Malaria remains among the top three causes of illness and death in Zimbabwe.

Malaria

Malaria remains among the top three causes of illness and death in Zimbabwe.  Pregnant women and children under five are among the most vulnerable and over half of the population lives in areas at risk.

In 2011, Zimbabwe was designated as one of the U.S. Government’s President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI) recipient countries and USAID works to prevent malaria transmission and improve treatment to reduce malaria related deaths through indoor residual spraying, wide coverage of long-lasting mosquito nets for both indoor and outdoor sleeping spaces, and improved management of malaria cases in 45 districts.  USAID provides vital commodities such as mosquito nets, rapid diagnostic tests, and life-saving medications, while also training health care workers and promoting social and behavior change.

In just 10 years, the coordinated efforts of USAID, the Global Fund, and the National Malaria Control Program have contributed to a substantial drop in malaria cases in Zimbabwe from 1.2 million in 2008 to 264,278 in 2018 – a 78 percent reduction.

In the immediate aftermath of Cyclone Idai in 2019, PMI provided 175,000 insecticide-treated bed nets to isolated communities in Chimanimani to prevent malaria.

Maternal, Newborn and Child Health

USAID’s support in maternal, newborn and child health has increased the number of safe childbirths and improved maternal and child health services in all districts of Manicaland Province.  USAID activities have also strengthened reproductive health services for rural women across the country, improving access to a wide range of methods, including long-acting and permanent methods.

In 2018, USAID supported on-the-job training for more than 60 percent of the targeted healthcare workers in all districts in Manicaland to improve quality of care for mothers and babies.  This support contributed to a 10 percent increase in the number of women who received services to mitigate bleeding during childbirth, saving the lives of both mothers and children.

Health Supply Chain Management Services

To support quality service delivery and ensure an uninterrupted supply of lifesaving medicines nationwide, USAID works to improve the country’s medical supply chain management system.  This support includes forecasting future needs, procuring and distributing essential medicines and supplies, and data reporting and use.  Additionally, USAID programs provide both public sector and socially-marketed condoms.