Zimbabwe and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) have reaffirmed their long-standing partnership, with both parties committing to deepen collaboration in community health programmes, expand immunisation coverage and strengthen support for Zimbabwean returnees from South Africa.
The commitment was made during a courtesy call by IFRC Secretary-General, Mr Jagan Chapagain, on the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Child Care, Dr Aspect Maunganidze, where the two leaders discussed priority areas for cooperation in the country’s health sector.
Speaking after the meeting, yesterday, Dr Maunganidze said the discussions underscored the importance of strengthening partnerships that improve access to quality healthcare for all Zimbabweans.
“Our discussions focused on enhancing collaboration between the Government of Zimbabwe and the Red Cross Society, particularly in strengthening community health initiatives and accelerating immunisation coverage.
The Ministry values its longstanding relationship with the Red Cross movement, whose community-based programmes have complemented Government efforts in delivering essential health services, especially in vulnerable communities,” he noted.
Dr Maunganidze said expanding immunisation coverage remains one of the Ministry’s key priorities as Zimbabwe continues implementing programmes aimed at protecting children and communities against vaccine-preventable diseases.
“We also discussed vital strategies for integrating Zimbabwean returnees from South Africa into the national health sector. This is an important aspect of ensuring that returning citizens continue to access essential healthcare services while supporting the country’s broader public health objectives,” he said.
He added that the meeting reaffirmed the enduring partnership between the Ministry of Health and Child Care and the Red Cross in advancing universal access to healthcare.
“Our engagement reaffirmed the strong and enduring alliance between the Ministry and the Red Cross in delivering accessible healthcare for all. Through continued collaboration, we are strengthening community health systems and ensuring that no one is left behind,” said Dr Maunganidze.
The discussions come as Zimbabwe continues to prioritise primary healthcare, disease prevention and community-based interventions under the National Health Strategy, with partnerships playing a critical role in complementing Government programmes.
The IFRC has worked closely with the Zimbabwe Red Cross Society and the Ministry of Health and Child Care in responding to disease outbreaks, strengthening epidemic preparedness, promotion of health education and support for routine immunisation campaigns across the country.
