The Ministry of Health and Child Care is finalising a new national strategy to combat the growing threat of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), often described as silent killers, as healthcare professionals and stakeholders meet in Bulawayo to review and complete the National Multisectoral NCD Strategy 2026–2030.
The strategy, being developed with the support of development partners and healthcare experts, is expected to provide a comprehensive roadmap for the prevention, management and control of diseases such as cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular conditions and chronic respiratory illnesses, which have become a major public health challenge in Zimbabwe.
In a statement yesterday, the Ministry of Health and Child Care said healthcare professionals from across the country were gathered in Bulawayo to review and finalise the blueprint that will guide the national response to NCDs over the next five years.
“The Ministry of Health and Child Care, with the support of dedicated partners, is currently convening healthcare professionals in Bulawayo to review and finalise the National Multisectoral NCD Strategy 2026–2030,” the ministry said.
The ministry said the forthcoming strategy seeks to address the increasing prevalence of non-communicable diseases while advancing the country’s goal of improving the health and wellbeing of all citizens.
“This upcoming strategy tackles the growing crisis of Non-Communicable Diseases with the vision of securing a long and healthy life for every Zimbabwean citizen,” the ministry said.
Non-communicable diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes and chronic respiratory illnesses, have become a leading cause of illness and death globally, placing growing pressure on healthcare systems and national economies.
The Ministry said the new strategy would place strong emphasis on ensuring equitable access to prevention, treatment and control services, particularly at community level.
“By focusing on completely equitable access to localised prevention and control services, the Ministry of Health and Child Care and its partners are working to ensure that lifesaving care reaches every community, leaving no one behind,” the statement said.
The review process comes as Zimbabwe continues to intensify efforts to improve healthcare delivery and achieve universal health coverage under the National Health Strategy.
Once finalised, the National Multisectoral NCD Strategy 2026–2030 is expected to guide policy implementation, resource mobilisation and service delivery programmes aimed at reducing the burden of non-communicable diseases and improving health outcomes across the country.
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