Zimbabwe signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with global pharmaceutical company Pfizer under the Accord for a Healthier World initiative, granting citizens access to the company’s portfolio of innovative medicines and vaccines on a not-for-profit basis.
Speaking after the signing ceremony, yesterday, Minister of Health and Child Care, Dr Douglas Mombeshora, described the agreement as a significant step in strengthening Zimbabwe’s healthcare delivery system, particularly in the management of both non-communicable and infectious diseases.
“This partnership represents a major milestone for Zimbabwe’s health sector. Through this MOU, Zimbabweans will gain access to Pfizer’s full portfolio of innovative medicines and vaccines on a not-for-profit basis. This is a transformative development for our healthcare system,” Dr Mombeshora said.
He said the agreement would enhance treatment options across several critical health areas that continue to place pressure on the country’s health services.
“The Accord for a Healthier World initiative focuses on priority disease areas that continue to exert pressure on our health systems, including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, neuroscience-related conditions, inflammatory illnesses and infectious diseases.
These are conditions that affect thousands of Zimbabweans, and improved access to advanced therapies will directly contribute to better health outcomes,” he added
Dr Mombeshora emphasised that the deal aligns with Government’s broader agenda of improving equity and accessibility in healthcare delivery.
“Our objective as Government is to ensure that no Zimbabwean is denied life-saving treatment due to cost barriers.
This agreement complements ongoing national efforts to modernise healthcare infrastructure, expand specialist services and improve the availability of essential medicines,” he said.
He noted that innovative medicines have historically remained beyond the reach of many developing countries due to prohibitive costs.
“Innovative treatments have historically been expensive, limiting their accessibility in many low- and middle-income countries.
By securing medicines and vaccines on a not-for-profit basis, we are addressing a critical gap and moving closer to universal health coverage,” Dr Mombeshora noted.
The Minister also underscored the long-term benefits of the collaboration, saying the partnership extends beyond medicine supply.
“This partnership is not merely about medicines. It is about strengthening healthcare systems, improving disease management and ultimately enhancing the quality of life for Zimbabweans,” he said.
The Accord for a Healthier World initiative seeks to expand access to innovative medicines and vaccines in lower-income countries. Zimbabwe’s agreement comes as Government continues to implement measures aimed at improving healthcare delivery.
