Zimbabwe targets 70-year life expectancy

Zimbabwe has launched the National Health Strategy, a comprehensive policy framework that will guide health sector reforms through to the end of the decade.

The new strategy is aligned with National Development Strategy 2 and prioritises reducing maternal and under-five mortality, strengthening primary health care, and expanding access to essential health services across the country.

According to the Zimbabwe Demographic and Health Survey (ZDHS) released in June 2025, Zimbabwe's maternal mortality ratio declined to 363 deaths per 100,000 live births, down from 462 in 2015. Authorities say the new strategy aims to accelerate this progress while addressing emerging health challenges.

Speaking at the launch, Health and Child Care Minister Douglas Mombeshora said the country is targeting universal health coverage and improved life expectancy.

"Our goal is to achieve universal health coverage and improve life expectancy from 64.7 years to 70 years. We also aim to reduce maternal and under-five mortality and increase access to clean water and sanitation. We have made significant gains in combating communicable and non-communicable diseases, and this National Health Strategy will provide a roadmap for addressing emerging challenges and reducing the burden of disease," he said.

A key component of the strategy is the recruitment of thousands of health workers to prevent service disruptions. The government plans to hire more than 1,000 doctors and nurses, as well as 19,000 village health workers.

"We will prioritize service delivery, ensuring that all platforms, from community to highest-level referral hospitals, are enhanced and responsive to people's needs. Community participation and ownership of health initiatives will be central to our approach. We will also develop a Primary Health Care strategy to rejuvenate and strengthen this critical aspect of our healthcare system," Mombeshora said.

The forthcoming Health Workforce Strategy seeks to double the national health workforce through expanded training, deployment and retention initiatives. The Health Service Commission will support implementation and outline priority actions under the plan.

Infrastructure development is another major pillar of the strategy. Central hospitals are currently being refurbished under the presidential infrastructure programme, with plans to extend upgrades to additional facilities nationwide.

"We will expand health infrastructure across all levels, build new clinics, and maintain existing facilities. We are grateful for the presidential infrastructure programme, which has initiated the revamp of hospitals, and we hope to see this initiative continue. Equipping our healthcare facilities with relevant equipment, aligned with the package of care for each level, will be a priority," the minister said.

The strategy also recognises the importance of broader social determinants of health, including water, sanitation and infrastructure.

"We recognize the importance of water and sanitation, infrastructure development, and other social factors that impact health outcomes. We will advocate for increased investment in these areas to improve service delivery and outcomes," he said.

To ensure sustainable funding, the government plans to establish a National Health Insurance Programme aimed at broadening participation in healthcare financing, including from the private sector.

"The health financing landscape is changing, and we must adapt to ensure sustainable financing for our healthcare system. We will establish a National Health Insurance Programme that promotes the participation of all citizens, including the private sector, which is a critical partner in healthcare delivery," Mombeshora said.

Digitisation of the health sector will also be prioritised.

"We will invest in digital health systems to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance patient care," he added.

With the launch of the National Health Strategy 2026–2030, Zimbabwe is setting an ambitious course for reform, placing workforce development, infrastructure, financing and primary health care at the centre of its efforts to build a more resilient and inclusive healthcare system.