MPs Probe Health Sector Crisis Over Donor Funding Cuts

The Joint Portfolio Committee on Health and HIV/AIDS held a critical oral evidence hearing with key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Health and Child Care, the National AIDS Council (NAC), and the Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) Champions Network.

The session was convened in response to a petition from NCD advocates, who raised alarm over the consistent neglect of non-communicable diseases in national health planning, despite a surge in cases.

The discussions focused on the growing strain placed on Zimbabwe’s healthcare system, particularly in the wake of shrinking financial support from global partners. Senior officials from the Ministry of Health presented existing policy frameworks such as the National Health Financing Policy, which is designed to promote equitable and universal access to healthcare.

Parliamentarians and health officials expressed deep concern over the gradual withdrawal of major international donors, especially the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and the Global Fund.

These entities have long supported Zimbabwe’s HIV response and related health programs, and their potential exit threatens the continuity of vital services and access to lifesaving treatment.

To counter the funding gaps, the government highlighted plans to strengthen domestic resource mobilisation. These include increased national budget allocations to health, enforcement of policy reforms, and enhanced accountability mechanisms to ensure efficient use of available funds.

The hearing marked a turning point in acknowledging the urgent need for integrated planning and funding to sustain both HIV and NCD interventions. Stakeholders emphasised the importance of securing long-term investments to uphold public health gains and protect vulnerable populations from falling through the cracks.