Harare, (New Ziana) – The Ministry of Health and Child Care on Friday appointed a new 13-member National Aids Council (NAC) board, and challenged it to explore and implement strategies to increase own financing, instead of relying on the Aids levy.
Five of the board members are returning from the previous board, and the rest are new.
The board chairman is Nester Mukwehwa, deputised by advocate Tapson Dzvetero. Other members are Dr Matthew Mare, Tendayi Westerhof, Dr Gilbert Chahwanda, Mabel Buzuzi, Rumbidzayi Zinyuke, Isheanesu Nkomo, Jaison Muradzikwa, Beatrice Dupwa, Ralphel Tsivama, Dr Ntombizanele Vella and Dr Wenceslaus Nyamayaro.
Speaking at the ceremony, Health and Child Care Minister, Dr Douglas Mombeshora implored the board to give priority to finding own funding avenues as the primary sources – donor HIV aid and the HIV levy – were gradually drying up.
“The AIDS Levy has been a vital domestic resource complemented by significant funding from the donor community. The HIV funding landscape continues to change with donors gradually reducing funding for the response,” he said.
“The Board should explore and implement further approaches and ideas for increasing domestic financing. Strengthen the efficiency and accountability of the AIDS Levy to maximize its impact. Strengthen collaboration and partnerships in the HIV response,” he added.
Dr Mombeshora also implored the board to build and foster effective working relationships with all stakeholders, including government, civil society, communities, and international partners. It is a must for the board, he said, to familiarize with NAC’s strategic plan, programs and general policies, including strengthening its role as a leader in the national HIV and AIDS response, ensuring alignment with broader health and national development goals as espoused in the National Development Strategy 1.
“Uphold national as well as the council values such as Transparency, Accountability, Integrity, Professionalism, Innovation, Inclusiveness as well as Teamwork, in all your actions and decisions. Provide strategic leadership to the council,” he said.
“The fight against HIV and AIDS requires innovative and forward-thinking leadership,” he said.
In her acceptance speech, the newly appointed chairman, Mukwehwa promised to work tirelessly to ensure that her board continues to make progress in the fight against HIV in Zimbabwe.
She said going forward, her focus will be to strengthen NAC’s partnerships, improving their service delivery and ensuring that they are reaching those who need their support the most.
“I an excited to work with the talented team ably led by Dr Madzima (Bernard) and with all stakeholders to achieve our national goals. I would like to thank the outgoing chair and the outgoing board members for their leadership and dedication to this cause,” said Mukwehwa.
New Ziana