Mashonaland Central Province Of Zimbabwe Research Articles

Developing Shona-physics Diction for Possible Use in the Teaching of Forces at Ordinary Level Physics in Shona

Several local researchers advocate for indigenous languages to be used as media of instruction in different subject areas to prevent misconceptions and ambiguities. Justifiably, Zimbabwe has sixteen indigenous languages but physics is still being taught in English. Local craftsman and innovators are still writing their instruction manuals for their products in the English language even for the local consumers. This paper was aimed at developing a Shona-Physics text that will be used in the teaching and learning of Forces at Ordinary level physics. The corollary of this aim was to promote deeper understanding of Forces while developing an indigenous language diction that would help in the industrialization of products. Focus group interviews were conducted in two high schools in the Chiweshe area under Mazoe District, in Mashonaland Central province of Zimbabwe to obtain Shona-Physics diction necessary to write a text that could be used in teaching and learning of forces at ordinary level. Twenty-five learners, three physics teachers, two language specialists and a retired head teacher purposively drawn from the local community participated in the research. The obtained diction was cleaned through gleaning of pertinent literature and consultation with Shona speakers who are physics teachers. A Physics text in Shona for ordinary level Forces was developed after a qualitative document analysis of the Ordinary level Physics syllabus. The findings indicate that content on Forces is sequenced from simpler skill to higher order skill and the evaluation of the text made indicates that it is now easier for the physics educators to explain physics concepts using the current text. We recommend that more studies be done to cover all physics topics at Ordinary level. This would make it easier for the nation to offer physics at junior primary school level.

Implications of Female Teenage Marriages on Human Rights Violation in Mt Darwin District of Mashonaland Central Province in Zimbabwe

The study sought to investigate the implications of female teenage marriages on human rights violation in Mt Darwin District of Mashonaland Central Province in Zimbabwe. An Explanatory Sequential Mixed Methodology design with a QUANT ‒ QUAL criterion was adopted for the study. Quantitative results were cross-examined with findings from qualitative data, which explored alternative explanations for violation of Married Female Teenagers (MFTs)’ human rights. Respondents were 192 MFTs who were randomly sampled from the target population while participants were 17 MFTs and five (5) Key Informants who were purposively sampled from the target population. Respondents provided the required information through a closed-ended questionnaire while participants and Key Informants were engaged in face-to-face interviews using semi-structured questionnaire. Data from Focus Group Discussions were obtained through unstructured questionnaire. Quantitative research data were analysed using the SPSS 21.0 while Content Thematic Analysis was employed to analyse qualitative data. The study revealed that teenage marriages violated MFTs’ rights to; pursue education, enjoy good health, engage in income generating projects, be protected from sexual and verbal abuse and make independent decisions while in marriage. Husbands hindered the right to education for MFTs. Right to engage in income generating projects was hindered by lack of capital and refusal by some husbands and in-laws. The rights to make independent decisions were thwarted by restrictions imposed by husbands on MFTs’ movement, choice, association and belonging. The Government and its development partners were recommended to reach out to male teenagers and men with sexuality and gender-based violence (GBV) programmes.

Changing Livelihoods and New Opportunities: Experiences of Resettled Farmers in Two Farms in Shamva District, Mashonaland Central Province, Zimbabwe

This study set out to assess the impact of the land reform programme on two farms located in the Mashonaland Central Province of Zimbabwe, Tembo and Rutherdale, and to examine how the livelihoods of resettled farmers from this area evolved since relocation. Evidence through this study revealed that the land reform programme at the two farms largely benefited the beneficiaries of the scheme. The resettled farmers have grown in asset ownership due to access to land and have developed social networks to tackle their communities’ challenges. There is, however, a need for further government support and intervention with the intent to make the farmers more self-sufficient. The government could also come in as a facilitator to initiatives by the households themselves to solve their challenges.

Procurement practices, leadership style and employee-perceived service quality towards the perceived public health sector performance in Zimbabwe

The public sector performance can be judged through the ability to deliver expected service to residents within the community. The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of leadership style and employee-perceived service quality on perceived public health sector performance. Also, the study sought to understand whether procurement practices mediate the effect of leadership style on perceived service quality. A cross-sectional survey of 380 public health sector employees was conducted in Mashonaland central Province in Zimbabwe between September and October 2022. Structural equation modelling (SEM) in AMOS Version 25 was employed to test research hypotheses. The study established that both leadership style and perceived service quality influence public health sector performance. The study further concluded that procurement practices partially mediate the influence of leadership style on perceived service quality. Also, the study established that employee-perceived service quality partially mediate the influence of procurement practices on perceived public health sector performance. Finally, the study found out that employee-perceived service quality partially mediate the influence of leadership style on perceived public health sector performance.

