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Funds mobilised will be directed towards identified priority areas such as transport, human resources and infrastructure.
The launch was officiated by Deputy Prime Minister Thokozani Khupe at Harare Central Hospital last week.
It attracted United Nations agencies, donor community, private sector, civil society and members of the public.
“I am informed that 180 people worked hard at an emergency meeting convened on the 5th and 6th of March 2009 to come up with 65 recommendations in the National Health Strategy (2009-2013) that formed the basis of the Health Sector Investment Case,” said DPM Khupe.
“We are seeking funds so we can abolish user fees and other charges in our hospitals and clinics.
“A pregnant mother should be treated for free so that we can reduce morbidity and mortality among children and mothers.”
The Ministry of Health and Child Welfare is seeking to raise US$700 million for the next two years following the rapid decline of health funding.
The decline in funding has seen Zimbabweans dying of preventable and treatable conditions and diseases such as HIV and Aids, malaria, pregnancy-related complications and diarrhoeal diseases
The planned interventions are focused on putting progress towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals back on track.
The Minister of Health and Child Welfare, Dr Henry Madzorera, underscored the need for continued co-operation among Zimbabweans and public partners.
“If we raise that amount of money we will be back on track by the year 2012,” he said.
“Do not get tired, we are nearly there, in Shona we say ‘mukwidza unoshura materu’ (when things get tough, we are nearer to a solution).
“We are not asking you to loosen your purse strings today but from tomorrow onwards please come and see us.”
Dr Madzorera said the plan came about after realising that Government alone could not raise the amount of money required to restore the country’s health sector.
“I am happy that Zimbabwe has re-affirmed its commitment to the MDGs when His Excellency, the President addressed the UN General Assembly,” he said.
WHO local representative Dr Custodia Mandhlate, Unicef representative Dr Peter Salama and Usaid’s Mr Peter Halpert all took turns to hail the initiative as a noble one. – SM reporter
Online Reporter