Zimbabwe needs almost 15 million dollars each year to buy enough birth control supplies for everyone who wants them. The National Family Planning Council says they have been running short on contraceptives for many years. Government officials gave 4.5 million dollars between 2022 and 2024 but that only covers a small part of what people need.
Family planning leaders met with parliament members in Kadoma to talk about fixing the money problems. They want to find ways to pay for reproductive health services that will work long term. The council thinks all medical insurance plans should cover family planning services and the National Health Insurance Fund should set aside money just for contraceptives.
Chief Executive Farai Machinga explained that outside donors are giving less money than before. The council wants Zimbabwe to depend less on foreign help and more on local funding sources. Medical aid companies and insurance systems could provide steady money for birth control supplies across the country.
Parliament committees are working with health officials to protect family planning programs from budget cuts. The new funding plans would make sure people can always access the contraceptives they need. Zimbabwe hopes these changes will solve the supply shortage that has lasted for several years.
Family planning leaders met with parliament members in Kadoma to talk about fixing the money problems. They want to find ways to pay for reproductive health services that will work long term. The council thinks all medical insurance plans should cover family planning services and the National Health Insurance Fund should set aside money just for contraceptives.
Chief Executive Farai Machinga explained that outside donors are giving less money than before. The council wants Zimbabwe to depend less on foreign help and more on local funding sources. Medical aid companies and insurance systems could provide steady money for birth control supplies across the country.
Parliament committees are working with health officials to protect family planning programs from budget cuts. The new funding plans would make sure people can always access the contraceptives they need. Zimbabwe hopes these changes will solve the supply shortage that has lasted for several years.
