'USAID pullout has left over $300 million debt for Zimbabwe', says health minister - Video

Zimbabwe’s Health Minister has sounded the alarm over a growing crisis in the country’s healthcare system following significant reductions in aid from the United States. The cuts, which have impacted key health programs including HIV/AIDS treatment, maternal and child health services, and disease surveillance efforts, have left what the minister described as a "huge gap" in both funding and service delivery.

Speaking at a press briefing in Harare, Health Minister Dr. Douglas Mombeshora said the funding shortfall has already begun to strain hospitals and clinics across the country, many of which relied heavily on US-backed initiatives to maintain basic service levels.

"Yes, the gap that has been created is huge because we are talking of between 300 and 400 million US dollars and we are working towards covering that gap gradually. It's not like it's today we need 300 million, but up to the end of the year. So we cover it as we go," he said.