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Obey Musiwa, Herald Reporter
SUBSTANTIAL milestones have been achieved in the health sector, with notable improvements in healthcare access, outcomes, and infrastructure development since the coming in of the Second Republic led by President Mnangagwa.
Efforts to enhance the healthcare system are paying off in key health indicators such as life expectancy, maternal and child mortality rates, and disease prevention, ultimately paving the way for a healthier nation.
Speaking at a press briefing in Harare yesterday, Health and Child Care Minister Dr Douglas Mombeshora said it was important to note the success stories of collective efforts to transform the health sector.
“Through the health and well-being thematic area of National Development Strategy 1, we have made significant strides in improving healthcare access and outcomes across the country,” he said. “Several key health indicators have shown notable improvement, and we can confidently say that our healthcare system is on the right track.”
Dr Mombeshora said the ministry’s goal is to ensure that every Zimbabwean, regardless of where they live, has access to affordable quality healthcare services.
“We are resolute in our belief that the gains we have made will serve as the foundation to overcome these challenges as we work together towards Vision 2030.”
Dr Mombeshora said life expectancy has increased from 61 years to an average of 65 years, and to as high as 68 years for women. On maternal and under-five mortality rates, there has been a declining trend since 2010, with the maternal mortality declining from 525 maternal deaths per 100 000 live deaths in 2012 to 363 per 100 live deaths in 2022.
This was according to the Zimbabwean population census report.
Dr Mombeshora said from November last year to date, 608 suspected cholera cases, 124 confirmed cases and 15 deaths were recorded.
On HIV and AIDS, he said Zimbabwe has surpassed the 95-95-95 uni-AIDS targets. “95 percent of people living with HIV know their status, more than 95 percent of those are on antiretroviral therapy, and 95 percent on ART are virally suppressed.”
The malaria incidence has also declined from 16 per 1 000 cases in 2023 to 2,4 per 1 000 last year.
Zimbabwe has also controlled Mpox and measles outbreaks.
Dr Mombeshora added that the country has accelerated the decentralisation of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) to lower levels through the World Health Package of Essential NCDs Interventions Programme.
Further, despite the suspension of USAID to Africa, HIV and AIDS, TB, and malaria programmes will be conducted by the Government.
“So these are the areas that we realised there will be a gap because of that (United States) Executive Order, those employees who were doing clinical staff are now back at work.
“We have got enough Government funding up to September and some already on standby to procure more medicines to cover us to end of the year,” he said.
Dr Mombeshora said there will be no shortage of transport as the sector is engaging Treasury to increase its fleet, and become self-sufficient.
Online Reporter