Story by Abigail Tembo,Health Editor
THE Government has launched the National Health Strategy (2026-2030), an ambitious blueprint aimed at strengthening Zimbabwe’s health system, expanding access to quality healthcare and accelerating progress towards Universal Health Coverage by 2030.
Speaking at the official launch in Norton on Thursday, the Minister of Health and Child Care, Dr Douglas Mombeshora, said the strategy is more than a policy document, describing it as a national commitment to ensuring every Zimbabwean has access to quality, affordable and equitable healthcare.
Anchored on Vision 2030 and the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), the five-year strategy seeks to build a resilient, sustainable and people-centred health system capable of responding to future public health emergencies while addressing the country’s evolving disease burden.
Dr Mombeshora said the strategy builds on gains made over the past five years in HIV, tuberculosis, maternal health and digital health systems.
“Zimbabwe has surpassed the global HIV 95-95-95 targets, with 95.1 per cent of people living with HIV knowing their status, 100 per cent receiving treatment and 96.1 per cent achieving viral suppression,” he said.
He added that tuberculosis incidence declined by 13 per cent between 2015 and 2023 due to expanded molecular diagnostics, improved case detection and strengthened treatment programmes.
Dr Mombeshora said maternal mortality also fell from 462 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2019 to an estimated 212 in 2024, while life expectancy has risen to 65 years.
Government has also expanded health infrastructure, constructing 200 new health facilities between 2021 and 2025, increasing the national total from 1,753 to 1,953.
Looking ahead, Dr Mombeshora said the strategy focuses on addressing persistent challenges through sustained investment and reforms, including the creation of 32,000 new health worker posts by 2030.
“Government also plans to increase domestic health financing to at least 15 per cent of total Government expenditure, while reducing the financial burden on patients through the establishment of a National Healthcare Provision Programme and a new Health Financing Strategy,” he said.
The strategy also prioritises strengthening primary healthcare, equipping every district with a fully functional hospital, expanding digital health connectivity to all health facilities, and improving the availability of medicines and essential medical commodities.
The World Health Organisation Country Representative, Dr Desta Tiruneh, welcomed the strategy, describing it as a timely and comprehensive roadmap aligned with global commitments on Universal Health Coverage and the Sustainable Development Goals.
He reaffirmed the WHO’s commitment to supporting Zimbabwe through strengthened health systems, improved health financing, expanded digital health and equitable access to quality healthcare services.
Dr Mombeshora said the strategy is ultimately aimed at ensuring every Zimbabwean, regardless of location, has an equal opportunity to live a healthy and productive life while laying a strong foundation for future generations.