Design and Implementation of an Android GIS Data Collection Application for Students with Non-Programming Experience Using the MIT App Inventor: A Case Study on a Tick Data Collection APP

Learning programming can be a daunting task, especially for students without a programming background or non-computer science students. Most Geographic Information Science (GIS) experts and students come from a non-programming background and the development of applications has mostly been perceived to be a field for computer science students and has mostly been shunned by other non-programming students and courses. Compounded by the availability of Open-Source Data collection tools like the Open Data Kit (ODK), learning programming and android application development is often overlooked by Geo Spatial Scientists. Many studies have been done to identify a suitable application development kit to introduce application development to students in non-programming classes. MIT App inventor is a user-friendly drag-and-drop application development platform that is ideal for introducing application development to students with a non-programming background. In this paper, students doing an undergraduate honors degree in spatial sciences were introduced to the MIT App inventor for the development of a Geo-App capable of collecting spatial data that can be exported into a GIS system like Arc GIS, and QGIS after the data has been collected. The paper investigates the suitability of MIT App Inventor in the development of Geo-Spatial Applications. The application was developed for collaborative mapping of tick species for Mashonaland Central Province in Zimbabwe. The main purpose of the application developed is to act as a tool for veterinary extension workers under the Veterinary Services Department of Mashonaland Central Province allowing them to collect location information for tick monitoring. The application helps expansion workers to moreover outwardly communicate the circumstance at the tick controlling focuses such as plunge tanks by collaboratively making an outline and uploading multimedia records subsequently with an alternative of making calls straight to the veterinary call center in near real-time.

Strategic Decision-Making Context and Organizational Performance in Bindura Nickel Mine

This study examines the effect of strategic decision-making context on organizational performance in culturally diverse occupational settings of Bindura Nickel Mine (BNC). The research also highlight some literature by previous authors on strategic decision-making and organizational performance. A case study was used as the main research methodology with a questionnaire containing structured questions as the research instrument. This study used a descriptive research design. The study sampled 162 employees of BNC from sampling frame of 277 and the response rate was 152 (93.8%). Stratified random sampling procedure was used to group employees in terms of their work positions and convenient sampling for the selection of individual respondents in the sample for this study. Data collection procedure was done through use of drop-and-pick strategy. Data was processed using SPSS version 20. The study was limited to BNC, Bindura district, Mashonaland Central Province in Zimbabwe. The results of this study established that Leader psychological path and Follower psychological pathhad a significant direct effect on organizational performance, while Legislative context, Economic Context and Firm resources and had some weak association. The relationship is significant and theoretically justified. In brief, the results indicate that strategic decision-makingcontext is the predictor of organizational performance. The study, therefore, recommends the adoption of the need for training, mentoring, coaching to empower employees on strategic decision issues. Finally, recommends further research on the impact of strategic influence and strategic talent developmenton organizational performance.

Enhancing Socio-Economic Rights in the Mashonaland Central Province of Zimbabwe through Fiscal Decentralization: Progress and Challenges

Background: Since 2019, the government of Zimbabwe has been making fiscal transfers to local governments as part of fulfilling the constitutional provisions to improve the socio-economic wellbeing of communities. Despite these transfers, there is limited research that establishes whether the funds are achieving the intended results.
 Objective: The main focus of this paper was to assess progress towards the enhancement of the socio-economic rights of communities in the Mashonaland Central province of Zimbabwe through fiscal decentralization.
 Method: This paper adopted qualitative methodology and the case study as the design. The Mashonaland Central province was purposively selected as it is one of the regions lagging in terms of development. Data was collected through, documentary analysis and key informant interviews with ten councilors, one Town clerk, nine Chief Executive Officers as well as ten focus group discussions with community members.
 Findings: The study noted that since the transfer of funds to local authorities started in 2019, significant progress has been achieved in the fulfillment of socio-economic rights. However, local governments were facing challenges such as the unavailability of an administrative manual to guide them in the implementation of fiscal decentralization, lack of clear funds allocation criteria, untimely and unpredictable distribution of funds, price instability, cumbersome procurement processes and lack of a monitoring and evaluation framework. These challenges were negatively affecting the attainment of the desired goals.
 Conclusions and Recommendations: Fiscal devolution has already started paying dividends in enhancing the socio-economic rights of communities in the Mashonaland Central Province of Zimbabwe in key sectors such as water and sanitation, education, healthcare, infrastructure development, governance and administration, and peace and security. There is a need to develop an administrative manual for implementing fiscal devolution, timely disbursement devolution funds, use of virtual meetings in the wake of the Covid- 19 pandemic, integration of monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, and capacity building of local government policymakers and administrators.

