village.
The group met the two at Mawiro School ground and interrogated both of them with Jakata tied on both the hands and legs with Mopani tree barks. They took turns to beat him up with Mopani sticks forcing him to confess about stealing the donkeys which led to his death at around 2000 hours.
A report was made to the police and they found his body facing upwards with multiple bruises on his body and his dreadlock were found stashed in his woolen hat on his side and the body was taken to Chiredzi General Hospital.
Investigations are still going on.

High nursing staff turnover hits Masvingo City

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High nursing staff turnover hits Masvingo City

Beverly Bizeki

Masvingo City Council Health Department is not spared from the brain drain that has hit the country from the continued exodus of healthcare workers to seek greener pastures abroad.
A half-year budget review released by the local authority recently revealed that the local authority continues to experience a turnover of nursing staff who are seeking greener pastures outside the country.
“We continue to experience a high turnover of experienced nursing staff who are seeking greener pastures beyond the country’s borders,” reads part of the report.
Masvingo City Director of Health and Environmental Services Suzanne Madamombe said the local authority was indeed affected by the brain drain but had since resorted to the employment of locum nurses to avert a possible shortage of staff.
“We have been affected but we have resorted to the employment of locum nurses while we recruit new nurses to fill in the vacancies. We have since advertised for recruitment of 15 nurses and we are targeting those experienced ones who are over 50 especially from the uniformed forces because the younger ones are the ones leaving for the diaspora.
We are also looking at improvement of conditions of services for our health workers,” said Madamombe.
Madamombe said the employment of locum nurses had eased the burden and is looking forward to the commissioning of a maternity home at North West Medical Centre as well as the construction of an infectious diseases hospital in the coming year.
“We have a full establishment using locum nurses so we are good, we have not reduced any services and we are aiming at increasing our primary health care services for we will be commissioning our maternity home at North West Medical Centre hatizi kumirira izvozvi (we are not holding back)
“When you are faced with a hard situation you must manage the situation strategically, next year we are actually commencing the construction of the infectious disease hospital,” said Madamombe.
Statistics of the nurses who left the local authority this year are yet to be established although minutes from council in February revealed that the department received seven resignations, one retirement, and one death in 2022.
The department resolved to re-engage four retired nurses and advertise for the recruitment of four other nurses in February 2023.
The situation is however dire in other parts of the country like Mutare where it is alleged that council clinics are closing during weekends as about 60 percent of the nursing staff have left for the diaspora as well.
Zimbabwe is among the 55 countries with some of the most fragile health systems without enough healthcare workers but is losing health workers to international migration.
The exodus of healthcare workers to wealthier countries accelerated after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Chiredzi residents threaten to sue council over budget

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Chiredzi residents threaten to sue council over budget

Beatific Gumbwanda

CHIREDZI-The newly appointed Chiredzi Town Council Secretary, Engineer Wesley Kauma has opened his chapter at the local authority with threats from Chiredzi Residents and Ratepayers Association (CHIRRA) over the inclusion of the Town Chairman’s vehicle and rehabilitation of Inyathi road in the 2024 budget, which they say will give unnecessary burden to residents.
Chiredzi Town Council recently proposed a US$9,5 million 2024 budget, which included a number of developmental projects like the rehabilitation of Inyathi Road, which was once funded by the Emergency Road Rehabilitation Program 2 (ERRP 2) whose construction was prematurely abandoned due to lack of funding from the central government, and purchase of Chairman’s vehicle among other things.
Recently, Chiredzi Residents and Ratepayers Association (CHIRRA) wrote to Engineer Kauma, instructing him to pluck off the US$738 000 for Inyathi Road rehabilitation from the 2024 budget citing that the road falls under the ERRP national blitz.
CHIRRA is also requesting the local authority to remove Chairman’s vehicle purchase from the 2024 budget arguing that there is still a vehicle for the chairman which is still in good shape.
“On behalf of Chiredzi Residents, CHIRRA is kindly urging you CTC to withdraw the Chairman’s vehicle from the 2024 budget.
“We support the purchase of management vehicles with the exclusion of the Chairman’s budget on the 2024 budget. The chairman should use the GD6 single cab from the pool of administration.
“Please note that Inyathi road is a national road on ERRP and with the huge budgeted amount, it cannot be feasible for the residents of Chiredzi to fund the road,” reads part of the letter.
Chiredzi Residents and Ratepayers Association also cited that they are going to take legal action if council gives former Chiredzi Town Council Chairperson Alderman Gibson Hwende that vehicle saying that his benefits should be in form of stands.
“We are saying in short no vehicle should be disposed to Alderman Hwende, the former CTC Chairman. If you go ahead and dispose of the vehicle we will take legal action and this will jeopardise your probation period Town Secretary.
“The previous council verbally agreed to give a handshake package to former Chair Alderman Gibson Hwende in form of land in low lands which you the Town Secretary did allocate Alderman without a council resolution. The new councilors cant discuss the issue of the vehicle in terms of law and policy,” Reads part of the letter
There was once a debate in the local authority where half of the councilors voted for the local authority to give Alderman Gibson Hwende the vehicle whilst the other half refused saying council had no capacity.
Among the projects targeted for the year 2024, the local authority proposes to purchase five management vehicles at a total cost of US$275 000, construction of Makondo Clinic at the tune of US$80 000.00, purchase of another refuse compacter at an estimated tune of us$140 000.00, construction of a new primary school pegged at US$100 000.00 and rehabilitation of Inyathi Road at US$738 000
Writing on his official Facebook, Chiredzi Central Constituency Member of Parliament and former council vice chairperson Ropafadzo Makumire said he had met with the Minister of Transport who promised to finish construction of the road.
“I met with the Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development on the sidelines of the Pre-Budget seminar and briefed him about the unfinished Inyathi Road. The road links Chiredzi CBD with the highway and Tongaat. Good news, he promised to quickly get the road completed,” said Makumire.

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