Zimbabwe Faces $15 Million Annual Shortfall for Contraceptive Supplies

Zimbabwe is facing an annual shortfall of close to US$15 million worth of contraceptive supplies to reach the demand for them as reported by the National Family planning council.

According to the organisation, they have been operating at a huge deficit of contraceptive drugs and measures for the past years.

The Zimbabwe National Family Planning Council (ZNFPC) has initiated high-level discussions with parliamentary oversight committees to address critical funding gaps in reproductive health services. Today’s strategic meeting in Kadoma brings together the Health and Child Care Committee with the Budget and Finance Committee to develop sustainable financing mechanisms.

Zimbabwe Faces $15 Million Annual Shortfall for Contraceptive Supplies

While acknowledging the Second Republic’s efforts in boosting local financing, including $4.5 million allocated for contraceptive procurement between 2022 and 2024, authorities recognise this covers only a fraction of the annual requirement.

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Zimbabwe Faces $15 Million Annual Shortfall for Contraceptive Supplies-Image Source@zwnews

ZNFPC Chief Executive Farai Machinga emphasized the persistent shortfall:

“Our $15 million yearly contraceptive budget remains largely unmet, particularly as external funding sources diminish.”

Family Planning Council Proposes Innovative Financing Models

The council proposes two key solutions to bridge the funding gap like the mandatory inclusion of family planning services in all medical aid packages and dedicated allocations from the National Health Insurance Fund.

These measures aim to create predictable, sustainable funding streams for reproductive health commodities and services nationwide. This will then lead to the national family planning organisation not facing shortfalls.

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Strategic Partnerships for Health Security

The engagement with parliamentary committees represents a proactive approach to safeguard Zimbabwe’s family planning programs. By institutionalising funding through health insurance systems and private medical aid, the nation seeks to reduce dependency on volatile donor support while ensuring consistent access to essential contraceptives.