To date, the Government of Zimbabwe has fallen far short of its
responsibility to ensure the availability of appropriate health
services.
Despite the epidemic continuing for more than six months, sanitation
remains poor and lack of access to safe drinking water persists against
the backdrop of a collapsed health system with degraded infrastructure
and very few health workers.
Health is a fundamental human right indispensable for the exercise of
other human rights. Despite this, the right to health is becoming an
increasingly remote privilege, out of the reach of most Zimbabweans.
Health in Zimbabwe is presently largely unavailable, unacceptable,
inaccessible and of poor quality. This report concludes that Zimbabwe
will require long term commitment of the humanitarian and donor
agencies working in the country with large scale, multi-faceted
assistance to address the situation. The Government of Zimbabwe must
also take responsibility for the restoration of the basic social
services that fulfil basic human rights.
ZADHR makes the following recommendations:
On the public health system:
An emergency health response plan to restore function to the public
health system must be produced and implemented. This plan should begin
by focusing on making primary and secondary care services (clinics and
district
hospitals) affordable and accessible to all. The Government must also
ensure that health workers concerns are addressed to ensure that
conditions in which these workers return to work and their skills can
be retained are put in place (including adequate remuneration and safe
working conditions).
On access to safe water
If the outbreak is to be brought under control, and ultimately to an
end, there is an urgent need to restore safe potable water to
communities. Where infrastructure for piping water exists this needs to
be rehabilitated.
On adequate sanitation
Ensuring that communities make use of sanitary facilities for
defecation is vital. Everyone should have access to a toilet connected
to a septic tank or working public sewer system or a ventilated
improved pit latrine.
International Federation of Health and Human Rights Organisations
(IFHHRO)
Post published in: Analysis