Zimbabwe News

Harare—Zimbabwe has taken a bold and historic step toward strengthening its health system with the creation of the National Public Health Institute (NPHI), aligned with global best practice and the African Union (AU) New Public Health Order. This science-driven, semi-autonomous institution is designed to enhance the country’s public health capacity and resilience.

Harare—“I was scared and terrified because I was still very young when I received the news. What else was going to save me if the medicines that are supposed to treat me are failing?” wonders Brandon Jaka, a 26-year-old pharmacist in Harare, in reminiscence.

Born with HIV, Jaka has lived his entire life relying on daily medication to suppress the virus. From an early age of 8 years, he learned to manage his condition through strict adherence to treatment and diet with guidance from his doctor and family.

Harare—Zimbabwe is intensifying efforts to improve the prevention, early detection and treatment of breast and cervical cancers by integrating cancer and chronic disease services into primary health care. This approach aims to bring essential health services closer to communities and ensure women have equitable access to quality care.

Harare—As part of the ongoing efforts to combat Human African Trypanosomiasis (HAT), (commonly known as sleeping sickness) in Zimbabwe, World Health Organization hosted a three-day Laboratory Diagnosis and Surveillance Training. The training brought together a team of 20 laboratory personnel, clinicians, and field officers from areas at risk of HAT transmission. These includes staff working in safari camps and health facilities near endemic areas around Kariba Lake.

Harare—Zimbabwe marked a major milestone in child health with the launch of the National Measles-Rubella (MR) Vaccination and Vitamin A Supplementation Campaign at Stoneridge Clinic in Harare.

Harare—World Health Organization (WHO)'s Regional Office for Africa (AFRO), through the Expanded Special Project for the Elimination of Neglected Tropical Diseases (ESPEN), conducted a joint technical mission to Zimbabwe from 7-11 July 2025.

Harare—From 29 June to 4 July 2025, Zimbabwe conducted its second Joint External Evaluation (JEE) to assess the country’s capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to public health threats under the International Health Regulations (2005). The JEE, coordinated by the Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC) with support from WHO and partners, marks a critical milestone in strengthening Zimbabwe’—s public health emergency preparedness and response systems.

Kadoma—Nine-year-old Mavis* from rural Sanyati was looking forward to a joyful December holiday, filled with games and laughter with her siblings. But those plans came to an abrupt halt when she woke up one morning unable to walk.

Harare—Zimbabwe has bolstered its ability to detect and respond to poliovirus outbreaks with the commissioning a state-of-the-art Environmental Surveillance (ES) laboratory unit within the National Polio Laboratory. This significant milestone, which was marked by an official commissioning ceremony, enables the country to test wastewater for poliovirus, allowing for early detection of the virus and allowing timely response to potential outbreaks.

Harare—“I got to know about the programme from my child when she got back from school and I provided consent," says Ropafadzo Shamuyarira, a 23-year-old mother of two from Mt Pleasant, whose children were vaccinated in Zimbabwe’s most recent polio vaccination campaign.