Together for Health, Stand with Science: Zimbabwe celebrates the power of evidence to shape a healthier future

Harare, Zimbabwe - Zimbabwe joined the global commemoration of World Health Day 2026 with a renewed call to place science, evidence and collaboration at the centre of efforts to improve health outcomes and strengthen health systems. Held under the theme "Together for Health. Stand with Science," the event was organized by the Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the University of Zimbabwe, bringing together government leaders, researchers, academics, health professionals, students and development partners.

More than a celebration, the event served as a platform to reflect on the critical role that science plays in improving lives. Behind every vaccine administered, every disease outbreak detected, every mother who survives childbirth and every child who reaches their fifth birthday lies the power of research, innovation and evidence-based action.

Throughout the day, participants explored exhibitions showcasing innovations, research projects and public health initiatives developed by universities, health institutions and partners across Zimbabwe. From disease surveillance systems and laboratory science to digital health technologies and community-based interventions, the displays demonstrated how scientific knowledge is being translated into practical solutions that address the country's most pressing health challenges.

For students, the event offered an opportunity to connect academic learning with real-world impact. For researchers and health professionals, it provided a space to exchange experiences, share innovations and reaffirm the importance of evidence-informed decision-making in advancing public health.

A highlight of the celebration was a panel discussion that brought together experts from leading research and scientific institutions to explore how evidence and innovation are transforming health outcomes and improving lives in communities across Zimbabwe. The discussion featured representatives from the the African Institute of Biomedical Science and Technology (AiBST), World Health Organization Zimbabwe, and the Centre de Coopération Internationale en Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement (CIRAD).

Professor Collen Masimirembwa of AiBST shared insights into how biomedical research and innovation are contributing to addressing national health challenges and advancing scientific solutions. Dr Tapfumanei Mashe presented Zimbabwe's efforts to tackle antimicrobial resistance through surveillance, research and the One Health approach, while Dr Hélène De Nys from CIRAD emphasized the value of multidisciplinary collaboration across human, animal and environmental health sectors to address emerging threats and strengthen health security.

The discussion illustrated how scientific research, innovation and partnerships are delivering tangible benefits for communities, reinforcing the event's central message that science must not remain confined to laboratories and institutions but should translate into meaningful improvements in people's lives.

Closing the commemorations, the Minister of Health and Child Care, Dr Douglas Mombeshora, emphasized the central role of science in building resilient health systems capable of responding to both emerging and longstanding public health challenges.

Zimbabwe has made significant progress in recent years through investments in immunization programmes, disease surveillance, laboratory networks and health research. These efforts have strengthened the country's capacity to detect and respond to outbreaks while improving health outcomes for communities across the country.

At the same time, Dr Mombeshora highlighted the challenges that continue to place pressure on the health system, including rising rates of non-communicable diseases, antimicrobial resistance, climate-related health threats and inequalities in access to healthcare services.

"Science alone is not enough. For scientific knowledge to make a difference, it must be embraced by governments, trusted by communities, and translated into policies and actions that improve people's lives," said Dr Mombeshora.

The Minister stressed the need for stronger investment in health research and innovation, evidence-based policymaking, health workforce development and partnerships across sectors. He also underscored the importance of the One Health approach, recognizing the interconnectedness of human, animal and environmental health in addressing current and future health threats.

Speaking during the event, WHO Representative to Zimbabwe, Dr Desta Tiruneh, highlighted the importance of transforming knowledge into action and ensuring that scientific evidence informs health interventions and policy decisions.

He noted the encouraging efforts taking place across Zimbabwe to convert research, innovation and technological advancements into practical solutions that strengthen healthcare delivery and improve health outcomes.

"The focus of these celebrations is on science and evidence to inform what we do. What we have seen today demonstrates that there are significant efforts being made to translate knowledge into action through innovations and interventions that can improve the lives of people in Zimbabwe," said Dr Tiruneh.

He further emphasized the important role played by institutions such as the University of Zimbabwe in training the next generation of health professionals, researchers and scientists whose expertise will contribute to addressing the country's evolving health needs.

The commemoration also highlighted the importance of partnerships in advancing public health. Universities generate knowledge and innovation. Researchers produce evidence. Health workers apply scientific knowledge in their daily practice. Government institutions transform evidence into policies and programmes. Communities play a vital role in building trust and ensuring that innovations reach those who need them most. Together, these actors form the foundation of a stronger, more resilient and more equitable health system.

As the world faces increasingly complex challenges-from emerging infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance to the health impacts of climate change-the message from World Health Day 2026 was clear: science must remain at the heart of decision-making, but lasting progress depends on collaboration, trust and sustained investment.

The event concluded with a shared commitment to continue investing in research, innovation and partnerships that improve health outcomes and advance universal health coverage.

Because when we stand with science, we stand for healthier communities, stronger health systems and better lives for all.