News / National
Health activists knock on parly door to address NCDs
26 May 2025 at 08:02hrs | Views
The Zimbabwe NCD Champions Network has raised urgent concerns over the escalating burden of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and mental health conditions in the country, urging Parliament to implement decisive legislative reforms to protect the health and well-being of Zimbabweans.
The network is advocating for the creation of a dedicated council to coordinate a multisectoral response to NCDs and mental health challenges. Central to their proposal is the establishment of a specialized NCDs and Mental Health Fund, financed through revenues generated from a health levy on mobile airtime and broadband, as well as corrective "sin taxes" on tobacco, sugary drinks, ultra-processed foods, and trans fats. This fund would be ring-fenced to ensure the resources are exclusively used for health-related interventions, backed by robust systems of transparency and accountability.
Alternatively, the network suggests repealing the current National AIDS Council Act in favor of a comprehensive National Health Act. This new legislation would consolidate all health-related levies, including the AIDS levy, airtime and broadband levies, and sin taxes, into a single streamlined framework. Such a model would enable more efficient resource management and promote better coordination in health funding.
The network emphasizes that the implementation of these health taxes would deliver multiple benefits: reducing the financial strain on the healthcare system by generating sustainable revenue, discouraging unhealthy behaviors, and fostering healthier lifestyles among the population.
Jacob Ngwenya, Lead Advocate for the Zimbabwe NCD Champions Network, stated, "The legislative intervention we're proposing will ring-fence all health funds, ensuring that they're used only for their intended purpose. This will bring much-needed transparency and accountability to health funding in Zimbabwe."
The network's proposals represent a critical push towards transforming Zimbabwe's health sector and addressing the growing challenges posed by NCDs and mental health disorders. By prioritizing health funding reforms, Parliament can help secure a healthier and more prosperous future for all citizens, ensuring access to quality healthcare services and stronger systems to combat these rising health threats.
The network is advocating for the creation of a dedicated council to coordinate a multisectoral response to NCDs and mental health challenges. Central to their proposal is the establishment of a specialized NCDs and Mental Health Fund, financed through revenues generated from a health levy on mobile airtime and broadband, as well as corrective "sin taxes" on tobacco, sugary drinks, ultra-processed foods, and trans fats. This fund would be ring-fenced to ensure the resources are exclusively used for health-related interventions, backed by robust systems of transparency and accountability.
Alternatively, the network suggests repealing the current National AIDS Council Act in favor of a comprehensive National Health Act. This new legislation would consolidate all health-related levies, including the AIDS levy, airtime and broadband levies, and sin taxes, into a single streamlined framework. Such a model would enable more efficient resource management and promote better coordination in health funding.
Jacob Ngwenya, Lead Advocate for the Zimbabwe NCD Champions Network, stated, "The legislative intervention we're proposing will ring-fence all health funds, ensuring that they're used only for their intended purpose. This will bring much-needed transparency and accountability to health funding in Zimbabwe."
The network's proposals represent a critical push towards transforming Zimbabwe's health sector and addressing the growing challenges posed by NCDs and mental health disorders. By prioritizing health funding reforms, Parliament can help secure a healthier and more prosperous future for all citizens, ensuring access to quality healthcare services and stronger systems to combat these rising health threats.
Source - online
