Journal of Public Health and Diseases

This study examines the national health strategy employed by the Zimbabwean government for the period 2016-2020. The study is structured in a manner that it provides a conceptualisation of the issues under discussion then probes into the situation under which the strategy was adopted, the priority areas identified by the strategy in conjunction with the implementation strategy. The study also probes into the challenges that have constrained the implementation of the strategy thus far and highlights the recommendations under which Zimbabwe’s health system may achieve its objectives. From a snapshot, the context involves transformation from a highly centralised, segregatory and urban based health care systems to a more equitable health care system with presence in rural communities.  The priority areas under discussion include, communicable and non-communicable diseases, disaster preparedness, prevention and risk mitigation. The paper is a desk-based review of the Zimbabwe National Health Strategy as well as other government documents, academic literature, information published on audio-visual, paper-based and online media platforms. The use of key words was fundamental in conducting the study, and online articles dating back to 2016 were reviewed. In addition, academic literature was mainly used to discuss the broader public health context in Zimbabwe, during the period under review. From evidence gathered the article is inclined toward the view that the Government of Zimbabwe has lost track in the implementation of the ZNHS, and unless drastic measures are taken, the targets set-forth within the strategy remain far from being realised.