Africa CDC demands immediate lifting of Zimbabwe sanctions, warns of threat to healthcare services

The Eastleigh Voice

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has demanded the immediate and unconditional lifting of unilateral sanctions against Zimbabwe, warning that the restrictions could disrupt healthcare financing and deny patients access to essential medical services.

In a communiqué issued on Sunday, October 25, the continental public health agency backed an appeal made on October 23 by African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, calling for the removal of sanctions imposed on Zimbabwean institutions and individuals.

Africa CDC warned that barriers to health financing and legitimate financial transactions could complicate the procurement of medical supplies, drive up costs and undermine access to essential health products and services.

“Health must never be collateral damage in political disputes. No patient should be denied life-saving care, and no health worker should lack essential supplies because of barriers to financing or procurement. Protecting Zimbabwe’s health system is part of protecting Africa’s health security,” said Africa CDC Director General Jean Kaseya.

The agency called for uninterrupted access to medicines, vaccines, diagnostics and essential healthcare, particularly for children, pregnant women and patients requiring continuous treatment. It stressed that protecting these services should not be delayed by political disagreements.

Africa CDC also urged the governments concerned to respond to the African Union’s appeal, while calling on international partners, financial institutions and suppliers to facilitate legitimate health financing, procurement and technical cooperation.

The AU separately warned that the sanctions had restricted Zimbabwe’s access to international financial systems, discouraged foreign investment, raised the cost of doing business and limited access to development assistance.

It said the restrictions were undermining Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 development ambitions, regional economic integration targets, the AU’s Agenda 2063 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Africa CDC reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Health and Child Care in strengthening disease surveillance, laboratory capacity, the health workforce and emergency preparedness and response.

Working alongside the AU, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and other partners, the agency said it would continue supporting nationally led efforts to protect Zimbabwe’s population and strengthen health security across Southern Africa.

Sanctions have been a longstanding source of disagreement between Zimbabwe and several Western countries, although the measures vary by country, with some having been revised or lifted.

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