ZIMBABWE - A DEATH-TRAP - by Michelle Nokuthaba Mpofu

26th May 2024

In Zimbabwe, there have been various human rights violations, the chief of which is the right to access basic healthcare services.

The right to healthcare services is enshrined in Section 76(1) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, according to which the government is obliged to “take all practical measures to ensure the provision of basic, accessible and adequate health services throughout the country.” The Public Health Act [Chapter 15:17] complements this.

Article 16 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights (a.k.a. the Banjul Charter) also obliges the government of Zimbabwe to take the necessary measures to protect the health of its people and ensure that they receive medical attention, as does Article 25 of the United Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Whilst the international and domestic constitutional and legislative framework is in place, the government of Zimbabwe has abdicated its responsibilities and has presided over the collapse of a once robust healthcare system.

The infrastructure is in tatters, countrywide. A general lack of equipment is accompanied by a severe shortage of essential medicines in hospitals and clinics. Healthcare professionals, like all other civil servants, are poorly remunerated and forced to work under very stressful and demoralising conditions. This not only affects their ability to provide quality care but also impacts their own right to fair working conditions.

Political interference in healthcare worsens an already bad situation. At one point, retired general Constantino Chiwenga was appointed Minister of Health and Child Care. This was based on his reputation for ruthlessness and the expectation that he would quash the wave of strikes by doctors and nurses. The result was the acceleration of the exodus of doctors and nurses to other countries,

The net result of all the above is that every citizen, apart from the political elite and the wealthy is at risk of premature death.

Reproductive Health Services are denied. As a result, many women in Zimbabwe face challenges accessing reproductive health services, including maternal healthcare. This results in preventable maternal deaths and violates women's right to health and life.

Victims of road traffic accidents die prematurely because of a shortage of ambulances, equipment, staff and medicines at hospitals and clinics.

Most diseases and conditions that are easily treatable or manageable lead to premature deaths in Zimbabwe because of the shortage of equipment, staff and medicines at hospitals and clinics.

Zimbabwean hospitals and clinics, as has the whole country, have become death traps.

The sad thing is that there is no hope for change in the situation until there is a change in the ruling party and government. That is why most human rights activists like me are dying for a change of government if Zimbabwean people are to be saved.

About the author
Michelle Nokuthaba Mpofu is a human rights activist based in the United Kingdom. She is the Secretary for Information & Publicity for the UK Chapter of Restoration of Human Rights (ROHR) Zimbabwe.  She can be contacted by email at michellempofu11@gmail.com OR michelle.mpofu@rohr-zimbabwe.org