Every Child Survives and Thrives
In support of the Ministry of Health and Child Care’s (MoHCC) 2020–2025 National Health Strategy, UNICEF’s health interventions in 2024 focused on system resilience and improved service delivery.
The Situation
In support of the Ministry of Health and Child Care’s (MoHCC) 2020–2025 National Health Strategy, UNICEF’s health interventions in 2024 focused on system resilience and improved service delivery.
Zimbabwe’s health system continues to face significant challenges that compromise access to essential services, particularly for women and children. A decline in health financing, outdated or insufficient medical equipment, frequent stockouts, and critical shortages of the health workforce have all contributed to poor service delivery.
These systemic challenges are reflected in worsening health outcomes. While the under-five mortality rate declined slightly from 73 to 69 deaths per 1,000 live births, neonatal mortality increased from 31 to 37 deaths per 1,000 live births, and infant mortality rose from 53 to 56 per 1,000 live births. The 2022 Census placed the maternal mortality ratio at 363 deaths per 100,000 live births, underscoring the urgent need for strengthened maternal, newborn and child health (MNCH) services.
The Solution
In support of the Ministry of Health and Child Care’s (MoHCC) 2020–2025 National Health Strategy, UNICEF’s health interventions in 2024 focused on system resilience and improved service delivery. Through the Health Resilience Fund (HRF), UNICEF procured health commodities worth US$6.375 million, enabling 63 per cent of primary and secondary health facilities to maintain adequate stocks of essential medicines.
To improve maternal and newborn care, UNICEF distributed medical equipment to 55 districts to establish neonatal units. This has resulted in 100 per cent of designated Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (EmONC) facilities now operating 24/7.
Following a revision of the Results-Based Financing (RBF) model, disbursements to 1,498 health facilities resumed, restoring critical operational funding to improve care delivery at the local level.
To address severe gaps in human resources, 23,864 Village Health Workers (VHWs) were trained in integrated community case management (iCCM) and interpersonal communication. In comparison, 1,714 healthcare workers were trained in integrated management of newborn and childhood illnesses (iMNCI). This contributed to 83 per cent of children under five with diarrhoea receiving the correct treatment with oral rehydration salts (ORS) and zinc.
Key Results
- 63% of health facilities adequately stocked with essential medicines
- 100% of EmONC sites operating 24/7
- 1,498 health facilities supported through resumed RBF subsidies
- 23,864 VHWs trained in iCCM
- 1,714 healthcare workers trained in iMNCI
- 83% of children with diarrhoea received ORS and zinc treatment
