Joint mission reveals progress and priorities for health service delivery in Matabeleland South

Zimbabwe continues to take important steps towards strengthening its health system and ensuring that quality services reach all communities across the country. In late February 2026, a high-level delegation of the Ministry of Health and Child Care conducted a joint mission to several health facilities in Matabeleland South Province to better understand progress on the ground and identify opportunities for improvement.

Leading the mission was the Honourable Dr. Douglas T. Mombeshora, Minister of Health and Child Care, accompanied by senior officials from national, provincial, and district levels, as well as community representatives. Walking alongside them was the WHO Representative to Zimbabwe, Dr. Desta A. Tiruneh, together with his team members. The three-day mission was not just another oversight visit; it was a journey of listening, learning, and witnessing firsthand how health services touch the lives of people in every corner of the province.

Together, the delegation visited a range of health facilities across the province, including rural hospitals, district hospitals, and the provincial referral hospital. These visits provided a valuable opportunity to engage directly with health workers, local leaders, and community members, while observing how services are delivered in diverse settings.

Every conversation painted a story of resilience-of health workers determined to serve, of communities standing behind their health system, and of leaders committed to acting swiftly where gaps remained.

"No Zimbabwean should be denied quality healthcare because of where they live. This mission strengthens our commitment to invest boldly in our health system, empower our health workers, and deliver equitable, high-quality care to every community," said the Honourable Dr. Douglas T. Mombeshora, Minister of Health and Child Care, Republic of Zimbabwe.

Progress across the province shaping better health service

Across the province, encouraging signs of transformation were evident.

Health facilities have made steady progress in expanding essential services, including immunization, maternal care, HIV treatment, and malaria prevention. Improvements in diagnostic capacity, such as the availability of X-ray and laboratory services in many hospitals, are helping clinicians make faster and more accurate decisions for patients.

In immunization rooms, nurses reported higher coverage and better uptake. At maternity wards, midwives shared how timely referrals and improved diagnostics were saving lives.

Infrastructure development is also contributing to stronger service delivery. New facilities under construction and ongoing renovations in several hospitals are improving access to health care, working conditions for health workers, and creating safer environments for patients. In some areas, communities have played an active role in supporting these developments, demonstrating strong local ownership of the health system.

Health workers were at the heart of this progress. Despite long hours, limited resources, and remote postings, they continued to serve the community with unwavering commitment. The delegation repeatedly paused to acknowledge their dedication.

Challenges that still shape the daily realities of care

At the same time, the mission identified several common challenges across the facilities. Staff shortages, particularly for nurses and specialized health workers, continue to place pressure on existing teams, especially in remote facilities. Limited staff accommodation in rural districts discourages retention and contributes to high staff turnover.

Some facilities, weathered by time, face infrastructure constraints and need repair. Water shortages, inconsistent power supply, equipment that requires repair or replacement, and occasional medication stock-outs, create hurdles for both patients and providers.

These challenges underscore the importance of continued investment, strong coordination, and sustained support to ensure that health facilities can meet the needs of the communities they serve.

WHO supports stronger health systems

Throughout the mission, WHO observed the context in which services are delivered in a challenging environment and provided encouragement to the leadership and staff, shared insights as a contribution towards finding practical solutions tailored to the province. The mission created a rare space where policymakers, health workers, and technical experts could jointly reflect on progress and co-design the next steps.

As WHO Representative Dr. Desta A. Tiruneh noted: "It is commendable to see the Hon Minister taking decisive, on-the-spot actions-to expand training capacity, expedite construction works, improve water supply and solar power, improve essential medicine availability, and prioritize staff retention-to ensure that every health facility is empowered to deliver quality care".

Strengthening health services requires continuous reflection, collaboration, and commitment. Joint initiatives like this mission play a critical role in ensuring that progress continues.

WHO remains a dedicated partner in strengthening Zimbabwe's health system-supporting the journey toward Universal Health Coverage and ensuring that even the most remote communities receive the quality care they deserve.