Zimbabwe Receives €4.2M Boost From EU, WHO To Build Health Institute
Zimbabwe has received €4.2 million (approximately R85.6 million) from the European Union and the World Health Organization (WHO) to support the establishment of a National Public Health Institute, authorities announced this week.
The announcement was made via official social media posts by the EU Delegation to Zimbabwe and WHO Zimbabwe on 7 and 8 July 2025 respectively.
“WHO and the EU signed a €4.2M agreement to support the establishment of Zimbabwe’s National Public Health Institute over the next 4 years,” said WHO Zimbabwe in a post on X.
“The NPHI will lead key public health functions & build resilient health systems. Thank you EU Delegation to Zimbabwe for your support and partnership!”
The EU Delegation echoed the announcement, stating:
“EU Delegation to Zimbabwe is teaming up with WHO Zimbabwe to support Zimbabwe in setting up a National Public Health Institute.
The €4.2M
EU-funded project will also boost collaboration with other African countries and Europe to build resilient, people-centred health systems.”
Harare hosts 4th Regional NPHI Meeting
The news comes just days after Zimbabwe hosted the 4th Annual Regional National Public Health Institute (NPHI) Meeting for the Southern Africa Region from 25–27 June 2025 at the Harare International Conference Centre.
The conference was officially opened by Health Minister Dr Douglas Mombeshora, who spoke passionately about the importance of NPHIs.
“NPHIs serve as the scientific backbone for evidence-based health policies and strategies,”
Dr Mombeshora said.“A well-functioning NPHI is a cornerstone for national and regional health security and resilience.”
He added that Zimbabwe has the political will to move forward:
“We are all convinced that it is necessary to establish a NPHI. In Zimbabwe, we have the political will. I will be pushing for more funds to establish the Zimbabwe National Public Health Institute.”
Africa CDC urges self-reliance in health systems
Dr Lul Riek, Africa CDC’s Regional Director, warned of the continent’s vulnerability to outbreaks like COVID-19, Marburg, and Mpox, stating:
“Africa’s health future won’t be imported from elsewhere; it will be crafted right here, by African leaders, for African people.”
Dr Talkmore Maruta, representing the African Society for Laboratory Medicine (ASLM), cited worrying statistics from a 2023 Africa CDC report:
“22 (40%) African countries have established NPHIs, with 18 (33%) of them fully functional,” he said. “We are not safe until everyone is safe.”
He urged governments to invest more in health infrastructure and accountability.
The conference, which brought together representatives from WHO, Africa CDC and SADC member states, focused on strengthening disease surveillance, diagnostics, response coordination and workforce training.
Follow Us on Google News for Immediate Updates
The post Zimbabwe Gets €4.2M From EU And WHO To Build National Public Health Institute appeared first on iHarare News.
