By Kuda Pembere
As Zimbabwe transitions into the second phases of the National Development Strategy (NDS2) and the National Health Strategy (NHS2), Health and Child Care Minister Dr Douglas Mombeshora says the government has identified six priority areas to build a resilient, equitable, and high-performing public health system.
Officiating at the Health Ministry’s Strategic Review and Planning Meeting in Mutare, Dr Mombeshora said the new phase would focus on ensuring health services reach every citizen.
This year marks a significant turning point. We are closing the chapter on NDS1 and NHS1, and transitioning to NDS2 and NHS2,” he said.
“Our vision is clear: we will build a resilient, equitable, and high-performing health system where resources are used efficiently, services reach every citizen, and quality care is a right, not a privilege.”
The first priority, Dr Mombeshora said, is to strengthen primary and community-based health care.
“Too often, our central hospitals are overwhelmed because patients do not receive care at lower levels,” he said. “We will invest in community health services, outreach programs, and preventive care so that health reaches every doorstep.”
With donor support declining following funding cuts from the United States and other partners, the Ministry is banking on the National Health Insurance Bill, expected to be tabled in Parliament by year-end.
“Health financing and sustainability are critical. Donor support is declining, and domestic resources must work harder,” Dr Mombeshora said. “The National Health Insurance Bill will provide a stable, sustainable funding base and protect families from catastrophic health expenses. In short: more health for the money and more money for health.”
Dr Mombeshora highlighted the role of the Public Health Institute of Zimbabwe (PHIZ), supported by the EU, WHO, and Africa CDC, in helping the country become self-reliant in managing public health issues.
“The PHIZ will allow us to detect, respond to, and prevent public health emergencies effectively,” he said. “This will make Zimbabwe self-reliant in public health expertise.”
The Minister also revealed that Treasury has approved 14,000 new posts, with 5,284 expected to be filled before December.
“Human resources for health remain a top priority,” he said. “We must deploy staff strategically, improve conditions of service, and build a competent, professional, and motivated workforce. Retention, discipline, and equitable distribution, especially to underserved areas, will guide our approach.”
Government investments in digital health systems are another major focus area.
“Digital health will be a transformative policy direction. By investing in digital solutions, we will increase geographic access to services, improve operational efficiency, and enhance data management for evidence-based decisions,” Dr Mombeshora said. “Telemedicine, electronic health records, and digital reporting systems will be central to achieving these objectives.”
He added that good governance, accountability, and collaboration across sectors are essential to achieving the ministry’s goals.
“Health is not the Ministry of Health’s responsibility alone,” he said. “Only a whole-of-government approach, guided by transparency and evidence-based planning, will allow us to achieve our objectives. The One Health approach shows the importance of multi-sectoral coordination in improving health security.”
Dr Mombeshora acknowledged significant progress, including gains in life expectancy, maternal health, and HIV control.
“We must celebrate progress. Life expectancy is improving, maternal mortality is decreasing, and Zimbabwe surpassed the 95-95-95 HIV targets,” he said. “But we cannot ignore persistent challenges such as neonatal mortality, cholera outbreaks, service delivery gaps, and procurement inefficiencies.”
He concluded that success in the next phase depends on unity, commitment, and innovation.
