Africa-Press – Zimbabwe. The City of Harare, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the ZB Financial Holdings have signed a memorandum of understanding for implementation of the Community Health Equity Fund (CHEF) to benefit vulnerable communities in the capital.
The CHEF is a community-led programme designed to ensure equitable access to quality and comprehensive primary healthcare for all residents being implemented with guidance from the Ministry of Health and Child Care.
Residents can enrol on the medical aid scheme by paying a once-off registration fee of U$1 and an annual subscription of $2. After this enrolment, members will be exempt from paying council clinic fees.
The basic benefits package covers consultation fees, provision of medicines and membership to clinic wellness clubs.
Once registered on the scheme, members can access maternity services which include six antenatal visits, delivery at Council Clinics and access to caesarean section, ultra-sound scans, and post-natal care with a nominal co-payment on some of the services.
Patients will also have access to laboratory services and radiology services.
By encouraging community participation and leadership membership, the initiative promotes a culture of proactive health planning and empowers individuals to invest in their well-being, recognizing the intrinsic link between improved health and economic empowerment.
“This is more than a signing; it is a declaration of our city’s strategic imperative to build a more resilient, equitable, and prosperous future.
“The CHEF initiative is a foundational policy that directly addresses our city’s most pressing challenges, particularly those faced by the informal sector and our most vulnerable citizens,” said mayor Jacob Mafume at the signing ceremony.
The scheme will be piloted in Mbare and Hopley amid plans to roll it out to the rest of the city next year.
“This collaboration on the community health equity fund is a clear and tangible extension of our purpose to improve lives through service.
“We are leveraging our digital banking and payments solutions to ensure this critical programme is not only sustainable but also accessible to all,” said Cluster Elisha Chibvuri, the ZB Financial Holdings chief executive officer – banking.
In addition to providing digital banking and payments solutions to the scheme, ZB Financial Holdings is extending a subsidised funeral assurance scheme with a monthly premium of US$0.50 to the scheme members which is normally at US$1.50 per month. Beneficiaries will receive a cash payment of US$1,000.
“By offering a subsidized funeral assurance plan, we are providing a vital financial safety net, seamlessly integrating our services into the daily lives of the community and reinforcing our commitment to national well- being”, said Chibvuri.
The community health equity fund represents a powerful testament to the impact of multi-stakeholder partnerships.
This collaboration bringing together the City of Harare, ZB Financial Holdings and UNFPA showcases innovative financing for health and sustainable urban development.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, UNFPA representative Miranda Tabifor described the scheme as a shining example of what can be achieved when diverse stakeholders unite with a shared purpose to address the health needs of vulnerable communities.
“Through this partnership we have sowed a seed of hope, opportunity, and a healthier future for women, girls, young people and the community at large,” Tabifor said.
“As UNFPA, we reiterate our commitment to providing ongoing technical support, guidance, and expertise to ensure the robust implementation and sustainability of the Community Health Equity Fund as well as lay the groundwork for stronger, healthier, and more resilient communities.”
The CHEF project is being seed funded by the UNFPA strategic investment facility to the tune of US$709 000.
For More News And Analysis About Zimbabwe Follow Africa-Press