Nutritional profile of the wild harvested armoured cricket (Acanthoplus discoidalis) (Orthoptera:Tettigoniidae) in northern region of Zimbabwe

Armoured crickets are an important food source in some parts of Zimbabwe. These insects are abundant in some regions but however, they are under utilised and not much is known about their nutritional value. The aim of this study was to determine the nutritional profile of the armoured cricket (Acanthoplus discoidalis). Armoured crickets were collected from a structured sampling framework in Mbire district Mashonaland Central province of Zimbabwe. Removal of the head and thorax, degutting and boiling were done. A proximate analysis was carried out followed by mineral, amino acid and fatty acid profiling of the prepared insects. Analyses were done on a dry basis.A. discoidalis contained 69.2% protein, 16.8% fat, 8.6% ash, 1.2% carbohydrate, 4.2% chitin and 454.3 Kcal/100 g energy. A 100 g dry weight quantity of insect contains 11.48 mg iron which is enough to meet the required daily intake of 10.0-20 mg/day for an adult. The zinc (4.37 mg/100 g dry weight) and phosphorus (491.4 mg/100 g dry weight) content inA. discoidalis almost meets the reference nutrient intake for adults. Essential amino acids, leucine (60.7 mg/g protein) had the highest concentration followed by phenylalanine+tyrosine (59.3 mg/g protein), valine (48.4 mg/g protein), lysine (46.7 mg/g protein), threonine (37.4 mg/g protein), isoleucine (26.4 mg/g protein), methionine+cysteine (20.9 mg/g protein) and histidine (16.5 mg/g protein) the least concentration. In total, 9 saturated fatty acids were determined of which stearic acid and palmitic acid had the highest concentrations of 2,034.5 mg/100 g and 2,005.3 mg/100 g respectively. Four mono unsaturated fatty acids were determined of which oleic acid and palmitoleic acid had the highest concentrations of 361.4 mg/100 g and 305.2 mg/100 g respectively. Four poly-unsaturated fatty acids were determined of which eicosapentaenoic and α-linolenic acid had the highest concentrations of 1,598.0 mg/100 g and 185.6 mg/100 g respectively.A. discoidalis is good source of protein, the minerals iron, zinc and phosphorus, some essential amino acids and poly-unsaturated fatty acids.

The Effect of Sustainable Procurement Practices On Procurement Efficiency in Mining Companies in Mashonaland Central Province in Zimbabwe

The Effect of Sustainable Procurement Practices On Procurement Efficiency in Mining Companies in Mashonaland Central Province in Zimbabwe

Women Traditional Psychosocial Coping Mechanisms Against Domestic Violence in Zimbabwe

In spite of the numerous efforts to reduce domestic violence, including a robust legal and constitutional framework, the phenomenon remains high especially among women in rural Zimbabwe. This study examined the reasons why women in rural settings in Mashonaland Central are not willing to utilize the various legal and constitutional instruments for their own protection. The study explored the traditional psychosocial coping mechanisms for women against domestic violence in Mashonaland Central Province of Zimbabwe. The study relied on Galtung’s Conflict, Violence and Peace theory as the theoretical framework. The research was qualitative and employed a case study research design. Snowball sampling and purposive sampling were used to identify survivors of domestic violence and key informants. The study revealed that women are employing traditional psychosocial coping mechanisms such as silence, family support systems, religious belief systems and endurance to cope with violence. These practices are grounded in cultural and social practices purportedly aimed at preserving the family institution. The study concludes that these cultural practices have undermined the good intentions of the legal and constitutional frameworks that are in place to fight domestic violence and women abuse and recommends an approach that tries to deal with these strong cultural beliefs to make the laws effective.

