Zimbabwe has taken a significant step in strengthening its health system with the launch of the National Public Health Institute (NPHI), aligned with global best practices and the African Union’s New Public Health Order. This semi-autonomous, science-driven institution is designed to enhance the country’s public health capacity and resilience, transforming an ambitious vision into a concrete reality through strong national leadership, regional collaboration, and global support.
The Public Health Institute of Zimbabwe (PHIZ) consolidates essential public health functions, including disease surveillance, laboratory systems, emergency preparedness and response, research, and workforce development. By centralizing these functions, PHIZ strengthens Zimbabwe’s ability to prevent, detect, and respond to public health threats while advancing Primary Health Care and Universal Health Coverage. The initiative was conceptualized by the Government of Zimbabwe in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO) and supported with catalytic funding from the European Union under the Global Gateway Team Europe Initiative, which aims to bolster public health security across Africa.
On 9 October 2025, Zimbabwe celebrated the official launch of PHIZ, bringing together government officials, academic institutions, and international partners to define a shared vision and roadmap for a resilient public health system. Minister of Health and Child Care, Hon. Dr. Douglas Mombeshora, announced his personal leadership of the PHIZ Steering Committee, signaling strong national commitment to accountability, collaboration, and long-term health security. The Steering Committee was formally inaugurated on 12 December 2025, coinciding with Universal Health Coverage Day, highlighting the government’s dedication to providing quality health services without financial hardship.
PHIZ now serves as the country’s nerve center for public health, generating timely and reliable data, coordinating multi-sectoral responses, strengthening emergency preparedness, and promoting scientific excellence. Speaking at the launch, WHO Representative Dr. Desta Tiruneh emphasized that a functional National Public Health Institute is essential for achieving Universal Health Coverage and safeguarding future generations. The Minister of Health also highlighted the institute’s foundational role in achieving Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 of becoming an upper-middle-income economy.
Following the launch, Zimbabwean officials conducted a learning visit to the Zambia National Public Health Institute in December 2025. This exchange provided insights on governance, laboratory systems, operational models, and multi-sectoral coordination, reinforcing the value of regional collaboration in strengthening Zimbabwe’s public health infrastructure.
From conception to launch, governance structuring, and regional learning, PHIZ exemplifies Zimbabwe’s ambition and readiness to lead in public health. With strong national leadership and committed partners including WHO and the European Union, the institute stands as a center of innovation, preparedness, and scientific excellence. Its establishment demonstrates political commitment, technical leadership, and partnership-driven health system strengthening, charting a path toward a healthier, more secure future for all Zimbabweans.
