By Donald Dube
Zimbabwe National Family Planning Council (ZNFPC) in consultation with the Ministry of Health and Child Care (MOHCC) and in collaboration with various stakeholders and with technical and financial support from United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) held a national dissemination of the Zimbabwe Contraceptive Cost Recovery Framework document. The engagement with stakeholders took place in Kadoma on 27th November 2025. Zimbabwe is one of the first countries to implement a contraceptive cost recovery framework highlighting improved quality integrated health service delivery in the country.
Following the launch of the Cost Recovery Framework for Contraceptive Commodities in Zimbabwe by the Honorable Minister of Health and Child Care, Dr Douglas T. Mombeshora during the World Contraception Day commemoration held on the 3rd October 2025 at Mhangura Recreational Club in Mashonaland West province, the next step is continuous dissemination commencing with the national level and cascading to provincial and district levels. This process entails publicizing the document to stakeholders for implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the strategic framework document.
In his remarks, the ZNFPC Chief Executive Officer, Mr Farai Machinga reiterated that, “The development of the Zimbabwe Contraceptive Cost Recovery Framework followed systematic, consultative, context and age specific as well as evidence-driven approaches to ensure alignment with national policies, stakeholder expectations, and the country’s health priorities.”
A comprehensive assessment was conducted to understand the current landscape of contraceptive financing and access in the country. The development of the framework was guided by the following key questions; How do we ensure that women who cannot afford to pay are not disenfranchised? How can we strengthen Public Private Partnerships for commodity security? How to ensure transparency and monitor funds from cost recovery?
Speaking at the national dissemination meeting, MOHCC Deputy Director Family Health, Dr Lucia Gondongwe said, “Inclusive and participatory consultations were conducted to gather input and build consensus. Key stakeholders engaged to align the framework with national priorities. Stakeholders provided critical insights into the feasibility, acceptability and implementation strategies of the framework. The inputs from all consultative meetings were synthesized into a comprehensive framework document reviewed, validated, finalized by key stakeholders and launched by the Honourable Minister of Health and Child Care.
UNFPA Programme Specialist, Dr Edwin Mpeta presented on the Policy on UNFPA Supplies of FF/RH commodities, highlighting that UNFPA is in support of the Zimbabwe Contraceptive Cost Recovery framework. Dr Mpeta reiterated that, “The framework serves as a road-map for implementing a sustainable mechanism to recover costs associated with contraceptive procurement, distribution and service delivery. The supply-chain management system outlines strategies that prioritize affordability, equity and accessibility for all, while ensuring that vulnerable populations are not left behind.” Through cost recovery, the framework aims to reduce dependency on donor funding and bolster national efforts in domestic financing to achieve self-reliance in the provision of contraceptive commodities.
Disseminating the framework, served as re-affirmation of Government’s commitment to health and well-being of the people. The recognition is that, achieving the goals outlined in this framework requires active involvement of all stakeholders and communities. By working together, the country ensures that contraceptive services remain accessible, affordable, and sustainable for generations to come. The framework shall ensure significant reduction of maternal mortality rate, teenage pregnancy, unmet need for FP and increase in the modern Contraceptive Prevalence Rate. As such it is essential to circulate the document for implementation from national, provincial, district and ward levels. Dissemination of the Zimbabwe Contraceptive Cost Recovery framework will be a continuous engagement process.