Health Reporter
Zimbabwe is positioning itself as a leading African destination for international family planning dialogue.
The Government is confident that its investments in reproductive health programmes and infrastructure will strengthen its bid to host the 2028 International Conference on Family Planning (ICFP).
An international assessment team is currently in Zimbabwe to evaluate the country’s suitability to host the global conference, which brings together policymakers, health experts, development partners, civil society organisations and young people to discuss advances and challenges in family planning and sexual and reproductive health.
The delegation is engaging Government ministries, civil society organisations, non-governmental organisations and youth-led groups to assess both the country’s hosting capacity and its contribution to global family planning efforts.
In an interview, chairperson of the International Steering Committee Secretariat Kellie Welborn said the assessment will consider Zimbabwe’s infrastructure as well as its experience and achievements in reproductive health.
“We are here to listen to presentations from various ministries, civil society organisations, non-governmental organisations and youth-led groups about what Zimbabwe has to offer,” she said.
“We are looking at the country’s capacity in terms of venues, hotels and infrastructure, but, importantly, also what Zimbabwe has to share with the world in the areas of family planning and sexual and reproductive health and rights.”
Gates Institute director Philip Anglewicz said Zimbabwe is among the strongest contenders for the hosting rights, alongside South Africa, whose bid will also be assessed.
Rwanda and Egypt have also submitted bids.
“The things we look at include the country’s commitment to family planning, as well as its reproductive health policies and programmes. In that regard, I think Zimbabwe is an excellent example and a leader among African countries,” he said.
The assessment also considers infrastructure, visa processes and the country’s ability to accommodate international delegates.
Health and Child Care Minister Dr Douglas Mombeshora said Government has adopted an all-of-government approach for the preparations, with various departments working together to demonstrate the country’s readiness.
He said preparations have been underway for almost two months, adding that Zimbabwe is confident of meeting the requirements to host the conference.
“As you know, we are always ready. The moment we commit to host such a conference, it means we have done our research, our homework and are fully prepared. All Government departments involved in hosting the conference are participating in the preparations,” he said.
Dr Mombeshora said hosting the conference would provide an opportunity to showcase Zimbabwe’s progress in family planning, strengthen its standing in reproductive health and build confidence among development partners at a time when donor funding is declining.
He said the conference would also create opportunities for the health and tourism sectors, while exposing Zimbabwe’s family planning programmes to international expertise and partnerships.
“From a health perspective, this is an opportunity for us to showcase what we have achieved as a country and establish ourselves as a leader in family planning,” he said.
“It is also an opportunity to build confidence among our development partners and encourage them to continue supporting our programmes.”
Dr Mombeshora said demonstrating accountability, reliability and consistent access to contraceptive commodities for both young people and adults is important in sustaining partner confidence.
Beyond the economic and tourism benefits, hosting ICFP 2028 could provide a platform for Zimbabwe to accelerate progress in addressing reproductive health challenges, particularly among adolescents and young people.
The assessment team will also visit South Africa, with the two Southern African countries emerging as leading contenders for the 2028 edition.
The final decision will determine which country gets the opportunity to host one of the world’s major gatherings dedicated to advancing family planning and sexual and reproductive health and rights.
