Moffat Mungazi
Tendai Gukutikwa
Health Reporter
THE health sector has recorded major gains, including surpassing global HIV suppression targets and reducing maternal mortality, signalling a turning point in the country’s journey towards a modern, resilient health system.
Officially opening the Ministry of Health and Child Care’s Strategic Review and Planning Meeting in Mutare this morning, Health and Child Care Minister, Dr Douglas Mombeshora said results show the impact of investment, reforms and collaboration with partners.
“Life expectancy is improving, maternal mortality is decreasing. Zimbabwe surpassed the 95-95 HIV targets. We must celebrate this progress,” he said.
The Minister highlighted improvements in disease surveillance, outbreak response and digital health, noting that hospital upgrades are no longer theoretical.
“Investments in diagnostics, CT scans, MRIs, ICU capacity and digital health systems are already transforming our hospitals,” he said.
Dr Mombeshora said as Zimbabwe transitions from National Development Strategy (NDS1) to NDS2, and to the new National Health Strategy, progress must guide planning.
“Our vision is that every Zimbabwean will receive quality health care as a right, not a privilege,” he said.
However, Dr Mombeshora cautioned that the sector still faces challenges such as neonatal mortality and gaps in procurement efficiency.
“These are real, and they demand action,” he said, urging stronger accountability and cross-sector collaboration.
Dr Mombeshora said the next phase requires commitment and honesty.
“We will co-create the next Zimbabwe,” he said.
Also giving her remarks, Health Service Commission deputy chairperson Dr Rugare Kangwende said despite funding shifts and adversity, health workers have held the system together.
“These individuals are the heartbeat of our national health response,” she said.
Online Reporter