Analysis of Factors Influencing Smallholder Farmers’ Participation in Non-Farm Employment Activities and Their Impact on Households’ Food Security: The Case of Mbire District, Mashonaland Central Province of Zimbabwe

This study investigates the factors influencing smallholder farmer’s decision to participate in non-farm employment activities and its impact on rural households’ food security status in the Mbire District of Zimbabwe. The analysis uses a treatment evaluation model and the associated propensity score matching (PSM) technique, which permits the comparison between the food security status of smallholder farmers who participate in non-farm employment activities and those who do not. Estimation of propensity scores enable us to identify the factors influencing smallholder farmers’ decision to diversify into non-farm employment activities. The results indicate that a number of demographic (gender and education of household head), infrastructural (internet access and distance to the main road) and farm level characteristics (land size, livestock herd owned and productive assets) have qualitative and quantitatively different impacts on rural households’ participation in non-farm employment activities. Further, the empirical analysis confirms that diversifying into non-farm employment activities improves rural households’ food security status. The results imply that non-farm employment activities can be a way out of food insecurity in Mbire district. The study therefore recommends the government and NGOs to induce the rural households to diversify into non-farm activities as they improve their food security status since the climatic conditions in the district are not well suitable for agricultural practices. Keywords: Non-farm employment; Propensity Score Matching (PSM); rural household food security; Mbire district of Zimbabwe DOI: 10.7176/JESD/11-22-06 Publication date: November 30 th 2020

Pricing Strategies in Pork-based Agribusinesses: Evidence from Zimbabwe

Agribusinesses utilise an array of pricing strategies and practices that may be effective under certain circumstances. Price dictates income, directs the quantity supplied and demanded, provides an indication to customers, and shifts ownership. The objective of the study was to evaluate the current pricing strategies being employed in the Zimbabwean pork industry. The study utilised a cross-sectional survey of 166 pig producers, six pork abattoirs and 24 pork butchers in Mashonaland Central Province of Zimbabwe. A standardised pre-coded questionnaire was the research instrument utilised. Descriptive statistics, MANOVA and multiple linear regression were utilised to analyse the data. The results indicated that agribusinesses were utilising break-even pricing, which is cost-oriented, through a formula price, pursuing profit-oriented pricing objectives, through a one-price policy, aiming for a low-penetration pricing policy, with no discount policy and managing a profit-to-cost ratio between 0% and 4%. The study recommends that the industry be flexible in its pricing mechanisms through utilising sales-oriented objectives and appropriate discount policies to induce “goodwill” within the industry. The industry is also recommended to vertically integrate in order to spread and dilute price risk to allow flexibility in pricing, and to utilise premium pricing.

Adults’ Attitudes towards Children's Participation in Disaster Risk Management in Zimbabwe

This study investigated how adults view children's participation in disaster risk management. Using a phenomenological approach, this study explored parents’ (n=8) and key informants’ (n=10) views on children's participation in disaster risk management in Chadereka Ward of Mashonaland Central Province in Zimbabwe. Results indicated that adults in Chadereka viewed children's participation as asking questions, listening to children, and building rapport with them. These findings revealed that the concept of children's participation in disaster risk management in this context is complex and poorly understood. Although parents acknowledged that they rarely consulted children, the main reasons were related to community and family values: children's well-being was assumed to be their parents’ responsibility, and adults assumed that children did not have enough experience with disasters to have much to share with the community. Changing adults’ perspectives and facilitating children's participation in disaster risk management requires a common understanding of the importance of involving children in issues that affect their lives.

An Study On How Teaching Efficacy Is Influencing Affective Organisational Commitment Of Secondary School Teachers In Mashonaland Central Province Of Zimbabwe .

An Study On How Teaching Efficacy Is Influencing Affective Organisational Commitment Of Secondary School Teachers In Mashonaland Central Province Of Zimbabwe .

Multiple cellular effects of leaf extracts from Parinari curatellifolia.

