By Michael Gwarisa
Harare health insurance has taken a major step forward with the launch of the Community Health Equity Fund (CHEF), aimed at improving access to healthcare and reducing reliance on out-of-pocket payments.
The scheme, supported by the Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), ZB Financial Holdings, and Harare Municipal Medical Aid Society (HHMAS), will see residents pay a once-off registration fee of US$1 and an annual subscription fee of US$2. The pilot will run in the Southern District of Harare, beginning with Mbare and Hopeley, before expanding to Waterfalls, Sunningdale Satellite, Arcadia, Braeside, and Hatfield.
At the launch, Harare Mayor Councillor Jacob Mafume said the scheme would strengthen local clinics and reduce pressure on central hospitals.
The city superintends over the birth of close to 2,500 babies a month. Our outpatient clinics, such as Edith Opperman, see more than 400 people per day. We are now doing caesarean operations at Mabvuku Clinic and have surpassed the 100th operation mark. This means mothers no longer need to be shuttled to rural hospitals,” he said.
He added that by decentralising more services, patients with conditions such as fractures or those seeking maternity care would not need to travel to Parirenyatwa or Sally Mugabe hospitals.
In addition to providing digital banking and payments solutions to the CHEF, ZB Financial Holdings is extending a subsidised funeral assurance scheme with a monthly premium of US$0.50 to CHEF members which is normally at US$1.50 per month. Beneficiaries will receive a cash payment of US$1,000.
“By offering a subsidized funeral assurance plan, we are providing a vital financial safety net, seamlessly integrating our services into the daily lives of the community and reinforcing our commitment to national well-being”, said Mr. Chibvuri.
CHEF represents a powerful testament to the impact of multi-stakeholder partnerships. This collaboration bringing together the City of Harare, ZB Financial Holdings and UNFPA showcases innovative financing for health and sustainable urban development.
UNFPA Country Representative Miranda Tabifore said their initial seed funding of US$709,000 under UNFPA’s Strategic Investment Facility would ensure the scheme takes off.
“It is going to succeed, and it will give birth to others. The partnership supports strategic projects that attract and generate both public and private sector investment,” she said.
She added, “As UNFPA, we have been waiting for this for a long time. We are committed to providing technical support, guidance, and expertise to ensure robust implementation and sustainability. This initiative will not sink – it will succeed.”
The basic benefits package covers consultation by a Doctor, Nurse provision of medicines and membership to clinic wellness clubs. Once registered on the scheme, members can access maternity services which include six antenatal visits, delivery at Council Clinics and access to caesarian section, ultra-sound scans, and post-natal care with a nominal co-payment on some of the services. Patients will also have access to laboratory services and radiology services.
