News / Health
Senator Tongogara demands clarity on disease-related deaths and national health strategy
3 hrs ago |
79 Views
Senator Angeline Kumbirai Tongogara has questioned the government's approach to reducing morbidity and mortality rates caused by both communicable and noncommunicable diseases.
She raised the issue during a parliamentary question-and-answer session directed at Health and Child Care Minister Douglas Mombeshora.
"What is the Government's policy on reducing morbidity and mortality rates due to communicable and non-communicable diseases? What strategies are in place to reduce the aforesaid?" she asked.
In response, Mombeshora said the ministry has disease-specific strategies but noted the complexity of detailing each one.
"It would be best to put this on paper and go through disease by disease," he said. “We have HIV programmes, TB programmes, malaria programmes, and non-communicable disease programmes including cancer, heart conditions, and arthritis. It's very broad."
He emphasized that Zimbabwe is performing well on HIV, having met the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets. The country runs outreach programmes offering voluntary testing and immediate treatment for those who test positive.
On malaria, Mombeshora cited vector control efforts such as indoor residual spraying and the distribution of insecticide-treated nets, alongside treatment protocols.
Regarding tuberculosis, he said mobile clinics are being deployed to hard-to-reach areas, offering instant X-rays and treatment on-site.
For noncommunicable diseases, the ministry has launched screening campaigns for cervical and breast cancer, with prostate cancer screening for men set to begin soon.
"We've acquired cancer treatment machines currently being manufactured and initiated procurement for diagnostic equipment," he said. “Our goal is a comprehensive programme that includes both diagnostics and treatment."
Mombeshora reaffirmed the government's commitment to tackling both communicable and noncommunicable diseases through targeted outreach, improved access to care, and expanded diagnostic capacity.
She raised the issue during a parliamentary question-and-answer session directed at Health and Child Care Minister Douglas Mombeshora.
"What is the Government's policy on reducing morbidity and mortality rates due to communicable and non-communicable diseases? What strategies are in place to reduce the aforesaid?" she asked.
In response, Mombeshora said the ministry has disease-specific strategies but noted the complexity of detailing each one.
"It would be best to put this on paper and go through disease by disease," he said. “We have HIV programmes, TB programmes, malaria programmes, and non-communicable disease programmes including cancer, heart conditions, and arthritis. It's very broad."
He emphasized that Zimbabwe is performing well on HIV, having met the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets. The country runs outreach programmes offering voluntary testing and immediate treatment for those who test positive.
On malaria, Mombeshora cited vector control efforts such as indoor residual spraying and the distribution of insecticide-treated nets, alongside treatment protocols.
Regarding tuberculosis, he said mobile clinics are being deployed to hard-to-reach areas, offering instant X-rays and treatment on-site.
For noncommunicable diseases, the ministry has launched screening campaigns for cervical and breast cancer, with prostate cancer screening for men set to begin soon.
"We've acquired cancer treatment machines currently being manufactured and initiated procurement for diagnostic equipment," he said. “Our goal is a comprehensive programme that includes both diagnostics and treatment."
Mombeshora reaffirmed the government's commitment to tackling both communicable and noncommunicable diseases through targeted outreach, improved access to care, and expanded diagnostic capacity.
Source - Byo24News
Join the discussion
Loading comments…
