By Loyd Matare
A new Community Health Insurance Fund (CHEF) has been launched in Harare South to make healthcare affordable for informal workers and low-income residents.
The initiative, spearheaded by the City of Harare in partnership with ZB Bank, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and Hamas Insurance, allows residents to access treatment at city clinics without paying consultation fees at the point of care.
This comes as Harare South, home to nearly 300,000 residents has been relying on just one functioning clinic, a dire situation that forces thousands to walk long distances or skip medical care altogether.
The chronic shortage of health infrastructure has long been a source of frustration for residents in sprawling settlements such as Hopely, Churu, and Southlea Park.
Speaking to afroGazette news yesterday, City of Harare’s District Health Services Administrator for Southern District, Oliver Chari said the initiative aims to make healthcare more accessible and affordable for vulnerable residents.
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“The Community Health Insurance is meant to cover those who are not formally employed and can’t afford out-of-pocket payments when they fall sick,” he said.
“For just US$3 a year…that is US$1 registration and US$2 dollars subscription residents can access primary healthcare across all city clinics without paying anything on their visit.”
Chari said the project, already being implemented in Mbare and Hopely, has received overwhelming community support since registration began a month ago.
“We already have over 200 members signed up, and our target is to reach 100,000 by year-end,” he said.
“The good thing about this programme is that it’s driven by the community…local leaders are encouraging everyone to join.”
On his part, John Chukobvu, the community leader for Churu Constituency, welcomed the initiative as a lifeline for residents who have long struggled to access basic healthcare.
He said the project comes at a critical time when overcrowding and long travel distances have made it difficult for families to seek timely medical attention.
“Our constituency has close to 300,000 people, yet we have only one clinic,” he said.
“People walk long distances to get help, and some even give up because of the costs and overcrowding. This initiative gives us hope, but more clinics are still needed.”
Chukobvu added that if residents collectively contribute, the funds can significantly improve local facilities.
“If 300,000 residents each pay US$3, that’s US$900,000 we can channel into the health sector,” he said.
“That money can help buy equipment and improve service delivery in our area.”
According to Chari, Harare operates 42 clinics and two hospitals across the city, and the goal is to scale up CHEF to all facilities by January 2026.
“We are building a health system where no one is left behind simply because they can’t afford to get sick,” Chari said.
“Our next step includes roadshows and community engagement campaigns in Mbare and Hopely to spread awareness and register more people.”
