Parliament urged to increase support for Village Health Workers
By Staff Writer
Zimbabwe’s Portfolio Committee on Health and Child Care has called for increased financial and policy support for Village Health Workers (VHWs), following a petition submitted by the Christian Legal Society of Zimbabwe (CLSZ).
The petition, presented in terms of Section 149 of the Constitution, urged Parliament to consider enacting legislation to provide structured state support for community caregivers, particularly in light of recurring public health crises such as HIV/AIDS, cholera, COVID-19, and natural disasters like Cyclone Idai.
In its report to the National Assembly, the Committee acknowledged the critical role played by community caregivers also known as Village Health Workers, in bridging the gap between communities and formal health services. These workers often serve as the first point of contact in rural and peri-urban areas, identifying health challenges and referring cases to clinics.
However, the Committee concluded that the current legal framework already recognizes VHWs under existing laws, including the Health Professions Act and the Health Services Act. As such, it found that new legislation may not be necessary, as government efforts are already underway to formalize and support their work.
The government has recently taken steps to improve recognition and compensation for VHWs, including introducing a dedicated budget line in the 2025 National Budget. Currently, VHWs receive a quarterly allowance of USD15, with plans to increase it to USD50 in the 2026 budget.
Despite this progress, the Committee expressed concern that the allowance remains inadequate. It recommended a significant increase to USD100 per month and proposed that payments be administered through the Salary Service Bureau (SSB) to ensure consistent monthly disbursements.
The report also addressed the issue of home-based care, which became particularly prominent during health emergencies. While acknowledging the essential role of family members in caring for the sick, the Committee noted that compensating such care work is not feasible under the current legal and economic conditions. Instead, it suggested strengthening social safety nets through the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare.
Key recommendations include the development of a comprehensive strategy by December 2026 to support households engaged in home-based care, as well as improved coordination between relevant ministries.
“The allowances remain a drop in the ocean,” the Committee observed, emphasizing the need for stronger financial commitment to support frontline community health workers.
The report underscores the growing recognition of Village Health Workers as a cornerstone of Zimbabwe’s primary healthcare system, while highlighting the urgent need for enhanced support to sustain their contributions.
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