The US has cut US$522 million in aid to Zimbabwe, prompting calls for better government management of health revenues. This funding cessation, part of a broader policy shift under President Trump, could significantly impact health programs. Health advocates are urging the government to ensure efficient use of local taxes to fill the funding gap and to convene stakeholders for a comprehensive health strategy.
The recent reduction of US$522 million in aid to Zimbabwe has prompted urgent calls for the government to enhance its management of domestic health revenue generated through taxation. This decision was made following an announcement by US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, regarding the discontinuation of funding for 5,200 projects globally, previously supported by the US Agency for International Development (USAID). The funding cessation aligns with President Donald Trump’s foreign policy, significantly impacting the health sector in Harare.
Itai Rusike, the director of the Community Working Group on Health, highlighted that the loss of these funds will create a substantial financial gap. He emphasized that it is vital for authorities to ensure the efficient utilization and management of available health funds. Furthermore, the Zimbabwe Association of Doctors for Human Rights has urged the government to provide accountability concerning the revenue generated from the sugar tax imposed last year, which was intended to bolster public hospitals’ efforts in tackling rising cancer cases.
Rusike articulated, “Given the very significant role that USAID has been playing in the past, not just in the health sector, but also in the social sectors, it will leave a huge financing gap that the Government of Zimbabwe would have to fill.” He further called on the Ministry of Finance to allocate specific health-related taxes, such as the sugar tax and airtime tax, towards health funding. He noted, “Maybe, what this is pointing to is the need for a well-defined and well-crafted National Health Insurance Scheme.”
The timing of the funding withdrawal is particularly alarming, especially amidst Zimbabwe’s economic difficulties and pressing priorities. Immediate actions to mobilize replacement funds are essential to prevent dire consequences concerning health services. Programs that have been impacted include those focused on malaria prevention, maternal and child health, and tuberculosis support, which collectively have historically received substantial aid from USAID.
Rusike remarked, “Communities that rely on critical services supported by US aid may face severe disruptions, potentially reversing hard-won progress in public health, including the ambitious ‘95-95-95’ targets for HIV.” He has called for a national gathering involving all health stakeholders to develop a Zimbabwe Sustainability and Transition Roadmap urgently. Apart from health-related funding cuts, the US has also ceased financial support for civil society organizations in Zimbabwe.
In conclusion, the significant reduction in US aid to Zimbabwe raises pressing concerns over the management of local health revenue and the potential impact on public health programs. It is imperative for the government to enhance the utilization of domestic health resources and collaborate with all health stakeholders to mitigate the adverse effects of the funding cuts. Without immediate action, the country could face severe setbacks in its public health achievements.
Original Source: www.theindependent.co.zw
