Story by Tichaona Kurewa
The 15th edition of the Association of Healthcare Funders of Zimbabwe (AHFoZ) annual conference kicked off in Victoria Falls this Thursday, with government highlighting key legislative interventions to improve the health delivery system.
The Zimbabwean healthcare system has undergone significant improvements under the Second Republic with health indicators like child immunisation now above 90 percent in terms of coverage.
Government is now reviewing health legislation to respond better to emerging challenges.
“These include amendment of the Health Professions Act to strengthen regulation of health professions and create an enabling environment for health investment. The Medicines and Allied Substance Act is being amended to expand and strengthen regulation of medicines and medical products. A critical feature of this amendment are provisions allowing regulation of medical devices by MCAZ. The Medical Aid Societies Bill is on the agenda. You are being invited to the stakeholders’ consultation meeting for the Bill is scheduled for the 19th of September. Key reforms include establishment of regulatory authority, review of capital and investment modalities among other issues. Experts concurred that an independent regulatory board is key ensuring a viable health delivery system,” noted the Minister of Health and Childcare, Dr Douglas Mombeshora.
The conference is seeking ways to broaden health coverage and affordability.
AHFoZ chief executive officer Ms Shylet Sanyanga said, “The primary objective of the conference is to create a platform for stakeholders to engage in meaningful discussions, exchange knowledge and develop strategies that will enhance health outcomes in Zimbabwe. By focusing on “making the main thing the main thing”, the conference aims to shift the attention towards effective interventions that can lead to improved health outcomes for individuals and communities. Some of the resolutions will be shared with the government while some will be implemented by us.”
Zimbabwe surpassed the UNAIDS 95-95-95 HIV and AIDS targets with 95 percent of people living with HIV are now aware of their status.
Around 99 percent of those diagnosed receive antiretroviral therapy and 96 percent of individuals on treatment have their viral load suppressed.
