Socioeconomic Barriers to Universal Health Coverage in Zimbabwe: Present Issues and Pathways Toward Progress

Abstract

This article assesses Zimbabwean health services, using a social workers’ social development paradigm to analyze the dynamics of Zimbabwe’s Social Security program, focusing on universal health access for older persons, orphans, and vulnerable children. This article identifies the key factors that have done the most to shape health policy administration in the broader context of social policies and social security in Zimbabwe. The discussion is framed around the need for pro-poor social policies, social inclusivity, and the efforts to ensure universal health access. Despite numerous reports, newspaper op-eds and consultancy documents offering opinions on the state of social service delivery in the country, most critics lack empirical data and end up being very anecdotal as they critique the present system. The socioeconomic context of Zimbabwe is therefore analyzed here, with the best available statistical evidence provided, followed by assessment of social policy interventions. Current challenges to access health services are evaluated using a human rights-based social policy approach. The recent Zimbabwe Ministry of Finance-led consultative process crafted a 2016 document, the Poverty Reduction Strategies Papers (PRSPs), as an overall strategy for transforming the Zimbabwean health sector. The article concludes by recommending community-based health insurance approach as most appropriate intervention for ensuring health inclusivity and enhancing health for all in Zimbabwe.