Online Reporter
Rutendo Nyeve in Victoria Falls
OVER US$200 million was paid out in health care claims last years, with the Association of Health Funders of Zimbabwe (AHFoZ) now calling on medical aid societies to shift their focus from treating illnesses to promoting wellness among its members.
The call was made by AHFoZ chief executive officer, Ms Shylet Sanyanga during her keynote address at the recently held 2025 Annual All Stakeholders Conference on Health held in Victoria Falls.
Ms Sanyanga said medical aid societies are in the business of health not in the business of illness.
She urged them to proactively incentivize their members to stay well through lifestyle and disease management programs, rather than waiting to pay for treatment when members fall sick.
“The claiming pattern shows that a significant percentage is spent only on sick members whilst those who are well are ignored until they fall sick,” she said.
She also expressed concern over the low penetration of medical aid coverage in Zimbabwe, particularly due to the shrinking formal sector and reluctance among those who can afford coverage but choose not to enroll.
“Trying to join medical aid after 65 is difficult and is expensive. The payments required to catch up with contributions late in life are usually unaffordable. It is therefore advised that people join medical aid early in life, ideally before the age of 60,” she said.
Ms Sanyanga lamented that many people prioritize funeral cover over health insurance.
“This culture needs to change. People should value the importance of enjoying good health before their funeral,” she said.
Another major concern raised was the rise of bogus health practitioners.
The CEO revealed that AHFoZ has received reports of unqualified individuals operating in both public and private institutions, as well as allegations of fraudulent practices by some service providers.
“We are also concerned about media reports of Bogus doctors arrested at some Public institutions as well as reports of the selling of healthcare Diplomas and Degrees,” she said.
“As AHFoZ we have an accreditation process to weed out bogus providers… We need to work together on this challenge which threatens our healthcare sector.”
Despite these challenges, Ms Sanyanga praised the quality of Zimbabwe’s healthcare workforce.
“Despite the challenges affecting the health sector, Zimbabwe still boasts of top-notch healthcare personnel qualified enough to work anywhere in the world,” she said.
She commended the Government and training institutions for their role in producing highly skilled professionals and also acknowledged those who have returned to Zimbabwe after specializing abroad.
She further called for collaboration among all stakeholders to build a sustainable healthcare system.
She urged the Ministry of Health and Child Care to lead nationwide wellness campaigns and reinstate advisory committee meetings to improve communication and policy alignment.
“Many challenges can be addressed through collaboration. We therefore extend an invitation to all stakeholders to feel free to collaborate with AHFoZ,” she said.
The conference was held under the theme: “Promoting Innovation to Achieve and Equitable and Sustainable Healthcare System.”