BackgroundParinari curatellifolia is a prominent plant in folk medicine in Sub-Saharan Africa. The plant decoctions are used to treat various ailments, including the treatment of cancer, pneumonia, fever, microbial infections and anti-inflammation. The aims of the study were to investigate the effects of P. curatellifolia leaf extracts on cell inflammatory and proliferative activity.MethodsParinari curatellifolia fresh leaves were collected from Centenary in Mashonaland Central Province of Zimbabwe. Plant extracts were prepared using methanol, water, acetone and ethanol. Firstly, the effects of the extracts were determined on xanthine oxidase activity. Kinetic constants were determined for the extracts that showed inhibitory effects. Then the effects of Parinari curatellifolia water extract on LPS, menadione and hydrogen peroxide-activated nitric oxide production in RAW 264.7 cells was determined by quantifying the amount of nitrites formed. Finally, the effects of P. curatellifolia on the proliferation of Jurkat-T cells as well as its modulation of cisplatin-induced cell- cytotoxicity was investigated on a Jurkat human T-cell lymphoma cell line.ResultsThere was significant XO inhibitory activity by the ethanol and methanol extracts at 15.6 μg/ml and 3.9 μg/ml respectively. The IC50 determination for allopurinol, ethanol extract and methanol extract were 0.43 μg/ml, 1.38 μg/ml and 2.19 μg/ml respectively. The kinetic results showed that the ethanol and methanol extracts were allosteric inhibitors of XO. The water extract of P. curatellifolia inhibited NO production in RAW cells when LPS was used as an activator. P. curatellifolia and cisplatin showed dose-dependent cytotoxicity on Jurkat-T cells. Isolated DNA from the cells showed that there was DNA cleavage on cells exposed to P. curatellifolia indicating that apoptosis may be a mechanism by which P. curatellifolia exerts its cytotoxicity on Jurkat-T cells.ConclusionsThese results scientifically support the use of P. curatellifolia leaf extracts in the management of pain, inflammatory and neoplastic conditions. P. curatellifolia thus has multiple biological effects, thus, validating its use in traditional medical uses.

Selected Social Policy Issues: Access to and Use of Potable Water by People Living with Disabilities in Nyakatondo and Foya Villages (Mount Darwin District, Zimbabwe)

The purpose of the study was to analyse access to potable water by people living with disabilities in Nyakatondo and Foya villages in Mount Darwin district. This district is located in Mashonaland Central Province in Zimbabwe. The study was influenced by the lack of empirical studies on water and disability and the acute potable water problems in the two villages. The researchers applied ethnography to achieve a comprehensive understanding of the problem. The study aims to improve the access to potable water by people living with disabilities in the two villages. This overall aim can only be achieved through appropriate understanding of the factors constraining access to potable water by people living with disabilities. The study shows that access to potable water is a serious development problem in the two villages and generally the northern and north eastern parts of the district due to low rainfall levels, low underground water levels and salty water. These problems imply that potable water poverty is high in the two villages and the other parts of the district. The existence of merely one borehole for each of these two villages that is located far from the villages poses potable water challenges for people living with disabilities and everyone else. Prioritisation of water development and convenient water delivery are key recommendations for the transformation of the wellbeing of people living with disabilities and everyone else. The improved water services in the villages should also entail the designing and redesigning of water facilities to enhance accessibility, access, usability and safety for people living with disabilities.

Comparative Analysis of Farmer Participatory Extension Approaches: Case of Farmer Field Schools and Master Farmer Training in Mashonaland Central Province of Zimbabwe

This study made a comparative analysis of two extension approaches, Farmer Field Schools and Master Farmer Training with the objective of finding out the effectiveness of these approaches as regards farmer knowledge gains, skills empowerment, farmer adoption of recommended practices and cost effectiveness. Structured, semi structured questionnaires and informal interviews were used to collect data from farmers, local non-governmental organizations and extension workers. The results indicated that farmer field schools were more effective in terms of improvement in farmer’s knowledge, skills empowerment and change in crop husbandry practices. Master Farmer Original Research Article Gadzirayi and Mafuse; AJAEES, 4(4): 317-324, 2015; Article no.AJAEES.2015.032 318 training improved farmers’ marketing strategies because of assistance rendered by extension workers. Use of farmer field schools is therefore recommended when implementing extension programs targeted at large groups of farmers inclined towards crop husbandry. Where emphasis is on change in marketing strategies use of master farmer training programs is recommended.

Human parasitic protozoa in drinking water sources in rural Zimbabwe and their link to HIV infection.

