By Staff Reporter
HARARE – The United States ambassador to Zimbabwe, Pamela Tremont, has reaffirmed America’s commitment to supporting Zimbabwe’s health sector with a significant annual investment of US$200 million.
This substantial annual funding aims to combat various diseases and pandemics, ensuring a healthier and more prosperous future for the country’s citizens.
Speaking at the commemoration of the US Declaration of Independence in Harare on Thursday, Tremont highlighted the positive impact of the US’s support on Zimbabwe’s healthcare system.
“Our largest investment in Zimbabwe’s future has been in health, grounded in a belief that Zimbabwe needs all her people to thrive.
“Every year we contribute more than 200 million dollars to identify and treat HIV and other infectious diseases, offering a healthier, more prosperous future for countless Zimbabweans.
“Working together we’ve seen the incidence of malaria in Zimbabwe drop by 40 percent in the last 10 years,” said Tremont.
Zimbabwe’s health sector has faced numerous challenges, including dilapidated infrastructure, shortages of medical equipment and drugs, and the brain drain of healthcare professionals.
Last year, Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube announced the ZW$58,2 trillion 2024 budget, allocating ZW$6,3 trillion to the health ministry.
This allocation, represented only 9,2 percent of the total budget, falls approximately 6 percent short of the 15 percent target outlined in the Abuja Declaration, to which Zimbabwe is a signatory.
Government critics however, contend that the deplorable state of the health sector is a direct result of gross state corruption, mismanagement, and economic collapse, exacerbated by the Covid 19 pandemic.
Tremont added that the US’s investment in the country’s heath sector had yielded positive results.
“1.2 million HIV positive mothers, fathers, and children can live a normal life expectancy because of the medications we provide and Zimbabweans administer.
“Together we brought cholera under control and are working together to keep our people safe from Mpox.
“As we look to the future, let me close by drawing from the last line of our declaration of independence: We pledge our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor,” said Tremont.
While acknowledging the challenges faced by Zimbabwe, Tremont expressed optimism about the country’s future.
Tremont emphasized the importance of an inclusive economy based on the rule of law and respect for constitutional rights.
