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of three more State universities have gained momentum in three provinces.
Three of the country’s 10 provinces — Mashonaland East, Matabeleland South and Manicaland — do not have Stateuniversities.
In his address during the 32nd Independence Anniversary at the National Sports Stadium in Harare yesterday, President Mugabe said the universities would meet the growing demand for higher education in Zimbabwe.
“To meet the growing demand for higher education, preparations have begun for the establishment of the
Marondera University of Agriculture Science in Mashonaland East, Manicaland University of Applied Science and the Gwanda State University in Matabeleland South.
“In this way, we would have brought on board the three remaining provinces that were still to have a State university each,” President Mugabe said.
From one university at independence in 1980, Government has established universities in all but three provinces.
These are Midlands State University in the Midlands, Great Zimbabwe University in Masvingo, Chinhoyi University of Technology in Mashonaland West, Bindura University of Science Education, National University of Science and Technology in Bulawayo and Lupane State University in Matabeleland North. There is also the
Zimbabwe Open University that caters for distance learning.
President Mugabe hailed achievements registered in the health sector.
“The number of people on anti-retroviral treatment for HIV and Aids increased to 410 000 last October,” he said.
“Malaria control programmes now cover 89 percent in 45 target districts while immunisation of children exceeded 85 percent.”
President Mugabe bemoaned loss of skilled health personnel.
“Loss of critical health staff such as doctors and specialist nurses to the private sector is adversely affecting health delivery,” he said.
The country lost a good number of skilled health personnel at the height of sanctions-induced economic difficulties. Doctors and other health staff migrated into the region and overseas in search of greener pastures, and efforts to lure them back have not succeeded.
Online Reporter