We aimed to perform a risk assessment in a rural setting, where drinking water is obtained from both protected and unprotected deep or shallow wells, boreholes and springs. Water is consumed untreated and this poses a risk of acquiring waterborne infections that may cause diarrhea. The study included 113 study participants who volunteered in Chiweshe rural community (Musarara village) in Mashonaland Central Province in Zimbabwe. There were 34 (30%) males and 79 (70%) females with ages ranging from 2 to 89 years. HIV counseling was carried out at the communal meeting and testing was done at home visits. Stool and drinking water samples were collected from 104 subjects. Routine laboratory methods were used to examine for parasitic infections. Only 29 (25.7%) of participants were confirmed HIV positive using 2 rapid serology tests; eighty-four (74.3%) were negative. Diarrheic stool samples were observed in 17 (16.3%) participants and of these 5 (29.4%) were HIV seropositive. Several parasites were isolated from stool samples: G. duodenalis 6 (5.7%), E. histolytica/dispar 19 (18.2%), C. parvum, 8 (7.6%) and C. cayetanensis 23 (22.1%). Eleven out of 30 (36.6%) water bodies had protozoan parasites: G. duodenalis 2 (6.6%), E. histolytica 4 (13.3%), C. parvum 1 (3.3%), C. cayetanensis 3 (10%), E. coli 1 (3.3%). The water sources were being used without treatment and were shown to pose a risk for acquiring diarrheagenic protozoan parasites.

Contribution of the Bindura Community Share Ownership Trust to Rural Development in Bindura Rural District Council of Zimbabwe

This research analysed the contribution of the Bindura Community Share Ownership Trust (BCSOT) to Bindura Rural District Council (BRDC) in Mashonaland Central Province of Zimbabwe. Key informant interviews and the survey questionnaire were used for primary data collection while secondary sources such as the Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment Act of 2007 and Statutory Instrument of 2010 which established the Community Share Ownership Trusts were analysed. The research found that 45 projects had been embarked on by the BCSOT. These projects included water, health, education and roads. It concludes that these projects had greatly contributed to rural development in Bindura Rural District Council. The respondents indicated that if CSOTs are to succeed, there should local community involvement in the identification of projects. The research recommended that the BCSOT should also establish small to medium enterprises and other income-generating projects in order to improve rural livelihoods.

Factors affecting diagnosis and management of hypertension in Mazowe District of Mashonaland Central Province in Zimbabwe: 2012.

BackgroundFrom 2005 to 2011 Mazowe District recorded a gradual decline in prevalence of hypertension in the face of rising incidence of complications like stroke. This raised questions on whether diagnosis and management of hypertensive patients is being done properly.MethodsWe conducted an analytic cross sectional study at three hospitals in Mazowe District where we randomly selected 201 of 222 patients from out patients departments and interviewed a convenience sample of 23 healthcare workers. Structured interviewer administered questionnaires were used to collect data on demographic characteristics and knowledge from patients, as well as knowledge and practices from health workers. Physical measurements were done on all patients. Frequencies; proportions, odds ratios, Chi square test and stratified & logistic regression analysis were done using Epi info version 3.5.4 while graphs were generated using Microsoft excel®. Calculations were done at 95% confidence interval.ResultsPrevalence, awareness, control, compliance, and complication rate of hypertension were: 69.7%, 56.2%, 22.0%, 59.8% and 20.7% respectively. Independent risk factors for hypertension were age (POR 3.09; 95% CI: 1.27-7.5), obesity (POR 4.37; 95% CI: 1.83-10.4), and previous high blood pressure reading (POR 19.86; 95% CI: 8.61-45.8). Complications included cardiac failure (8.6%), visual defects (4.3%) and stroke (3.6%). Co-morbid human immunodeficiency virus (10.7%) and diabetes mellitus (12.1%) were identified among respondents. Knowledge was poor in 47.7% of health workers.ConclusionsRisk factors found in this study are consistent with other studies. Health service factors are the main reasons for poor diagnosis and management of hypertension. Health workers need training on diagnosis and management of hypertension. Guidelines, digital sphygmomanometers and adequate drug supply are needed. District has since purchased digital BP machines and requested assistance with training on clinical features of hypertension, use of digital machines, and how to properly measure BP. A policy document on non-communicable diseases including hypertension was subsequently developed by the Ministry of Health and Child Care and currently awaiting endorsement by parliament.