Story by Abigirl Tembo, Health Editor
IN a move set to redefine access to healthcare for urban communities, the City of Harare, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and ZB Financial Holdings have launched the Community Health Equity Fund (CHEF) at the Hopley Youth Centre and Clinic.
The initiative is a pioneering community-based financing model designed to ensure no resident is denied healthcare due to financial constraints.
The CHEF is structured to provide financial protection, reduce out-of-pocket health expenses and guarantee access to essential services, particularly maternal healthcare, youth-friendly services and sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR).
The fund is expected to catalyse additional public and private sector investment, while strengthening healthcare resilience in vulnerable urban communities.
Harare Mayor, Councillor Jacob Mafume described the fund as a milestone in decentralised health development:
“This is a community fund that we are introducing to make sure that we make health services in our area affordable and also to make sure that we transform and make them more comprehensive and accessible to residents. This is the first one, but we are planning to expand beyond Hopley. In the first quarter of 2026,” he said.
ZB Financial Holdings plays a critical role as the banking and digital backbone of CHEF, ensuring efficiency, transparency and scalability through innovative financial infrastructure. ZB CEO Banking, Mr Elisha Chibvuri, highlighted the institution’s commitment to health service delivery.
“This partnership demonstrates what is possible when government, international and local partners, and the private sector unite with a common purpose, to improve lives. CHEF ensures every family, regardless of income, can access care without fear of cost. By digitising contributions and payments, we ensure transparency, security, and scalability, making this a potential national model for financial inclusion.”
UNFPA Country Representative, Ms Miranda Tabifor, hailed CHEF as a powerful platform for Universal Health Coverage.
“CHEF represents financial protection, community ownership, maternal health, and youth empowerment. It strengthens partnerships for universal health coverage and ensures that every pregnancy is wanted, every birth is safe, and young people’s potential is fulfilled.”
Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Health and Child Care, the Chief Director Policy and Planning in the ministry, Dr Stephen Banda, reinforced the alignment of CHEF with Zimbabwe’s long-term health vision.
“The Ministry’s vision is to achieve the highest possible level of health and equality of life by 2030. CHEF addresses the healthcare needs of underprivileged communities like Hopley and builds on the foundations of the National Health Insurance scheme. Its key principles are solidarity and community ownership, reflecting the African value of Ubuntu: I am because you are. Our collective health is stronger when we work together.”
For Hopley residents, CHEF represents more than a policy, it is relief, dignity and renewed hope.
“We are happy with this medical aid because it will help us whenever we fall sick. So now that we are covered, we are relieved. This is a good move because it is affordable. At only 50cents a month, you are ensured of medical cover,” a resident said.
“This programme gives us confidence as a community. It means our children, pregnant wives and the elderly can receive treatment without fear. It shows that the government and partners are listening to us,” another echoed.
The Community Health Equity Fund is expected to be rolled out to other communities as part of broader efforts to strengthen healthcare financing and ensure universal health coverage across Zimbabwe.
