Online Reporter
Diana Nherera
The City of Harare and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) have piloted the Community Health Equity Fund, which is expected to source and resolve funding for health services and improve the provision of medications.
City of Harare health services manager, Mr Richard Chigerwe, said in an interview after a meeting held at Tariro Clinic in Hopley that the fund, which is set to be launched next month, is expected to see clinics eventually opening 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
“It is a project that aims to find a sustainable health financing model for health services in Harare,” he said.
“We are doing it in partnership with UNFPA. They have given us funding to pilot it in the southern district.
“So basically, we will be inviting the communities to contribute $2 per annum. And funds will be retained at the clinic.
“In the case of Hopley clinic, it will be retained at Hopley and the community will be in charge of mobilising for enrolment.”
Mr Chigerwe said community structures will be responsible for managing the fund as the funds will be banked and retained at facility level.
“We hope with that funding; we will solve the problem of finding funding for health services and also improve on the provision of medicines.
“We will eventually be able to open our clinics 24 hours seven days a week and we invest more in medicines, equipment and human resources for health.”
Mr Chigerwe said for Hopley, the city intends to put up a maternity facility.
“It solves the financing issues for health. Basically, it will be anchored, mobilised and retained at the community level,” he said.
“The reason why we are thinking about the Hopley Clinic is that it was officially opened by the President.
“And if he comes back again to Hopley to launch the health financing scheme, it will be a game changer for health services.”
