Zimbabwe Government to Take Over Health Sector Amid Trump Funding Freeze

The Zimbabwean government plans to take control of the health sector, claiming initiatives predated Trump’s funding freeze on USAID. Health Minister Mombeshora noted challenges in procurement and reassured continued HIV treatment despite funding interruptions. The healthcare sector faces difficulties due to reduced NGO support post-Trump’s order.

The Zimbabwean government has asserted its intention to take control of the health sector, claiming such plans were already in place prior to President Donald Trump’s unexpected executive order.

On January 20, President Trump issued a 90-day freeze on funding and a thorough review of all USAID-funded programs. This raised concerns about potential setbacks in the fight against HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria in Africa, particularly Zimbabwe.

Health Minister Douglas Mombeshora stated, “We had already planned to take over all health workers to be employed by the ministry because we were facing challenges of accountability.” He noted that uncertainties regarding the reporting structures of NGO employees prompted the government’s action.

Although funding suspensions on health programs were later rescinded, the delivery of essential medications remains stalled, with existing stocks projected to last only until June. Mombeshora clarified that the government had already procured additional supplies to cover the period extending to September.

In a complex statement, Mombeshora indicated that procurement challenges had arisen, claiming that orders for necessary medications had been halted. He later mentioned that procurement would occur in phases, as tenders had been issued while waiting for Trump’s USAID review.

“The challenges that I can say still remain, relate to procurement… we cannot wait to see what happens after the 90 days,” Mombeshora elaborated, indicating that the government was seeking tender offers for medicines needed from June to September.

USAID’s role included financing medicine procurement, providing condoms, and compensating healthcare personnel. Mombeshora reassured the public, stating, “Those who are on HIV treatment will not have any disruption.” Additionally, he mentioned that over 19,000 village health workers and more than a thousand nurses and doctors relied on USAID support.

Zimbabwe’s healthcare system, already suffering from significant underinvestment since independence, faces further challenges amidst the withdrawal of additional humanitarian organizations following Trump’s directives.

In summary, the Zimbabwean government’s actions to reassert control over its health sector were premeditated before President Trump’s funding suspension. Health Minister Douglas Mombeshora emphasized ongoing procurement challenges while assuring there would be no disruptions in HIV treatment. The ongoing reliance on USAID is evident, and the government is proactively seeking measures to sustain healthcare services despite significant external pressures.

Original Source: www.newzimbabwe.com