Zimbabwe’s Healthcare Funding Crisis Deepens as Donors Withdraw Support

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Zimbabwe’s healthcare system faces a severe funding shortfall, with the 2025 national budget allocating just US$44 million for medicines—far below the US$17 million monthly required to meet basic needs. Health Minister Douglas Mombeshora warned that the gap threatens to reverse recent gains, as international donors scale back support.

“The US$44 million covers barely three months of essential medicines. We’re negotiating with Treasury to increase this amid dwindling foreign aid,” Mombeshora said during a press briefing.

The minister revealed that USAID has paused funding for health programmes, while UKAID slashed its contributions. This comes as Zimbabwe’s public hospitals, already strained by staff shortages and equipment deficits, rely heavily on donor aid.

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Despite challenges, medicine availability improved from 22% in 2023 to 50% in 2024, driven by contracts with suppliers like Intrapharma (US$24 million) and Clean Planet (US$17 million). However, Mombeshora stressed that even the US$17 million monthly target only covers “the most critical supplies,” leaving gaps in chronic disease treatments and maternal care.

Communities in Mashonaland Central, where access to healthcare is already limited, could face heightened risks. Residents in districts like Bindura and Guruve report frequent drug shortages, forcing many to seek costly private care or traditional remedies.

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