Zimbabwe mobilizes US$155 million for pandemic preparedness

Zimbabwe has launched a comprehensive pandemic preparedness programme aimed at strengthening disease surveillance, laboratory services, and emergency response systems through 2029. The initiative involves a total mobilization of approximately US$155 million, which includes a US$91.8 million commitment from the Zimbabwean government and US$49 million in partner co-financing.

The funding also incorporates a US$40.3 million national grant from The Pandemic Fund. Additionally, Zimbabwe will receive approximately US$2.49 million from a US$35.8 million regional grant designed to cover eight countries, focusing on coordination between human, animal, and environmental health services.

Health and Child Care Minister Dr. Douglas Mombeshora stated that the investment is a national development imperative, noting that disease outbreaks can disrupt trade, agriculture, and education. The programme seeks to enhance readiness for recurring threats such as cholera and measles, while also establishing an Ebola preparedness contingency fund to guard against potential emerging infections.