KEY POINTS
- Zimbabwe is seeking to host the 2028 International Conference on Family Planning.
- South Africa, Rwanda and Egypt have also submitted bids.
- An international assessment mission visited Zimbabwe from Nov. 9 to 11.
Zimbabwe is strengthening its bid to host the 2028 International Conference on Family Planning, as an international assessment team evaluates the country’s readiness to stage the global event.
The assessment mission, which arrived in Harare on Nov. 9, comprises representatives of the International Conference on Family Planning secretariat and Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Health and Child Care, with technical support from the United Nations Population Fund. According to NewsDay, the team is examining whether Zimbabwe has the necessary capacity and infrastructure to accommodate the international gathering. Zimbabwe is competing with three other African countries for the hosting rights: South Africa, Rwanda and Egypt.
The conference provides a platform for governments, healthcare professionals, researchers, development partners and civil society organisations to discuss family planning and sexual and reproductive health.
Assessment focuses on infrastructure and healthcare programmes
The evaluation goes beyond the availability of conference venues. According to reporting by Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation, the assessment team is also considering the country’s experience in delivering family planning services and implementing reproductive health programmes.
The delegation is engaging government ministries, civil society organisations, nongovernmental organisations and youth-led groups to understand the country’s contributions to the sector.
Kellie Welborn, chairperson of the International Steering Committee Secretariat, said the assessment would consider the availability of venues, hotels and other infrastructure. However, she emphasised that Zimbabwe’s experience in family planning and sexual and reproductive health would also form an important part of the evaluation.
Philip Anglewicz, director of the Gates Institute, said the assessment would consider countries’ commitment to family planning, reproductive health policies and programmes. He also identified visa procedures and the ability to accommodate international visitors as relevant considerations.
Hosting opportunity could strengthen health partnerships
Meanwhile, Zimbabwe sees the proposed conference as an opportunity to showcase its healthcare programmes and deepen international partnerships. The government also hopes that hosting the event could attract expertise, encourage investment and strengthen collaboration with development partners.
Health and Child Care Minister Douglas Mombeshora has indicated that the government is coordinating preparations across relevant departments. The conference would bring international attention to the country’s family planning policies and its approach to sexual and reproductive health.
However, Zimbabwe must first satisfy the assessment requirements and secure the final hosting decision. The evaluation process also includes South Africa, while Rwanda and Egypt remain among the countries that have submitted bids. The outcome will determine which African country gets to host the 2028 edition of the international gathering.
