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In a bid to accelerate the fight against tuberculosis, the World Health Organization is urging countries to expand access to new, low-cost diagnostic tools that deliver rapid, point-of-care results. The push centers on innovations such as portable tests that return findings in under an hour and tongue swab sampling to enable earlier detection—approaches designed to widen coverage, cut expenses, and reach people at highest risk. WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said these advances have the potential to…

Hospitals across Zimbabwe were thrown into turmoil as nurses walked off the job, leaving wards understaffed and patients without care, in a push for higher wages and allowances. At Parirenyatwa hospital, operations slowed to a near standstill, with student nurses drafted into critical units to keep services running. The walkout erupted just days after a similar action at Sally Mugabe Central Hospital. Nurses said their frustrations have intensified following recent fuel price hikes that have sent transport costs soaring.…

As climate shocks stack up, Malawi’s economy is buckling under their weight. An aggregation of official post-disaster assessments points to a steady drumbeat of losses over eight years: $335 million from the 2015 floods, $365.9 million during the 2016 drought, $220.2 million after Cyclone Idai in 2019, and $506.7 million in the wake of Cyclone Freddy in 2023. Analysts say the heavier toll comes after the storms pass, in the grind of reconstruction and recovery. Across the same period, needs have climbed past $2.04 billion,…

At least 132 people have died and dozens more were injured as heavy rains continue to batter large parts of Zimbabwe, the Department of Civil Protection said in its latest report.

Rwanda’s teenage pregnancy rate rose to 8% in 2025 from 5% in 2020, according to the Rwanda Demographic and Health Survey, prompting warnings from health authorities about school dropouts, maternal health risks and reduced economic prospects for girls. Health authorities in Rwanda warned that the rising rate of teenage pregnancy is contributing to students leaving school, increased maternal health risks and limited economic opportunities for young women. The Rwanda Demographic and Health Survey reported that prevalence…

The Zimbabwe Peace Project reported more than 100 human rights violations affecting 3,205 people across Zimbabwe in February 2026. In its latest report, the watchdog said the cases spanned severe abuses — including torture, assault, enforced disappearances and abductions — as well as infringements on civil and political rights. The group said members of the ruling Zanu PF party were responsible for 35.46% of incidents, largely through political intimidation, coercion and interference with fundamental freedoms. It added that…

Activists challenge official assurances after study flags hormone-disrupting chemicals in menstrual products Activists say dismissing a University of the Free State finding does not equal proof of safety, urging clarity on possible risks in menstrual products. Activists said authorities’ assurances on menstrual product safety do not settle concerns raised by research from the University of the Free State that reported hormone-disrupting chemicals in some items. The University of the Free State, a South African public…

Zimbabwe civic group urges international bodies to block bid to extend presidency and Parliament terms The Defend the Constitution Platform called on international organisations to stop proposed constitutional changes that would extend the tenure of Zimbabwe’s presidency and Parliament, citing reports of intimidation and violence around the debate. The Defend the Constitution Platform has urged international organisations to block planned amendments to Zimbabwe’s constitution that would lengthen the terms of the presidency…

South Africa faces April 2026 hikes in electricity tariffs and fuel prices, adding pressure on households Electricity tariffs and fuel prices in South Africa are expected to rise in April 2026, with per‑litre fuel costs potentially increasing by up to R5, though final figures have not been confirmed. Electricity tariffs and fuel prices were expected to increase in April 2026, with the per‑litre rise at the pump possibly reaching as high as R5, a development that would further stretch household budgets. The anticipated…

President Peter Mutharika has been asked to dismiss Finance Minister Joseph Mwanamveka and Attorney General Frank Mbeta and to suspend George Partridge, governor of the Reserve Bank of Malawi, over their alleged links to the controversial Amaryllis Hotel deal, according to a statement released Friday. The purchase of the luxury Amaryllis Hotel by the Public Service Pension Trust Fund (PSPTF) has triggered a high-stakes public finance controversy. Lawmakers on the Public Accounts Committee of Parliament have opened an…