Zimbabwe has made significant strides in its fight against HIV and malaria. The World Health Organization (WHO) recently removed the nation from its list of high-tuberculosis-risk countries, reflecting improvements in public health.
Information Minister Jenfan Muswere highlighted these achievements during a post-cabinet briefing. He reported that the national malaria incidence has dropped dramatically by 70% over the past three years. In 2020, the incidence was 32 cases per 1,000 people. By 2022, this figure had fallen to nine cases per 1,000.
Muswere also noted an increase in life expectancy. For females, life expectancy at birth rose from 66.5 years to 68 years, while for males, it remained steady at 61 years.
“In 2021, 98% of people living with HIV were on antiretroviral therapy,” Muswere said. “The AIDS mortality rate continues to decline.”
The WHO’s decision to remove Zimbabwe from the high-tuberculosis burden list underscores the country’s success in reducing TB cases. The drop in malaria incidence further demonstrates Zimbabwe’s public health improvements.
Addressing the drought situation, Muswere announced increased grain distribution under the Food Deficit Mitigation Strategy and Urban Transfer Programme. As of June 25, 2024, a total of 51,415.02 metric tonnes of grain had been distributed.
The distribution breakdown is as follows:
- Manicaland: 7,780.64 metric tonnes (mt)
- Mashonaland Central: 5,891.09mt
- Mashonaland East: 5,214.06mt
- Mashonaland West: 6,428.17mt
- Masvingo: 10,243.25mt
- Matabeleland North: 3,241.13mt
- Matabeleland South: 4,803.48mt
- Midlands: 7,845.30mt
Muswere noted stability in the prices and availability of basic commodities across all provinces during the second quarter of 2024. Both in ZiG and US dollar terms, prices remained stable.
“The ZiG currency appreciated by 0.51% against the US dollar during the period under review,” Muswere said. “This tight monetary stance has led to exchange rate stability, which in turn stabilized the prices of basic commodities.”
He added that prices in the formal sector are gradually aligning with those in the informal market. Some commodities, such as cooking oil and mealie-meal, saw price reductions due to measures implemented to address earlier price hikes.
“There is increased ZiG uptake in the market,” Muswere said. “Transactions via point-of-sale machines are prevalent in major retail outlets. Most outlets price their products in ZiG, though some display prices in US dollars, payable in both currencies.”
In formal retail shops, 80% of transactions are currently in ZiG, with the remaining 20% in US dollars.
Zimbabwe’s progress in public health and economic stability is noteworthy. These improvements reflect the government’s efforts to enhance the well-being of its citizens and stabilize the economy.
Source: Newsday
