The Zimbabwean government plans to fast-track the National Health Insurance Bill as part of broader reforms aimed at securing sustainable health financing. The move comes as the country faces a funding gap caused by declining external aid.
Zimbabwe’s health sector has historically relied on foreign support, particularly from the United States. However, aid reductions began after former US President Donald Trump issued an executive order freezing most foreign assistance, followed by proposals to cut billions in global health and development funding.
Other donor countries, including the Netherlands and the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, have also reduced financial support for Africa, further straining Zimbabwe’s health sector.
Health and Child Care Minister Douglas Mombeshora emphasized the urgent need for predictable financing. “We are on track to submit the National Health Insurance Bill to Parliament this month, to finalize it before year-end,” he said at the High-Level Health Development Partners Coordination Forum in Harare.
Mombeshora added that the bill aims to create a stable funding mechanism that pools resources and safeguards levies and taxes for health. “Our goal is simple: every dollar allocated to health must translate into better health outcomes for our citizens,” he said.
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