The Zimbabwean government claims it had planned to take control of the health sector before the U.S. funding freeze by President Trump. Health Minister Douglas Mombeshora stated that accountability issues necessitated the takeover. While temporary measures have been proposed, significant challenges in securing funding and maintaining healthcare services remain.

The Zimbabwean government asserts that a planned takeover of its health sector was underway prior to the announcement by U.S. President Donald Trump to freeze funding for USAID-supported programs. This funding halt, which began with an executive order on January 20, raised alarms regarding the potential impact on the country’s ongoing battle against diseases such as HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria. USAID is pivotal in financing critical medicines and health initiatives in Zimbabwe.

Health Minister Douglas Mombeshora declared that the government has been preparing to gain full control over health services due to accountability issues with non-governmental organizations (NGOs). “We had already planned to take over all health workers to be employed by the ministry because we were facing challenges of accountability,” Mombeshora informed the press in Harare.

Although Trump’s funding suspension was later rescinded, there are ongoing issues related to stock delays for essential medicines, with current inventories projected to last until June 2025. The Health Minister claimed that additional supplies have been procured until September, but contradicted himself by recognizing procurement difficulties and stating that tenders for further supplies had been released.

Mombeshora addressed the need for reassurance despite the grim reality of Zimbabwe’s health system, which has been plagued by chronic underfunding. He urged the public not to panic regarding HIV treatment, emphasizing that measures are in place to mitigate any disruptions

However, with the future of U.S. funding still uncertain, Zimbabwe faces increased pressure to find alternative funding sources to keep its fragile public health infrastructure operational while humanitarian organizations have diminished their presence due to policy changes.

In conclusion, the Zimbabwean government affirms that its initiative to take control of the health sector predates U.S. funding cuts. Although there are provisions for additional medicine supplies, challenges persist, and the country must secure alternative funding to uphold its healthcare system amidst a backdrop of chronic underfunding and recent policy changes.

Original Source: www.thezimbabwemail.com

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