Kuda Pembere
Government has approved the recruitment of 8 785 new health workers as part of efforts to strengthen Zimbabwe’s public health sector and improve service delivery across the country.
Treasury is expected to finalise concurrence for the 2026 financial framework this week, paving the way for the Health Services Commission to immediately begin the recruitment process.
The announcement was made by Deputy Finance Minister David Mnangagwa on Thursday during a Human Resources for Health Dialogue Meeting.
“Now, I’m pleased to formally announce that Treasury has approved 8 785 new health worker posts for 2026,” said Mnangagwa.
“To show our commitment to immediate implementation, I’m happy to report that Treasury concurrence for the 2026 financial framework will be finalised this week, so the Health Services Commission will have immediate clearance to proceed with recruitment.”
Health and Child Care Minister Dr Douglas Mombeshora said the government had adopted ambitious targets under the Health Workforce Compact aimed at strengthening the country’s healthcare system.
“Guided by the Health Labour Market Analysis of 2022, government developed the Health Workforce Strategy 2023-2030, and subsequently the Zimbabwe Health Workforce Investment Compact 2024-2026. These frameworks provide us with a clear national roadmap and measurable commitments,” he said.
“Through the compact, Zimbabwe is committed to doubling the health workforce by 2030, creating and sustaining 32 000 new posts, reducing attrition by 50 percent, expanding annual training output to at least 7 000 graduates, and progressively increasing per capita health workforce investment.”
Dr Mombeshora said notable progress had already been recorded since the establishment of the Health Workforce Investment Compact Steering Committee.
“These are ambitious targets, but they are necessary investments in the future of our nation,” he said.
“I’m pleased to note that since the establishment of the Health Workforce Investment Compact Steering Committee, important progress has been recorded. Governance structures have been strengthened, coordination mechanisms established, and collaboration across government ministries and partners significantly enhanced.”
He said one of the major achievements had been a comprehensive mapping exercise conducted following reductions in external funding support.
“Through this process, 1 292 critical health cadres have already been prioritised for absorption into the ministry’s establishment, while an additional 532 positions remain earmarked for future integration. This demonstrates government’s commitment to safeguarding essential health services and protecting our health workforce,” he said.
The minister also revealed that government had developed a health workforce retention scheme valued at approximately US$11.8 million, with a strong focus on supporting health workers stationed in rural areas.
“This intervention recognises that retention is not only about remuneration, but also about working conditions, accommodation, career development, welfare, and professional recognition,” said Dr Mombeshora.
He added that investments were also being channelled towards expanding training institutions and modernising infrastructure.
“Nearly 5 000 trainees were admitted in 2025, representing substantial progress towards our annual targets,” he said.
