By Health Reporter
Zimbabwe made notable progress in 2024 in addressing public health emergencies while advancing long-term health system reforms, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
WHO’s representative in Zimbabwe, Desta Tiruneh, said the country’s handling of the cholera outbreak demonstrated both the fragility and resilience of its health infrastructure. From February 2023 to August 2024, Zimbabwe recorded 34,550 cholera cases and 719 deaths. However, the national case fatality rate dropped sharply from 13.7% in August 2023 to 1.2% by June 2024 following coordinated interventions.
Polio prevention efforts also saw strong results. Three rounds of oral polio vaccine type Z (nOPVZ) campaigns reached more than 13 million children under 10, with coverage exceeding 100% in each round. “These campaigns, conducted through schools, health facilities, homes and mobile clinics, were instrumental in protecting communities and maintaining Zimbabwe’s polio-free status,” Tiruneh noted.
Despite progress, the report highlighted persistent challenges, including incomplete vaccination in remote areas, vaccine hesitancy among some groups, staffing shortages, health worker fatigue, and limited funding for routine immunisation and outreach. Other health threats such as Mpox, measles and cholera continue to add pressure on the system.
WHO Zimbabwe said it remains focused on strengthening maternal and newborn health services, promoting adolescent sexual and reproductive health, and improving data systems for equitable care. To address postpartum haemorrhage, a leading cause of maternal mortality, Zimbabwe has adopted the WHO E-MOTIVE bundle, which promotes early detection and combined treatment.
“These milestones, alongside gains in service delivery, preparedness and public health promotion, reflect the enduring partnership between WHO, the Ministry of Health and Child Care, and other partners,” the report stated.
