By Michael Gwarisa
Minister of Health and Child Care, Dr Douglass Mombeshora, has announced that Zimbabwe now recognises eye health as an integral component of Universal Health Coverage and national development.
He made the remarks while addressing a Breakfast Meeting during the recently concluded ECSA Health Community Conference in Mbabane, Eswatini.
“Across the ECSA region, millions of our citizens live with avoidable blindness and visual impairment,” said Dr Mombeshora.
“Zimbabwe has responded in a structured and deliberate manner. We recognise eye health as an integral part of Universal Health Coverage and national development, and have anchored this commitment through our National Eye Health Strategy for 2021 to 2025 and its integration into broader health sector strategies.”
Dr Mombeshora said the government is focusing on people centred and integrated eye care at all levels of the health system. This includes strengthening human resources, expanding secondary and tertiary services, and working with partners to reach underserved communities.
He acknowledged that gaps remain, particularly in primary eye care, sustainable financing, and equitable access for rural and vulnerable populations.
Although most eye conditions are preventable or treatable through proven and cost effective interventions, the minister warned that the cost of inaction remains high. Vision loss contributes to lost productivity, reduced household income, increased dependency, and additional pressure on health and social services.
