By Tafanana Kwedu

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has, with immediate effect, appointed Vice President Constantino Guvheya Chiwenga as Minister of Health and Child Care.

VP Chiwenga takes over from Dr Obadiah Moyo who was discharged of his duties last month for inappropriate conduct.

Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Dr Misheck Sibanda said VP Chiwenga’s immediate task was to revamp the health sector in light of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“In terms of Section 99 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (Number 20) Act 2013, His Excellency the President Cde E D Mnangagwa has appointed Honourable Vice President Dr C D G N Chiwenga as Minister of Health and Child Care. In making this decision, His Excellency the President has noted the urgent need to stabilise, restructure and reform the National Health Delivery system to better cope with challenges of the global Covid-19 pandemic and in the process ensuring a quick turnaround in national healthcare. The appointment is with immediate effect,” Dr Sibanda said.

On Monday President Mnangagwa also appointed Air Commodore Jasper Chimedza as the new Secretary for Health and Child Care.

The appointment of VP Chiwenga comes at an opportune time when Zimbabwe has intensified the fight against COVID-19 with flattening the infection cave being the immediate target.