Harare, (New Ziana) –The Zimbabwe government has an ambitious plan to double its health workforce and expand healthcare infrastructure, a Cabinet Minister has said.
Through the Health Workforce Strategy (2026–2030) which the Minister of Health and Child Care Douglas Mombeshora launched on Monday, the government aims to strengthen service delivery and achieve universal health coverage.
Speaking at the launch, Mombeshora said the strategy seeks to raise life expectancy from 64.7 years to 70 years, reduce maternal and under-five mortality, and improve access to clean water and sanitation.
“A critical component of our strategy is health workforce development. We will train, deploy, and retain sufficient health workers to meet the needs of our population. The Health Service Commission is working tirelessly to support this effort,” he said.
Infrastructure development will also be prioritized, with new clinics planned across the country and maintenance of existing facilities.
Mombeshora said the Presidential infrastructure program has already started revamping public hospitals, and will ensure the facilities are equipped with modern tools appropriate to each level of care.
“The strategy is aligned with Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 of becoming an upper-middle-income society. Building on the National Development Strategy-1 (NDS-1), the upcoming NDS-2 will emphasize social development and protection, including a resilient, people-centred healthcare system. Community participation will be central, with the Ministry set to roll out a revitalized Primary Health Care strategy,” he said.
Mombeshora further underscored the importance of sustainable health financing, adding plans are underway to establish a National Health Insurance Program that will involve citizens and the private sector, which he described as a “critical partner in healthcare delivery.”
“The health financing landscape is changing, and we must adapt to ensure sustainable financing for our healthcare system. We will establish a National Health Insurance Program that promotes the participation of all citizens, including the private sector, which we recognize as a critical partner in healthcare delivery,” he said, adding that increased investment in the sector will be essential to improving outcomes.
New Ziana
