Harare, (New Ziana) – The government has approved amendments to the Zimbabwe National Family Planning Council Act [Chapter 15:11] to modernize the country’s reproductive health and family planning framework to meet evolving national and global priorities.
Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr. Jenfan Muswere told journalists after Wednesday’s post-Cabinet briefing that the review will enhance the Act’s effectiveness and relevance by aligning it with current realities, especially the needs of adolescents and youth.
“The amendment will ensure our reproductive health and family planning systems are responsive to the changing health and demographic needs of our people, while embracing gender equality and rights-based approaches,” Dr. Muswere said.
He highlighted that the updated law will cater for the unique reproductive health requirements of different population sub-groups and communities, while also addressing modern challenges such as technological advancements, the rise of non-communicable diseases, and increased demand for services.
The review will also promote male involvement in sexual and reproductive health issues. According to Dr. Muswere, the reforms will harmonize the Act with global, regional and national commitments, including Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) agenda, Family Planning 2030, and Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030.
It will also align with the Public Entities Corporate Governance Act to strengthen governance, accountability, and quality assurance in service delivery. “These changes are not just about updating legislation; they are about safeguarding the health and rights of our citizens while ensuring that service delivery is efficient, accountable, and of the highest quality,” Dr Muswere said.
The review is expected to empower the Zimbabwe National Family Planning Council to respond more effectively to shifting population dynamics, encourage inclusive community engagement, and ensure that no segment of society is left behind in accessing reproductive health services.
New Ziana
