Zimbabwe's public debt servicing crisis leaves countless mother grieving

August 25, 2025

of Zimbabwe's Healthcare Crisis Amid Debt Servicing Zimbabwe's massive public debt of approximately USD 21. 53 billion is crippling its healthcare system, with only 7. 1 percent of public spending allocated to healthcare—far below the 15 percent target of the Abuja Declaration.

Who is affected

Mothers and newborns in Zimbabwe, particularly those in rural areas like Memory Ncube and her baby Tendai
Poor citizens who cannot afford private healthcare alternatives
Women who bear the burden of unpaid care work when healthcare systems fail
Patients at public hospitals such as Zvishavane district hospital and Mpilo Central Hospital
Healthcare professionals working with inadequate resources and equipment

What action is being taken

The Economic Justice for Women Project is educating women about public finances and the impact of debt servicing on healthcare
Organizations like the Higherlife Foundation are donating critical medical equipment to hospitals, including CPAP machines and other neonatal care tools
The Community Working Group on Health Zimbabwe is advocating for increased investment in healthcare infrastructure
Private healthcare facilities are emerging to fill gaps in the public system, though these remain inaccessible to many

Why it matters

Zimbabwe's neonatal mortality rate stands at 37 deaths per 1,000 live births
The health budget allocation of 7.1 percent falls far short of the Abuja Declaration target of 15 percent
Public debt servicing is diverting resources away from essential healthcare services
The crisis disproportionately affects the poor and women who bear additional unpaid care responsibilities
The situation undermines the country's ability to achieve universal health coverage
Preventable deaths continue to occur due to lack of basic medical equipment and infrastructure

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: Global Voices