Staff Reporter
Healthcare remains a cornerstone of Zimbabwe’s economic development, aligning with the National Development Strategy One (NDS1) and Vision 2030.
In 2024, Government made significant strides to close the gap between urban and rural healthcare, focusing on infrastructure development and improved access to quality services.
Highlighting these efforts, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Child Care, Dr. Aspect Maunganidze, outlined the progress made and future plans.
“The Ministry has continued constructing various health centres across the country. We officially commissioned Runyararo in Manicaland and Mataga in the Midlands. Groundbreaking ceremonies for four new hospitals, including one in Manhize, have already taken place, with construction of Paradza Clinic in Masvingo also set to commence. These projects will stretch into 2025,” he said.
Government has also completed 94 pharmacy stores nationwide, enhancing the delivery of essential drugs and medical commodities. Further advancements include the solar installation of NatPharm warehouses in Harare, Mutare, and Masvingo, as well as rural health institutions.
Through partnerships with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Presidential borehole drilling initiative, clinics in rural areas now benefit from improved water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities.
Dr. Maunganidze emphasised the importance of universal health access, citing the World Health Organisation’s deliverables as a benchmark.
“Our target is to reduce the walking distance to health centres in rural areas from 10 kilometres to 5 kilometres by 2030. This involves constructing health posts, with a goal of 6,600 nationwide. We have reached 2,000 so far, significantly improving access to healthcare for rural populations,” he said.
Additionally, the Ministry has deployed vehicles to all NatPharm warehouses to ensure timely delivery of medical supplies to clinics and health posts, while also working to prevent drug leakages.
Meanwhile, investments in healthcare infrastructure are set to revolutionise the health landscape, ensuring every citizen, regardless of location, has access to quality healthcare. With a focus on equity and efficiency, the country is advancing toward its Vision 2030 goal of a healthier, more prosperous nation.
