A US$522 million cut in US aid to Zimbabwe raises concerns within the health sector. Advocates are urging the government to better manage domestic health revenue and create a National Health Insurance Scheme to mitigate the impact of lost foreign support. Calls for a national meeting of health stakeholders have been made to establish a sustainability and transition roadmap.
The recent reduction of US$522 million in United States aid to Zimbabwe has prompted health advocates to call upon the government to enhance the management of domestic health revenue generated via taxation. This funding cut, a part of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s announcement regarding the cessation of support for 5,200 global initiatives through the US Agency for International Development (USAid), is aligned with President Donald Trump’s foreign policy.
The significant funding cut from United States aid poses a serious threat to Zimbabwe’s health sector, with potential disruptions to public health programs. Health advocates emphasize the need for improved domestic revenue management and a national plan to mitigate the impact of reduced foreign support, especially during economically challenging times. A collaborative approach among various stakeholders is essential to address the financial gap left by this withdrawal.
Original Source: www.theindependent.co.zw
