Zimbabwe, Gavi Pledge Stronger Partnership to Strengthen Health Sector
Zimbabwe’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Hon. Prof. Dr. Amon Murwira, has reaffirmed the country’s commitment to deepening collaboration with Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, during a meeting with Gavi Chief Executive Officer Dr. Sania Nishtar on the margins of the 2026 World Economic Forum.
Prof. Murwira expressed appreciation for Gavi’s ongoing support in Zimbabwe’s quest to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and highlighted the organisation’s vital role in enhancing disease control, as well as maternal, neonatal, and child health, particularly in remote and low-resource communities.
“The continued support from Gavi and other partners, particularly in financing the Zimbabwe Essential Programme on Immunisation (ZEPI), has been invaluable,” he said.
He praised Gavi’s contributions, including the provision of cold chain infrastructure, procurement of vehicles for outreach, capacity-building for health workers, and technical assistance in immunisation programme management, which have strengthened the resilience and effectiveness of Zimbabwe’s health system.
The Minister also drew attention to the preventable loss of women’s lives due to cervical cancer, urging for scaled-up interventions such as HPV vaccination campaigns supported by Gavi to protect women and girls across the country.
Prof. Murwira highlighted positive outcomes in communities in remote areas, where Gavi-supported interventions have improved access to immunisation services, enhanced health facility capacity, and strengthened public confidence in the health system.
Looking ahead, the Minister expressed hope for continued cooperation with Gavi to further improve health service delivery, update critical health policies, and expand nationwide vaccination campaigns, reinforcing gains made and addressing emerging public health challenges.
He reaffirmed Zimbabwe’s commitment to working closely with Gavi to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those relating to health and well-being, stressing a shared vision of building resilient, inclusive, and equitable health systems that leave no one behind.
Gavi plays a key role in supporting developing countries by improving access to affordable vaccines for vulnerable populations, reducing child mortality, strengthening health systems, and negotiating lower vaccine prices through bulk purchasing. Its work also promotes long-term health equity and economic development.
