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Check FAQAbout Derick
Derick Matsengarwodzi is a journalist based in Harare, Zimbabwe, an experienced versatile communication consultant, blogger and freelance writer currently based in Harare, Zimbabwe. I am writing to occupy the available post as a Public Relations Officer within your celebrated organisation. My experience spans through the media, public relations, advertising and marketing portfolios. My notable achievements include: an internship with the United Nations Information Centre in Harare, working as a copywriter for a renowned Harare advertising agency and currently as a communication consultant. From 2011, I have served as a regular columnist for The Witness newspaper in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, concurrently contributing as a health writer for Heath Matters, a provincial government health publication in KwaZulu-Natal. In addition, I penned for a Durban-based business magazine. I am also a regular writer for the Kalahari Review in Botswana and UK publications. Since relocating to Harare, I have functioned as a communication consultant for local organisations in media monitoring and mentoring, corporate reputation management and brand intelligence plus research and content writing. As an out of box concept developer, I function well within a team and can easily adapt to new settings and challenges. My life thrust is to offer lasting communications solutions to the world and demystify stereotypes and stigmas through effective media tools through my blog: www.******.com. Yours faithfully,
Portfolio
Zimbabwe Rolls Out Mass Drug Administration Campaign to Tackle Elephantiasis
Zimbabwe has launched a mass drug administration campaign to combat elephantiasis, targeting 1.4 million people across seven districts. The campaign, supported by the World Health Organization and partners like the Higherlife Foundation, aims to reduce the prevalence of lymphatic filariasis, a disease caused by parasitic worms. The initiative involves distributing albendazole and ivermectin tablets to affected communities. Despite the campaign's success, challenges remain for individuals like Tinotenda, who continue to suffer from the disease's debilitating effects. Experts emphasize the need for comprehensive care and education to support those already affected.
I am Derick: The True Story of my Life
Derick shares his life story, reflecting on his birth in Chitungwiza, Zimbabwe, and the challenges he faced with health issues during his early years. He highlights the influence of his family, particularly his mother Lizzie, who defied societal norms by pursuing a career. Derick emphasizes the role of faith and storytelling in his life, attributing his survival and growth to divine intervention. He advocates for the importance of acknowledging God in personal narratives and expresses a commitment to sharing stories about himself, his family, and broader African experiences.
Zimbabwe strides towards elimination of a blinding bacterial infection
Zimbabwe is making significant progress in combating trachoma, a leading infectious cause of blindness, through mass drug administration campaigns using the antibiotic Zithromax. Despite the absence of a vaccine, efforts by organizations like Sightsavers have reduced trachoma prevalence in Zimbabwe from 21 to just three districts. However, challenges remain, including the need to lower prevalence rates further and the impact of climate change, which exacerbates conditions for the disease's spread. Personal stories highlight the devastating effects of trachoma and the positive outcomes of treatment, emphasizing the importance of health education and timely intervention.
Zimbabwe's Review of Restrictive Abortion Laws
Zimbabwe's Termination of Pregnancy Act, enacted in 1977, faces criticism for limiting reproductive health access for women and girls. Activists and organizations are pushing for amendments to include marital rape and broader access to safe abortions. Despite legal provisions, many women resort to unsafe abortions, contributing to increased maternal deaths. The Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission and other advocacy groups emphasize the need for legal reform to align with international standards and protect women's rights. Public debates reveal mixed reactions, with some traditional leaders opposing changes due to cultural norms. The ongoing review process is crucial to address the high rates of unintended pregnancies and unsafe abortions in Zimbabwe.
In Zimbabwe, a community health worker is not only, and not least, a shoulder to cry on
Ngonidzashe Muyambo, a community health worker in Mutare, Zimbabwe, plays a crucial role in providing emotional and health support to patients in her community, despite facing personal challenges and limited resources. Trained by Island Hospice and Healthcare, she assists patients with chronic illnesses and supports local healthcare professionals amid a significant brain drain in the country's health sector. Muyambo emphasizes the need for policy changes to provide free medication and better support for community health workers, highlighting the importance of emotional support in patient care.
Herd(er) immunity: anthrax vaccine blunts seasonal outbreak in Zimbabwe
In Zimbabwe, the anthrax outbreak in Mazowe and other regions has been mitigated through a vaccination campaign, reducing cases significantly. The disease, endemic in 26 districts, poses a threat to both livestock and humans, especially during the rainy season. The government acquired vaccines from Botswana, leading to a decrease in anthrax cases. Authorities emphasize the importance of proper disposal of infected animals to prevent human transmission. Climate change is noted as a potential factor in increasing anthrax cases. The successful vaccination campaign has led to the country being declared free from the disease, though vigilance and preparedness remain crucial.
Zimbabwe’s battle to control a skin-burrowing worm faces a new challenge: climate change
Zimbabwe is grappling with the challenge of controlling bilharzia, a neglected tropical disease, as climate change exacerbates the situation. The disease, transmitted through freshwater snails, is prevalent in areas with contaminated water sources. Efforts to combat bilharzia include mass drug administration and awareness campaigns, but climate change, with its impact on rainfall patterns and temperatures, complicates these efforts. Health professionals highlight the dual impact of climate change, which can both reduce and increase bilharzia cases depending on local conditions. Collaborative projects with international partners aim to assess and implement control measures.
Digital journalists in Zimbabwe offer an alternative to polarized media
Nelson Banya and Ranga Mberi launched newZWire in 2018 to provide independent news analysis in Zimbabwe's polarized media landscape. The rise of online media platforms like Content Creators Network ZW, The NewsHawks, and ZimLive.com offers alternatives to state-controlled media. Despite financial challenges and high data costs, these platforms strive to maintain credibility and innovate within their niche. Independent content creators are gaining popularity, especially among the diaspora, and are seen as the future of media in Zimbabwe.
How Zim is protecting women and their children from cervical cancer
Zimbabwe is making strides in protecting women and children from cervical cancer through the nationwide rollout of the HPV vaccine, which began in 2018. Despite challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, the country has integrated HPV, tetanus, and Covid-19 immunizations to ensure broader coverage. Personal stories highlight the devastating impact of cervical cancer and the importance of early vaccination. Health workers and organizations like the Cancer Association of Zimbabwe emphasize the need for continued efforts to prevent this vaccine-preventable disease.
How Zimbabwe is protecting women – and their children – from cervical cancer
Zimbabwe is actively working to prevent cervical cancer through the nationwide rollout of the HPV vaccine, targeting young girls aged ten to 14. Despite challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the country has integrated HPV, tetanus, and COVID-19 vaccinations to maximize reach. Personal stories highlight the impact of cervical cancer and the importance of vaccination, while cultural and religious beliefs pose barriers to full vaccine uptake. The initiative aims to reduce the high incidence of cervical cancer, which remains a significant health issue in Zimbabwe.
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