Zimbabwe targets 32 000 new health workers

The Government has launched the National Health Strategy 2026–2030, committing to increase domestic health funding to 15 percent of total national expenditure, create 32,000 new health worker posts and connect every public health facility to the internet by 2030.

Health and Child Care Minister Dr Douglas Mombeshora unveiled the five-year strategy at Norton Hospital on Friday, describing it as a blueprint for transforming Zimbabwe's healthcare system and advancing the country's Vision 2030 and Universal Health Coverage goals.

"Today, we are not just launching a document. We are making a solemn commitment to the people of Zimbabwe," Dr Mombeshora said.

"This strategy represents a defining moment in our nation's journey towards health and well-being, charting a transformative path that is both ambitious and, crucially, achievable."

The launch was attended by Mashonaland West Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Marian Chombo, legislators, councillors, heads of health parastatals and other senior government officials.

A key pillar of the strategy is the digital transformation of the health sector through the expansion of the Impilo Electronic Health Record system.

Government plans to connect all remaining public health facilities to the internet to eliminate paper-based record-keeping and improve service delivery and accountability.

The Impilo system is already operational at 1,254 health facilities across the country.

Dr Mombeshora said the new strategy builds on significant gains made during the previous planning cycle.

Zimbabwe has achieved the global 95-95-95 HIV treatment targets, with 95.1 percent of people living with HIV knowing their status, all those diagnosed receiving treatment, and 96.1 percent achieving viral suppression.

Maternal mortality has also declined significantly, falling from 462 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2019 to an estimated 212 in 2024.

During the same period, life expectancy increased to 65 years, while the number of health facilities rose to 1,953 following the construction of 200 new clinics and hospitals between 2021 and 2025.

Despite these achievements, Dr Mombeshora acknowledged that Zimbabwe's healthcare system continues to face major challenges, including staff shortages, high attrition rates and inadequate funding.

He said many clinics and hospitals currently receive less than half of their allocated operational budgets.

To address these challenges, the strategy commits to increasing domestic health expenditure to at least 15 percent of the national budget, in line with the Abuja Declaration, while doubling the country's healthcare workforce by creating 32,000 new posts by 2030.

"Health financing remains a major constraint," Dr Mombeshora said.

"Heavy reliance on donor funding, which fluctuates, and high out-of-pocket payments by households, which stood at 27.8 percent in 2023, expose families to catastrophic health expenditures and impoverishment."

Government is also developing a new Health Financing Strategy to support the establishment of a National Healthcare Provision Programme aimed at reducing dependence on external funding.

The minister acknowledged that several health indicators remain a concern.

Tuberculosis mortality among HIV-negative people has increased by 28 percent, while malaria deaths have risen in some years.

He also noted that HIV incidence remains disproportionately high among adolescent girls and young women, with only 63 percent of children living with HIV aware of their status compared to 97 percent of adults.

To improve healthcare access, the strategy aims to ensure every district has a fully equipped hospital supported by reliable electricity and water supplies.

"The era of planning without implementation is over," Dr Mombeshora said.

"Let us demonstrate collective accountability and unwavering dedication to improving the health and well-being of every Zimbabwean. With this National Health Strategy, we commit that a child born in Binga, a young woman in Epworth, a miner in Shurugwi and an elder in Bulawayo will all have a fair chance of living a healthy life."

World Health Organisation (WHO) country representative Dr Desta Tiruneh welcomed the launch, describing the strategy as a shared national commitment to strengthening Zimbabwe's healthcare system.

"We are not simply launching a strategic document. We are affirming a shared national vision, ensuring that no one and no place is left behind," Dr Tiruneh said.

He said WHO had provided both technical and financial support during the strategy's development.

However, he stressed that its success would ultimately depend on implementation.

"The true value of any strategy lies not in the quality of the document itself, but in the tangible improvements it delivers in people's lives. Success will be measured by healthier mothers and children, stronger disease prevention and control systems, and greater access to quality and affordable health services," he said.