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Crown Agents Zimbabwe partners with the Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC); European Union (EU), Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), Government of Ireland, and Gavi to Boost Health Resilience in Zimbabwe

Crown Agents Zimbabwe > News > Crown Agents Zimbabwe partners with the Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC); European Union (EU), Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), Government of Ireland, and Gavi to Boost Health Resilience in Zimbabwe

Crown Agents Zimbabwe partners with the Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC); European Union (EU), Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), Government of Ireland, and Gavi to Boost Health Resilience in Zimbabwe

In collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC) and key global health partners like FCDO, EU and GAVI, Crown Agents Zimbabwe (CAZim) continues to make a significant impact in the country’s health sector through the Health Resilience Fund (HRF). The HRF is designed to support the Government of Zimbabwe’s (GoZ) to end preventable deaths, strengthen the public health system’s capacity to respond to emergencies and build a resilient and responsive health system by enhancing governance, strategies, and skills to address the challenges of health service delivery through health systems strengthening.

Launched in 2022, the HRF is a four-year multi-donor pooled fund, funded by the EU, FCDO, the Government of Ireland, and Gavi. The HRF supports the GoZ’s National Health Strategy (NHS) 2021-2025. The HRF complements existing government funding and aligns with Zimbabwe’s broader National Development Strategy 1 (NDS-1), with a vision to ensure the highest possible level of health and quality of life for all citizens.

A Multi-Faceted Approach to Health

The HRF operates on three core pillars that align with Zimbabwe’s national priorities for health and well-being:

  1. Ending Preventable Deaths (EPD): The HRF aims to reduce preventable deaths among mothers, neonates, children, and young people. This will be achieved by improving the quality of healthcare and ensuring equitable, accessible, and appropriate services while engaging the community in the process.
  2. Global Health Security (GHS): Strengthening the public health system’s capacity to respond to emergencies is another key objective. The HRF focuses on improving surveillance systems and building the ability of the health system to coordinate public health responses at all levels.
  3. Health Systems Strengthening (HSS): The HRF aims to build a resilient and responsive health system by enhancing governance, strategies, and skills to address the challenges of health service delivery. This pillar will ensure that the available resources are effectively utilized to achieve sustainable health outcomes.

Governance and Oversight for Successful Implementation

The HRF operates under a new governance structure, distinct from the previous Health Development Fund (HDF). It includes a Leadership Group (LG), also known as the Policy and Sustainability Forum (PSF), which enhances collaboration between funding and implementing partners and the GoZ. This group ensures that strategic and policy issues are addressed at the highest level.

The Program Management Unit (PMU), managed by CAZim, plays a critical role in overseeing the HRF’s operations. This unit interacts with all stakeholders, ensuring quality assurance, monitoring program progress, and supporting the implementation of the health resilience initiatives across the country.

Key Services Provided by CAZim

As the technical assistance partner for the HRF, CAZim is responsible for recruiting, managing, and supporting the PMU within MoHCC. Key services provided by CAZim include:

  • Recruitment and Onboarding: In collaboration with the MoHCC and the Health Services Commission (HSC), CAZim played a pivotal role in recruiting skilled professionals to manage and execute the HRF program. CAZim’s role includes staff contract management, onboarding, and performance management.
  • Administrative Support: CAZim ensures the proper management of staff payroll, medical insurance, and workers’ compensation. This holistic approach to staff welfare contributes to the smooth operation of the HRF.
  • Training and Capacity Building: CAZim has facilitated mandatory training for all staff, including UNICEF’s Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA), anti-fraud measures, modern slavery, and safeguarding. This ensures that all HRF staff are well-equipped to perform their roles effectively and ethically.
  • Skills Transfer and Exit Strategy: Ongoing skills transfer program to enhance local capacity, ensuring that the HRF initiative will continue to thrive long after its implementation. An exit strategy is also in place to ensure sustainable, long-term outcomes for the MoHCC.

Positive Progress and Achievements

Since its establishment in 2022, the HRF has already made significant strides. The HRF National Steering Committee and the Policy and Sustainability Forum (PSF) have been successfully set up, and staff have been properly oriented and trained in line with MoHCC and UNICEF policies. Regular performance appraisals are ongoing, ensuring that progress continues to be tracked and optimized.

With its focus on sustainability, equitable health services, and strengthening health systems, the HRF is poised to play a crucial role in Zimbabwe’s health sector transformation. The efforts being made today are aligned with the broader vision of improving the health and well-being of Zimbabwe’s citizens, ensuring a prosperous future for generations to come.