Peter Tanyanyiwa
Herald Reporter
Zimbabwe’s public health sector has recorded significant progress in recent years, with experts attributing the gains to deliberate Government policy, sustained investment and strengthened governance under the leadership of President Mnangagwa.
Health policy analysts say improvements in infrastructure, disease response mechanisms and access to essential services point to a steadily strengthening health delivery system, particularly since 2017.
Across the country, the rehabilitation and upgrading of clinics and district hospitals, coupled with expanded immunisation programmes and enhanced maternal and child health services, have contributed to improved health outcomes. Rural communities, which previously faced limited access to healthcare, are among the major beneficiaries of these developments.
Zimbabwe has also maintained momentum in the fight against HIV and AIDS, with wider access to antiretroviral therapy enabling many citizens to lead longer and healthier lives. Community-based interventions have further reduced stigma and improved treatment adherence.
The country’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic has also been cited as evidence of growing resilience within the health sector. Coordinated vaccination campaigns, heightened public awareness and the establishment of isolation centres played a crucial role in mitigating the pandemic’s impact.
In addition, increased focus on mental health and substance abuse particularly among youths has gained prominence. Initiatives spearheaded by the First Lady, Auxillia Mnangagwa, have complemented Government efforts through awareness campaigns, rehabilitation programmes and community outreach.
Public health expert and Zimbabwe Presidential Scholarship Alumni Association (ZPSAA) Secretary for Strategic Planning and Innovation, Dr Pfungwa Mambanga, said the progress reflects a clear and deliberate policy direction.
“The gains we are witnessing are not accidental. They are the result of deliberate policy direction, strategic investment and a firm commitment to improving the well-being of citizens,” said Dr Mambanga.
He noted that decentralisation has been a key driver in improving access to healthcare services.
“Bringing healthcare closer to the people has reduced pressure on central hospitals while ensuring that primary healthcare services are accessible to a wider population,” he said.
Dr Mambanga emphasised the link between public health and economic growth, noting that a healthy population is essential for national development.
“Public health and economic development are closely interconnected. A healthy population is fundamental to productivity, national growth and the realisation of Vision 2030,” he said.
He added that sustaining the gains would require strong governance systems and policy consistency.
“Health outcomes are closely linked to the stability and efficiency of governance structures. Without coordinated leadership and consistent policy implementation, it becomes difficult to maintain momentum,” he said.
Dr Mambanga said ongoing governance reforms, including Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 (CAB3), should be viewed within the broader national development framework.
“Governance reforms are not isolated legal processes. They form part of the institutional framework that supports service delivery in critical sectors such as health,” he said.
“A stable and coherent governance environment enables long-term planning, improves resource allocation and enhances the State’s capacity to respond to emerging health challenges, including drug abuse, mental health pressures and non-communicable diseases.”
ZPSAA chairman Mr Roncemore Mhlanga said the association remains committed to supporting Government efforts in advancing public health outcomes.
“As ZPSAA, we are committed to working with Government in advancing public health outcomes by deploying our pool of highly trained professionals to support policy implementation, research and strategic national development initiatives,” said Mr Mhlanga.
“The skills and expertise attained by beneficiaries of Government-supported programmes outside the country will go a long way in ensuring that Zimbabwe achieves its Vision 2030 aspirations.”
Experts say the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) provides a clear roadmap for consolidating gains in the health sector, with emphasis on infrastructure development, human resource capacity and integrated service delivery.
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