The Zimbabwean government pre-planned a takeover of the health sector before President Trump’s unexpected order to freeze USAID funding. Health Minister Douglas Mombeshora indicated concerns over accountability within NGOs, while providing reassurance about the continuity of HIV treatment. Despite the reversal of funding suspension, issues with the procurement and delivery of medicines remain, risking the advancements made in public health in the region.
The Zimbabwean government has stated that it had already intended to assume control of the health sector prior to the unexpected executive orders issued by U.S. President Donald Trump. On January 20, President Trump mandated a 90-day freeze on funding and a comprehensive review of programs supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), which is crucial for public health in Zimbabwe and Africa, raising concerns about potential setbacks in the fight against diseases such as HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria.
Health Minister Douglas Mombeshora emphasized that the government aimed to employ health workers directly to improve accountability, as there were challenges in understanding the organizational structure of NGO-employed personnel. Although the suspension of USAID funding for health services was later lifted, delivery of medicines remains an issue, with current supplies projected to last until June, just three months away.
Mombeshora informed reporters in Harare that the government has already taken steps to procure necessary medicines to bridge the gap from June to September. He provided a contradictory account regarding the procurement process, initially indicating halts due to funding issues and later stating that medicines would arrive in phases, alongside a tender for further procurement pending the outcome of Trump’s USAID review.
He remarked, “The challenges that I can say still remain relate to procurement… we have enough stocks up to the end of June, but the stocks that were coming to cover the period after June have been stopped.” Mombeshora remained hopeful about continuing HIV treatment, assuring that “those who are on HIV treatment will not have any disruption, no one should be scared, no one should be seen hoarding.”
Approximately 19,000 village health workers and over 1,000 medical professionals depend on USAID funding. The historical lack of investment in Zimbabwean and African health services has been exacerbated by the departure of various humanitarian organizations following Trump’s decisions.
In summary, the Zimbabwean government had preemptively planned a takeover of the health sector, citing accountability issues within NGOs. While initial concerns about the effects of President Trump’s funding freeze on health programs have lessened, significant challenges remain in procuring and delivering essential medicines. The government assures that treatment for HIV/AIDS will continue uninterrupted despite disruptions. The ongoing situation highlights the fragile status of healthcare in Zimbabwe and the potential risks posed by international policy shifts.
Original Source: www.newzimbabwe.com
