Zimbabwe has taken a historic step in strengthening its health system with the creation of the National Public Health Institute (NPHI), officially launched in October 2025. This new institution, known as the Public Health Institute of Zimbabwe (PHIZ), is designed to consolidate essential public health functions such as disease surveillance, laboratory systems, emergency preparedness and response, research, and workforce development. The move aligns with global best practices and the African Union’s New Public Health Order, positioning Zimbabwe as a leader in building resilience against health threats.
The vision for PHIZ began as an ambitious idea but has now become a reality through strong national leadership, regional collaboration, and global support. The Government of Zimbabwe partnered with the World Health Organization (WHO) and received catalytic funding from the European Union under the Global Gateway Team Europe Initiative.
Zimbabwe is one of ten African countries benefiting from this initiative, which aims to strengthen public health security. The institute is intended to serve as a centralized hub capable of coordinating disease surveillance, emergency preparedness, research, workforce development, and evidence-based policymaking, while addressing both infectious and non-communicable diseases.
At the launch event on October 9, 2025, Hon. Dr. Douglas Mombeshora, Minister of Health and Child Care, announced that he would personally chair the PHIZ Steering Committee, signaling strong commitment to accountability and collaboration. The Steering Committee was inaugurated on December 12, 2025, deliberately timed to coincide with Universal Health Coverage Day, highlighting Zimbabwe’s dedication to ensuring that all citizens have access to quality health services without financial hardship. Speaking at the event, WHO Representative to Zimbabwe, Dr. Desta Tiruneh, emphasized the institute’s critical role.
The establishment of PHIZ is directly tied to Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030, which aims to transform the country into an upper-middle-income economy. The Minister of Health reaffirmed this vision, stating that a strong public health institute is foundational to achieving a healthy, resilient, and productive population. By consolidating functions previously scattered across different government units, PHIZ now serves as Zimbabwe’s nerve center for public health, generating timely and reliable data, coordinating multi-sectoral actions, strengthening emergency preparedness, and promoting scientific excellence.
Regional collaboration has been central to the institute’s development. Shortly after the Steering Committee inauguration, a high-level delegation from Zimbabwe visited the Zambia National Public Health Institute (ZNPHI) from December 15 to 17, 2025. This learning exchange provided practical insights into governance structures, laboratory systems,
“ A functional National Public Health Institute is not a luxury, it is a necessity for delivering Universal Health Coverage and safeguarding future generations. PHIZ is more than an institution. It is a safeguard for the nation. It is a symbol of preparedness. It is an investment in the future of Zimbabwe ”
operational models, and multi-sectoral coordination. The visit highlighted the value of regional cooperation, enabling Zimbabwe to adopt best practices and strengthen its public health infrastructure within the broader Southern African context.
PHIZ represents a beacon of innovation, preparedness, and scientific excellence. Its creation demonstrates political commitment, technical leadership, and partnership driven health system strengthening. With strong national leadership and committed partners including WHO, the European Union, and other stakeholders, Zimbabwe is safeguarding its population from immediate health threats while laying the foundation for long term health security and universal health coverage. As WHO noted, “PHIZ embodies Zimbabwe’s ambition, resilience, and readiness to lead in public health.”
In conclusion, the launch of the Public Health Institute of Zimbabwe marks a turning point in the country’s health sector. It is a bold investment in the future, a safeguard for generations to come, and a symbol of Zimbabwe’s readiness to lead in public health. With strong governance, regional learning, and global support, PHIZ is charting a path toward a healthier, more secure future for all Zimbabweans.
