Online Reporter
Remember Deketeke
Herald Correspondent
Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening health delivery in underprivileged communities, with Health and Child Care Minister, Dr Douglas Mombeshora, saying Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 can only be realised through inclusive and equitable access to healthcare.
In a speech read on his behalf by Acting Permanent Secretary Dr Stephen Banda during the launch of the Community Health Equity Fund (CHEF) at Hopely in Harare on Wednesday, Dr Mombeshora said the initiative was a key step towards improving health outcomes for marginalised communities and building resilient local health systems.
He said the fund aligned with Government’s broader push to establish a national health insurance framework.
“The vision of this country is to become an upper-middle-income economy by 2030. The vision of my ministry is to achieve the highest possible level of health and quality of life for all citizens by 2030. We are committed to this vision,” he said.
“To achieve this vision, we must ensure we address the healthcare needs of underprivileged communities like Hopely.”
Under the CHEF scheme, residents can enroll by paying a once-off US$1 registration fee and an annual US$2 subscription.
CHEF is being seed-funded to the tune of US$709 000 through the UNFPA Strategic Investment Facility.
Once registered, members are exempt from paying routine council clinic fees and receive access to a basic benefits package covering consultations, medicines and membership to wellness clubs.
The scheme also unlocks maternity services, including antenatal visits, delivery at council clinics, caesarean sections, ultrasound scans and post-natal care, with nominal co-payments on selected services. Laboratory and radiology services will also be accessible.
He said the insurance framework envisaged increased domestic health financing and CHEF was one of the strategies designed to cushion citizens, promote savings for health and deepen community participation.
The fund’s motto, “My Health, Our Health-Utano Hwedu,” underscores the link between individual wellbeing and community health.
Harare Mayor, Councillor Jacob Mafume, said the city was preparing its infrastructure for increased demand.
“There is a need to extend this clinic so it contains a fully-fledged maternity wing,” he said.
“Our mothers deserve dignified spaces to give birth, and we must respond with urgency.”
He said council also planned to build a theatre to reduce referrals and strengthen onsite clinical capacity.
UNFPA Representative, Ms Miranda Tabifor, said the fund demonstrated the power of collaboration.
“This Fund is a shining example of what can be achieved when stakeholders unite with a shared purpose to address the health needs of vulnerable communities.”
The project will be piloted in the Southern District, starting with Mbare and Hopely, before rolling out across Harare from 2026.
Residents welcomed the programme, with a Hopely mother, Mrs Petronella Gatsi, saying it would ease financial strain.
“For years we have had to choose between buying food and paying clinic fees. With this programme, at least our children can be treated without us panicking about money,” she said.
Mr Terrence Chidemo of Mbare said the scheme finally catered for informal workers.
“US$ 3 a year for healthcare is something we can manage. For the first time, we feel that a policy has been designed with ordinary people in mind,” he said.
