Zimbabwe has stepped forward with a domestic investment to safeguard women’s and girls’ access to family planning services nationwide.
The commitment was announced at the International Conference on Family Planning held in Bogotá, Colombia, during a high-level session co-hosted by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and FP2030 yesterday.
Zimbabwe pledged an additional US$2.25 million annually for the procurement of contraceptives in 2026 and 2027, reinforcing its dedication to reproductive health and rights.
“The Government of Zimbabwe remains steadfast in its commitment to the health and well-being of our citizens,” said Minister of Health and Child Care, Dr. Douglas Mombeshora.
Our continued investment is a testament to our commitment under the 2023 Compact with UNFPA. Having already procured US$6.3 million worth of contraceptives from domestic resources since 2022, this new pledge ensures that we continue to safeguard the reproductive health of our communities,” he added.
According to UNFPA, the new investment by Zimbabwe exemplifies “an emerging model of nationally driven progress built on political will and partnership.” The UN agency commended Zimbabwe’s leadership for sustaining funding in a critical area that is facing global financial shortfalls.
“Governments are putting family planning at the heart of national development, and UNFPA is proud to stand with them.
When women can plan their pregnancies, countries can plan their futures. Every national pledge made today is a promise to women and girls that their health, rights and choices matter,”added UNFPA Executive Director Diene Keita.
Through its flagship global initiative, the UNFPA Supplies Partnership, the agency works to strengthen national supply chains, policy frameworks, and accountability systems across 54 countries.
Incentives such as the Match Fund which provides US$2 for every US$1 a country invests, up to US$2 million have spurred a fivefold increase in government spending on contraceptives since 2020, reaching a record US$52 million in 2024.
UNFPA noted that each dollar invested in family planning yields nearly US$27 in health and economic returns, making it one of the smartest investments for developing nations.
The agency said Zimbabwe’s leadership sets a strong example of how national ownership and sustained funding can create a healthier, more equitable, and prosperous future for all.
Kudos to Zimbabwe for taking ownership of its reproductive health programmes. True leadership in action!
Impressive to see Zimbabwe prioritising family planning despite global funding cuts this shows real dedication to community well-being.”
Great partnership between UNFPA and the Ministry of Health. This kind of commitment ensures no woman or girl is left behind💪