Breaking the Silence: Health Advocates Join Forces and Petition Zimbabwean Parliament to Address NCDs
The Zimbabwe NCD Champions Network has sounded the alarm on the growing threat of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and mental health conditions, urging Parliament to take decisive action to safeguard the health and well-being of the nation. With a passionate plea, the network is pushing for legislative reforms that will revolutionize the country’s approach to health funding and service delivery.
The network proposes the establishment of a council that will serve as a coordinating authority, driving a multisectoral response to NCDs and mental health. A dedicated NCDs and Mental Health Fund would be set up, with revenue inflows from mobile airtime and broadband health levy and corrective taxes (sin taxes) on tobacco, sugary beverages, ultra-processed foods, and trans fats. This would ensure that funds are ring-fenced and used for their intended purpose, with checks and balances in place to guarantee transparency and accountability.
Alternatively, the network proposes repealing the National AIDS Council Act and establishing a National Health Act that would consolidate all health-related taxes and levies under one umbrella, including AIDS levy, airtime and broadband levy, and sin taxes on tobacco, sugary beverages, ultra-processed foods, and trans fats.
This model would enable comprehensive resource management, ensuring that all health funds are utilized efficiently and effectively. The implementation of health taxes would have key benefits, including improved health and well-being by discouraging unhealthy behaviors and promoting healthy lifestyles, health revenue inflows that can be used to fund health programs and services, and reduced financial burden on health by generating revenue and promoting healthy behaviors.
The Zimbabwe NCD Champions Network’s proposal marks a significant step towards a healthier and more prosperous future for the country. By prioritizing citizen health and well-being, Parliament can ensure that Zimbabweans have access to quality healthcare services, and that the health sector is equipped to respond to the growing burden of NCDs and mental health conditions.
As Jacob Ngwenya, Lead Advocate with Zimbabwe NCD Champions Network, aptly puts it, “The legislative intervention we’re proposing will ring-fence all health funds, ensuring that they’re used only for their intended purpose. This will bring much-needed transparency and accountability to health funding in Zimbabwe.” With collective action and commitment, Zimbabwe can build a stronger, healthier nation for all its citizens.
