The Zimbabwean government claims it had planned a takeover of the health sector prior to President Trump’s funding freeze through USAID. Health Minister Douglas Mombeshora expressed that despite assurance on medicine availability, challenges in procurement remain. The situation is exacerbated by reduced humanitarian support following Trump’s directive, jeopardizing key health services.
The Zimbabwean government has claimed that it had already made plans to assume control of the health sector prior to U.S. President Donald Trump’s executive order. On January 20, 2017, President Trump instituted a 90-day freeze on funding from USAID, which significantly impacts public health services in Zimbabwe and across Africa, particularly in HIV/AIDS, TB, and malaria initiatives.
Health Minister Douglas Mombeshora remarked, “We had already planned to take over all health workers to be employed by the ministry because we were facing challenges of accountability…” Despite the later reversal of the funding suspension, the delivery of medicines remains a pressing issue, with current supplies projected to last only until June.
Minister Mombeshora explained that the government had procured medicines intended for the period following June, but stated that procurement processes were hindered. He expressed concerns regarding the halted procurement actions while mentioning that tenders had been floated to source additional supplies. “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…” he noted.
USAID is crucial for financing medicines for HIV/AIDS, TB, and malaria treatments, as well as providing logistical support and staff salaries for healthcare workers. According to Mombeshora, “Those who are on HIV treatment will not have any disruption, no one should be scared…” should the organization’s funding face lapses. He highlighted that over 19,000 village health workers and more than 1,000 medical professionals rely on USAID support.
The lack of investment in health services post-independence has exacerbated the situation, and with many humanitarian organizations withdrawing following Trump’s directive, the healthcare scenario in Zimbabwe and Africa is precariously positioned.
The Zimbabwean government has preemptively stated its intent to control the health sector even before President Trump’s funding freeze through USAID was announced. The ongoing challenges with medicine procurement and healthcare staffing further complicate the public health landscape. Despite assurances from government officials, there remains significant concern regarding the stability and continuity of critical health services, especially for those relying on treatments for infectious diseases.
Original Source: www.newzimbabwe.com
