Health is part of development and as such it is a dynamic process. Accordingly, the functions and structure of the Ministry of Health and Child Welfare continuously change to meet the ever-changing demands and challenges. The account, which follows, presents a new structure and functions of the Ministry of Health and Child Welfare with effect from January 2007. As will be observed, only slight amendments have been made to the February 2001, Ministry of Health and Child Welfare Organization and Functions structure.

FUNCTIONS OF THE MINISTER OF HEALTH AND CHILD WELFARE

Zimbabwe Health Vision:

The Government of Zimbabwe desires to have the highest possible level of health and quality of life for all its citizens, attained through the combined efforts of individuals, communities, organizations and the government, which will allow them to participate fully in the socio-economic development of the country. This vision will be attained through guaranteeing every Zimbabwean access to comprehensive and effective health service

Mission

To provide, administer, coordinate, promote and advocate for the provision of quality health services and care to Zimbabweans while maximising the use of available resources.

In pursuing this, the Ministry of Health and Child Welfare is committed to the following values: -

Ø Equity in health status and health care

Ø Comprehensive quality services

Ø Cost effectiveness (Value for money) and efficiency

Ø Client and provider satisfaction

Ø Transparency and accountability

Ø Ownership and partnership in health

Ø The Ministry of Health and Child Welfare further commits itself to monitoring and evaluating the performance of the health service to ensure accountability and adherence to national standards and policies.

The mission of the Ministry of Health and Child Welfare will be pursued through:

Ø Continuously reforming the Health Sector in line with changing needs.

Ø Strengthening the Primary Health Care Approach as the main strategy for health development.

Ø Increasing partnership in health services and care whilst maintaining the principle of three ones (one national plan, one coordinating mechanism and one monitoring and evaluation mechanism)

Ø Ensuring resource availability and sustainability.

The Goal is to ensure that: -

Zimbabweans enjoy the highest possible level of health and quality of life.

The aims of the Ministry of Health and Child Welfare can be summarized as:

1. To keep as many people as possible in good health in the Community (A)
2. To provide appropriate quality services for those needing care in the community (B) and
3. To provide high quality hospital services at the appropriate level for those few requiring that form of treatment and care (C)