Government is moving to establish a National Malaria Control Council to broaden stakeholder participation, mobilise resources and strengthen Zimbabwe’s efforts to eliminate malaria.
The establishment of the council is at an advanced stage following a stakeholder meeting to deliberate on its mandate, structure and operations.
The proposed council is expected to bring together Government, the private sector, development partners, communities and other stakeholders to improve coordination and sustain the national malaria response.
Health and Child Care Minister Dr Douglas Mombeshora said the council would focus on advocacy, innovation and partnerships while supporting the establishment and management of an independent End Malaria Fund.
“Government remains committed to increasing domestic financing for health and to strengthening mechanisms such as the AIDS Levy and the development of National Health Insurance,” Dr Mombeshora said.
“But Government cannot, and should not, carry the entire burden alone. This is where the End Malaria Council becomes particularly important.”
The initiative is expected to strengthen resource mobilisation and encourage greater private-sector involvement in malaria prevention, treatment and elimination programmes.
Council chairperson Mr Kenneth Sharpe said its establishment would help Zimbabwe develop locally driven solutions towards achieving its malaria elimination targets.
“The region must eliminate malaria, and this is part of the process where every country comes up with homegrown solutions to ending malaria. We will achieve our goals,” he said.
The move follows a continental framework endorsed by African Union Heads of State and Government in 2018, which supports the establishment of End Malaria Councils and funds to strengthen political commitment, domestic ownership and financing for malaria elimination.
For Zimbabwe, the proposed council comes as Government seeks to increase domestic financing for health and reduce reliance on external support.
The council is therefore expected to provide a coordinated platform for Government, businesses, communities and development partners to pool resources, promote innovation and strengthen advocacy.
With its establishment at an advanced stage, the council is expected to give fresh impetus to Zimbabwe’s malaria elimination campaign and support the country’s broader public health goals.
