Zimbabwe's Health Sector: Achievements and Challenges as We Welcome 2025

As we bid farewell to 2024, the health sector in Zimbabwe finds itself at a pivotal juncture, marked by significant achievements and ongoing challenges. The government's commitment to enhancing healthcare services has borne fruit, as evidenced by the strides made toward universal health coverage and disease prevention. A key highlight of the year was Zimbabwe's successful attainment of the UNAIDS 95-95-95 target in the fight against HIV and AIDS. This monumental achievement ensures that 95 percent of those infected know their status, are on treatment, and have achieved viral load suppression. While there remains a pressing need to reach these targets among children, the progress made thus far is commendable and indicative of the country's dedication to combating this epidemic. In a pioneering move, Zimbabwe introduced the Cabotegravir long-acting injectable pre-exposure prophylaxis (CAB-LA) as part of its HIV prevention arsenal. This addition, under the CATALYST research study, marks a significant step forward in providing new prevention options to at-risk populations, showcasing the nation's commitment to innovative approaches in public health. Despite these advancements, the health financing landscape reveals stark disparities. With only 10 percent of Zimbabweans possessing medical aid, many are burdened with out-of-pocket expenses for healthcare services. This reliance on personal funds has exacerbated the strain on the public health system, necessitating immediate reforms. In response, the government convened a National Health Financing Dialogue in November, focusing on local resource mobilization and innovative financing strategies. Dr. Aspect Maunganidze, Health and Child Care Secretary, highlighted a notable increase in budget allocation to the Ministry of Health, rising from 9.86 to 13.01 percent. The introduction of a sugar tax aimed at combating non-communicable diseases, particularly cancer, represents a proactive approach to health financing. The funds generated from this tax will be strategically used to procure essential cancer treatment equipment, enhancing care at facilities like Parirenyatwa and Mpilo hospitals. In the realm of emerging health threats, 2024 presented its share of challenges. A cholera outbreak at the beginning of the year evoked memories of past crises, but swift government intervention led to the country being declared cholera-free by July. Continued vigilance and a robust surveillance system were instrumental in managing isolated cases, underscoring the importance of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) initiatives in preventing future outbreaks. Just as Zimbabwe was regaining its footing post-cholera, the emergence of Mpox posed a new public health challenge. The swift identification and containment of cases can be attributed to strengthened surveillance systems and targeted health promotion efforts, demonstrating the resilience of the country’s healthcare framework. Addressing human resources for health remains a critical concern, particularly with Zimbabwe's designation on the World Health Organisation’s red list due to high attrition rates among healthcare professionals. To mitigate this, the Ministry of Health has developed a comprehensive Human Resources for Health Strategy aimed at sustaining a skilled workforce through training, retention, and equitable distribution of personnel. Maternal and child health outcomes have shown improvement this year, with targeted interventions leading to a reduction in mortality rates. While the maternal mortality rate remains a pressing issue, progress is evident with a decline to 362 per 100,000 live births. The Ministry's efforts to ensure adequate blood supplies and train health workers on safe delivery practices are critical components of this success. Looking ahead to 2025, the prospects for Zimbabwe’s health sector appear promising. The Ministry's strategic planning sessions have set ambitious goals for further reducing maternal and perinatal mortality rates, improving access to healthcare, and expanding the number of trained healthcare professionals. Plans to refurbish nursing schools and increase health posts to 6,600 by 2030 demonstrate a clear commitment to building a robust healthcare infrastructure. In conclusion, as 2024 draws to a close, Zimbabwe’s health sector stands at a crossroads, balancing remarkable achievements with the need for continued innovation and investment. By addressing prevailing challenges and building on the successes of the past year, the nation can pave the way for a healthier and more prosperous future for all its citizens.