Africa-Press – Zimbabwe. FOR years, Zimbabweans have suffered from a crippled healthcare system, their dreams of wellbeing shattered by a system lacking critical funding and resources.
But now, a remarkable transformation is underway — one that could rewrite the story of public health in this patient and resilient nation.
Zimbabwe’s health sector has long been plagued by chronic under-funding and crumbling infrastructure, leaving many communities without access to quality care.
However, the country’s involvement in the Global Financing Facility (GFF) process aims to unlock sustainable financing and revolutionise the way healthcare is delivered.
At the heart of this transformation is Patron Mafaune, the Zimbabwe GFF country co-ordinator, who has been facilitating critical social and health systems and processes to drive progress.
“The GFF is more than just a funding mechanism,” Mafaune explained recently during an online GFF processes Zimbabwe update meeting, hosted by the Community Working Group on Health (CWGH).
“It’s a collaborative platform that brings together government, civil society and development partners to address the root causes of poor health outcomes.”
One of the key initiatives essential to the process and spearheading it is the development of the Zimbabwe’s National Health Strategy 2026-30 which is underway.
Itai Rusike, the GFF Zimbabwe Processes CSOs Coalition chairperson, provided an in-depth look at this ambitious roadmap during the recent meeting.
“This strategy represents a paradigm shift in how we approach healthcare,” Rusike noted.
“It focuses on strengthening primary health care, investing in community-led interventions, universal health coverage and ensuring equitable access to essential health services.”
The strategy’s holistic approach has garnered praise from civil society organisations [CSOs] across the country and the region.
Tjedu Moyo, a representative from the Civil Society Coalition Group (CSCG), highlighted the importance of meaningful engagement with these stakeholders.
“CSOs have a critical role to play in holding governments accountable, advocating for key and vulnerable populations (KVPs) and ensuring that the GFF processes remain responsive to the needs of the people,” Moyo asserted.
The recent meeting also provided a platform for sharing learnings and best practices from other countries in the region.
Maziko Matemba, the Health Rights and Empowerment Project (HREP) Malawi GFF CSO Coalition chairperson, offered insights from his country’s experience.
“In Malawi, we’ve seen the power of community-driven initiatives supported by GFF,” Matemba shared.
“When local organisations are empowered to design and implement solutions, it leads to a lasting impact.”
He further pointed out: “Continuous dialogue and feedback loops between the government, donors and civil society are critical,” adding that transparency and accountability are essential for the GFF processes to achieve their transformative potential.
As the feature story delves deeper into the insights and perspectives shared during this meeting, it becomes clear that the GFF processes in Zimbabwe are about more than just money.
It’s a holistic approach to strengthening health systems and processes, empowering communities and ensuring that no one is left behind.
“This is a pivotal moment for Zimbabwe’s health sector,” Mafaune reflected.
“By harnessing the power of GFF, we have the opportunity to build a more resilient, equitable, and sustainable healthcare system — one that truly serves the needs of all Zimbabweans.”
Yet the journey ahead is not without its challenges.
Experts caution that the successful implementation of the National Health Strategy (2026-30) and the GFF processes will require unwavering political will, robust accountability mechanisms and the meaningful engagement of civil society and local communities.
“There’s no doubt that the GFF processes have the potential to be a game-changer,” said Chj Chikanda, a public health specialist and adviser to the Health and Child Care ministry.
“But it will take sustained commitment and collaboration from all stakeholders to ensure that the benefits reach the most vulnerable populations,” she noted.
Indeed, the road to universal health coverage in Zimbabwe is a long and arduous one, but the GFF processes have ignited a sense of hope and optimism among those working tirelessly to improve the country’s healthcare system.
As the meeting drew to a close, Mandy Matthias, the programmes manager of the CWGH, emphasised the importance of continued engagement and collaboration.
“The calendar of upcoming GFF CSO Coalition and Steering Committee meetings presents a crucial opportunity for us to stay informed, aligned and united in our efforts to champion meaningful change for local communities,” Matthias stated.
Rusike eloquently stated: “This is our chance to write a new chapter in Zimbabwe’s health story — one of resilience, equity and a brighter future for all.”
With the right strategies, unwavering commitment and political will, the country’s health sector can emerge from the shadows of the past and usher in a new era of accessible, high-quality care for all.
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