Tongogara Demands Answers as Government Fails to Tame Disease Burden
Senator Angeline Kumbirai Tongogara has demanded a clear and coordinated national strategy from the Ministry of Health and Child Care to combat rising deaths and illnesses caused by both communicable and noncommunicable diseases in Zimbabwe.
Raising the issue during a parliamentary question-and-answer session, Tongogara asked Health Minister Douglas Mombeshora to explain what policies and interventions the government has in place to reduce the country’s disease burden.
“What is the Government’s policy on reducing morbidity and mortality rates due to communicable and non-communicable diseases?
“What strategies are in place to reduce the aforesaid?” she asked.
In his response, Mombeshora admitted the scope was broad but emphasized that the ministry has developed targeted programmes for specific diseases.
“It would be best to put this on paper and go through disease by disease. We have HIV programmes, TB programmes, malaria programmes, and non-communicable disease programmes including cancer, heart conditions, and arthritis.
“It is very broad,” he said.
He noted that Zimbabwe has met the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets for HIV, a major milestone in the global fight against the virus.
The country continues to run outreach programmes offering voluntary testing and immediate treatment for those who test positive.
On malaria, the minister highlighted ongoing vector control efforts such as indoor residual spraying and the distribution of insecticide-treated nets, supported by treatment protocols.
For tuberculosis, he said mobile clinics are being deployed to hard-to-reach areas, providing instant X-rays and on-site treatment.
According to Bulawayo24, Mombeshora also outlined the ministry’s response to noncommunicable diseases.
He said national screening campaigns for cervical and breast cancer are already underway, with prostate cancer screening for men set to begin soon.
“We have acquired cancer treatment machines currently being manufactured and initiated procurement for diagnostic equipment.
“Our goal is a comprehensive programme that includes both diagnostics and treatment,” he said.
Mombeshora reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening healthcare delivery through targeted outreach, expanded diagnostic capacity, and improved access to care.
He said the ministry’s approach is designed to ensure that no Zimbabwean is left behind in the fight against life-threatening diseases.
