By Kuda Pembere
Zimbabwe is working on establishing a dedicated budget line for the operationalization of the country’s Public Health Emergency Operation Centres (PHEOCs), amid dwindling external financial resources both globally and regionally.
Speaking to journalists after officiating the ongoing Public Health Emergency Management Executive-Level Training, the Minister of Health and Child Care, Dr. Douglas Mombeshora, said steps are underway to introduce a legal instrument to formalize this budget line.
Zimbabwe remains committed to the Lusaka Call to Action and the operationalization of public health emergency operation centres. We are working toward enacting a legal framework to ensure a dedicated budget line for these centres, thereby solidifying our commitment to public health emergency management,” Dr. Mombeshora said.
The Minister noted that a budget estimate for operationalizing the PHEOCs will be available by the time Zimbabwe presents its mid-year budget.
“We are working on the figure. All the information we are gathering will inform the final amount. Remember, the budget is reviewed in June, and by then, we will have the figures we need,” he said.
Dr. Mombeshora also commended development partners for supporting the establishment of PHEOCs across the country.
“I am heartened by the progress made in enhancing our preparedness for public health emergencies. Notably, the establishment of eight subnational emergency operation centres supported by World Vision, and three additional provincial centres supported by WHO, complement the National Public Health Emergency Centre. The national centre was developed with support from the Higher Life Foundation and Econet. These initiatives underscore our commitment to strengthening our health emergency response systems,” he said.
He added that the training would contribute significantly to enhancing the country’s public health emergency management capacity.
“I would like to reiterate my gratitude to Africa CDC for this training, and to WHO, UNICEF, World Vision, the Higher Life Foundation, and other partners for their invaluable support to our health emergency program.
“This training will deepen our understanding of emergency response and support our collective efforts to strengthen public health emergency management in Zimbabwe. As we move forward, our work will be guided by the President’s health vision for 2030, which emphasizes universal health coverage, equity, and equality—leaving no one and no place behind,” Dr. Mombeshora added.
Africa CDC Principal Program Officer for Emergency Preparedness and Response, Dr. Matthew Tut, said declining official development assistance has hit Africa the hardest.
“As we convene this capacity-building session, we must recognize that the African continent stands at a critical juncture. Our environment is changing at an unprecedented rate, and our healthcare systems are under immense strain. The frequency and severity of cyclones, disease outbreaks, and other public health threats are increasing.
“Globally, official development assistance has declined by 70%, and Africa is the most affected. These challenges are devastating, threatening the foundation of our health systems. But this crisis goes beyond numbers—it is a financial crisis, with African debt levels expected to surpass external financing inflows.
“The Abuja Declaration calls on member states to allocate 15% of their national budgets to health. Yet, this promise remains largely unfulfilled, with only three out of 55 member states meeting this target.
“Our health infrastructure and workforce are under-resourced, and our systems are overwhelmed. In this context, this training is more crucial than ever. We must work together to strengthen our health systems, build resilience, and ensure our leaders are equipped to meet the complex challenges ahead,” he said.
WHO Representative Dr. Desta Tiruneh, represented by Dr. Naijibullah Safi, emphasized the role of PHEOCs in improving emergency preparedness and response.
“The COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing cholera outbreaks across the continent have exposed systemic weaknesses—limited health workforces, inadequate funding, weak health systems, and insufficient stockpiles, among others.
“However, progress has been made through proven public health interventions that have shortened the time it takes to detect and control outbreaks. These include the establishment and adequate resourcing of public health emergency operation centres at both national and sub-national levels, which are crucial for early detection, reporting, and coordinated response,” he said.
UNICEF Deputy Representative Ms. Zeinab Adam, speaking on behalf of Country Representative Ms. Etona Ekole, stressed the importance of routine immunization.
“Many emergencies we face are preventable with vaccines. This highlights the critical need to strengthen routine immunization programs as a foundation for robust public health security.
“In the face of rising public health threats, the relevance of emergency management principles cannot be overstated. Over the years, UNICEF has worked with the Government of Zimbabwe and stakeholders to ensure no child, and no one, is left behind—even during the most challenging times,” she said.
World Vision Zimbabwe National Director Mr. Assam Golowa said the organization recently handed over eight sub-national PHEOCs to the Ministry of Health, valued at US$800,000.
“The Public Health Emergency Management Training for health executives, supported by Africa CDC, is a crucial step in enhancing our country’s preparedness. This aligns with World Vision’s commitment to protecting the health and well-being of Zimbabwe’s most vulnerable populations, especially children.
“Just a month ago in Kadoma, we handed over eight public health emergency operation centres valued at US$800,000 to the Ministry of Health. These investments are part of our broader effort to strengthen the public health emergency response.
“Recent cholera outbreaks, cyclones, and COVID-19 highlight the need for a robust emergency management system. Our collective efforts show that preparedness is key to saving lives,” he said.
Higher Life Foundation Country Director Mr. Philani Nyatsanza recalled the organization’s role in setting up the National PHEOC at Parirenyatwa Hospital.
“This centre became operational in March 2020, just a day after COVID-19 was declared a national disaster. It immediately provided a real-time hub to monitor the pandemic’s progression. This centre is not just a local solution—it aligns with WHO and Africa CDC standards.
“Importantly, Zimbabwe was ahead of the curve, having already established its national PHEOC before the 2022 Lusaka Call to Action, which urged African nations to set up such centres by 2026. We commend the Minister, team leaders, and all partners for ensuring Zimbabwe remains prepared for health emergencies,” he said.
