Government has allocated US$4.5 million from the Contingency Fund to procure critical medical supplies and strengthen disease response measures in high-risk areas, Health and Child Care Minister Dr. Douglas Mombeshora has said.
The funds will be used to purchase essential commodities including cholera and bilharzia treatment medicines, intravenous fluids and water treatment tablets, amid concerns over shortages affecting health institutions.
Speaking during a media briefing, Dr. Mombeshora acknowledged supply challenges, noting that some facilities were running low on key treatment materials.
“We are also low on some commodities like intravenous fluids and a few medications that are required for the treatment of cholera,” he said.
He explained that the intervention will not be rolled out nationwide but will instead target identified hotspots.
“We have mapped out high-risk areas and concentration will be on those high-risk areas, not throughout the country as such,” he added, noting that part of the funding will also support community awareness and public health campaigns.
Meanwhile, Government has begun work on a new National Health Strategy covering 2026 to 2030, which will align with the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2). The plan follows the expiry of the previous health strategy in 2025.
Dr. Mombeshora said the upcoming strategy will focus on strengthening health financing mechanisms, including reinforcing health levies dedicated to supporting the healthcare system.
He also clarified the role of the proposed National Health Insurance Scheme, saying its primary objective is to guarantee universal access to medical services.
“The national health insurance scheme is to provide universal health coverage so that every citizen of Zimbabwe can access health services without out-of-pocket payments,” he said.
According to the minister, the insurance fund will mainly support consultations, investigations and treatment within health institutions, while areas such as surveillance and health education will continue to rely on allocations from the national budget.
Government says the combined measures are aimed at improving access to healthcare while strengthening preparedness against disease outbreaks.
