*Half of Zimbabwean men unmarried, ZimStat reports* HARARE, Zimbabwe — Nearly half of Zimbabwean men between the ages of 15 and 49 have never been married, according to new data from the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZimStat). The statistics were released Monday during the launch of the 2023–24 Zimbabwe Demographic and Health Survey report. ZimStat found that 45% of men in the 15–49 age group have never been married, while 48% are currently married or living with a partner. Only 1% are widowed, and 6% are divorced or separated. “In Zimbabwe, significant gender disparities in marital status are evident among individuals aged 15–49,” the report stated. “A higher percentage of women are currently in union (62%) compared to men (48%). Women also experience a higher rate of divorce or separation (12%) than men (6%).” The report highlighted a stark urban-rural divide in marriage registration. In urban areas, 16% of women have formally registered their marriages, compared to only 4% in rural areas. Nationwide, just 9% of currently married women have civilly registered their unions. The survey also revealed trends in child mortality. The under-5 mortality rate declined from 102 deaths per 1,000 live births in 1999 to 69 per 1,000 in 2023–24. However, infant mortality rose from 50 per 1,000 live births in 2015 to 56, while neonatal mortality reached its highest level at 37 per 1,000 live births. The report noted that 3% of men aged 25–49 had sexual intercourse before age 15, and 25% before age 18. By age 20, more than half (51%) had become sexually active. Dr. Aspect Maunganidze, permanent secretary in the Ministry of Health and Child Care, said the data is critical for policymaking and will inform ongoing reviews of the National Health Strategy and National Development Strategy, both covering the period 2021–2025. ZimStat Director General Tafadzwa Bandama said the survey findings show notable progress in several areas of public health. “We are encouraged by improvements in contraceptive use, child nutrition, increased use of insecticide-treated nets, and a reduction in maternal mortality,” Bandama said. “These gains reflect the combined efforts of the government, partners, and communities.” _*--Herald*_ _______________ _*🌍 #zimsphere News Updates*_ _Become part of the ZimSphere community and get your news right here on WhatsApp._ _*Follow our channel:*_ https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaCx76M1yT2EGDoFdf3q _For advertising enquiries or article submissions message +263782834259_ _______________