admin
Gibson Mhaka
CABINET has allayed fears of a possible Covid-19 outbreak following a recent increase in influenza-like illnesses being recorded across the country.
This rise is attributed to a seasonal increase typically experienced in the country and region as we approach winter.
In a post- Cabinet media briefing, on Tuesday, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere assured citizens that the influenza-like illnesses cases being recorded across the country are not linked to the Covid-19 pandemic as no viral outbreak case has been recorded so far.
“Cabinet received a report on the current influenza-like illness in Zimbabwe, as reported by the Honourable Minister of Health and Child Care, Dr. Douglas Mombeshora.
“Cabinet advises that the recent increase in influenza-like illness experienced in the last few weeks is due to a seasonal increase which is usually experienced in the country and region as we approach the winter season.
“This is not a Covid-19 outbreak, but a seasonal phenomenon experienced during the winter season. There were more influenza cases at the same period in 2023 (149 000) compared to 2024 (99 000). Zimbabwe has not recorded a single Covid-19 case in the last four weeks.
“People are however encouraged to wash their hands, avoid large crowds, cover mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, and stay at home when there are symptoms of the disease,” said Dr Muswere.
Meanwhile, the Cabinet also considered the report on the National Drug and Substance Abuse Response, as this fight against the scourge continues across all provinces of the country.
The report was presented by the Minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Kazembe Kazembe on behalf of the Chairperson of the National Committee on Drug and Substance Abuse in Zimbabwe.
“Monitoring, surveillance and law enforcement activities continue with a total of 2 373 individuals having been arrested while 48 bases were identified, raided and destroyed in six provinces, namely: Harare (10), Manicaland (25), Mashonaland Central (6), Matabeleland North (3), Mashonaland West (2) and Midlands (2).
“Joint operations involving the Liquor Licensing Board and the Zimbabwe Republic Police were conducted resulting in 724 liquor premises being inspected, out of which 124 outlet owners were arrested for violating license conditions. Cabinet also approved the upward review of the fine from level 5 of USD30 to Level 7 which is USD400 or the ZIG equivalent or imprisonment for a period not exceeding 2 years,” said Minister Muswere.
He said a total of 25 792 youths were sensitised on anti-drug and substance abuse matters in Masvingo, Mashonaland Central, Matabeleland North, and Manicaland provinces.
In the education sector, 569 969 learners participated in sensitisation programmes through special assemblies, collaboration with the Victim Friendly Unit, Guidance and Counseling interactive sessions, sporting activities, and peer education.
“Crystal Meth has been designated as a dangerous drug. The Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development sensitized 14 951 people in all the provinces through various platforms such as Campaigns against the following social ills.
“Gender Based Violence (GBV), Child Marriages, HIV/Aids, Internal Savings and Lending, Financial Literacy, Ward meetings and gender sensitization meetings were held in collaboration with sister Ministries and Development Partners.
“A total of 16 529 people were capacitated on various income generating projects such as poultry, detergent-making, drink-making, packaging, branding and perfume-making.
“It is pleasing to note that some religious organisations have embraced the fight against drug and substance abuse through campaigns encouraging particularly the youths to live drug-free lives,” said Dr Muswere.
He said the Empower Bank capacitated youths across the country by providing them with starter packs.
“A total of 101 youths were trained under the revamped Youth Service in Zimbabwe Programme while more youths are expected to be enrolled following the launch by His Excellency the President, Cde Dr. E.D. Mnangagwa at Nhakiwa, in the Uzumba-Maramba-Pfungwe District of Mashonaland East Province on 24 May, 2024,” said Dr Muswere.
The Youth Build Zimbabwe initiative, aimed at restoring the spirit of volunteerism, responsibility, and ownership in young people, saw 1 900 youth volunteers participating in various community development projects across Masvingo, Mashonaland East, and Mashonaland Central provinces.
Online Reporter