In an era where global health crises are intertwined with economic stability, Zimbabwe stands at a crossroads.
The Covid-19 pandemic has magnified the importance of public health as a crucial component of economic resilience.
As infectious diseases and chronic health conditions surge, the deteriorating public health infrastructure in Zimbabwe threatens not only the health of its citizens but also the country's economic future.
Without significant investment in health systems, the cycle of poverty and poor health will deepen, leading to dire economic consequences.
The interconnectedness of our world today means that a health outbreak in one region can quickly spiral into a global crisis.
According to Elena Vasilyeva, a prominent public health researcher, "The speed of global travel today means that an outbreak in one part of the world can have repercussions everywhere.
“We cannot afford to ignore public health in our economic planning."
This warning resonates deeply in Zimbabwe, which has experienced a troubling decline in health service delivery since the turn of the millennium.
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Once a beacon of health care in Africa, Zimbabwe's public health system has been severely weakened by economic instability, lack of funding, and chronic shortages of essential medical supplies.
As Miriam Chikanga, a health expert based in Harare, explained, "The lack of investment in public health is not just a health issue; it's an economic disaster waiting to unfold.
“Without a healthy population, we cannot expect any economic growth."
Zimbabwe's health sector, once robust in the 1980s and 1990s, faces challenges that have resulted in the closure of facilities and an exodus of skilled medical personnel.
Adding to this crisis, the rise of chronic diseases linked to changing lifestyles further exacerbates the economic toll.
Conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancers have become so common that nearly everyone will have someone they know who is affected.
According to experts, this surge is particularly alarming among younger populations, with individuals aged 40 and below increasingly being affected. A critical factor contributing to this trend has been the shift in dietary habits as more and more people gravitate towards processed and ultra-processed foods, coupled with sedentary lifestyles.
For Zimbabwe, it is estimated that more than 40 percent of deaths are due to NCDs. And the Ministry of Health and Child Care has attributed this phenomenon to a combination of factors, including increased consumption of processed foods, sedentary lifestyles, excessive alcohol use and smoking.
Processed foods are items that have been altered from their original state through methods like canning, freezing, or adding preservatives.
Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) go a step further, containing ingredients not commonly used in home cooking, such as artificial flavours, colours and emulsifiers. Examples include sugary cereals, instant noodles, and packaged snacks.
The appeal of these foods lies in their affordability, extended shelf life, and ready-to-eat nature.
However, their nutritional profiles often include high levels of added sugars, unhealthy fats, and sodium, coupled with low fibre and nutrient content.
This is how the dietary landscape in Zimbabwe has transformed, with traditional diets rich in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables being replaced by these foods.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that annual economic output losses from chronic conditions could reach hundreds of billions of dollars globally.
In Zimbabwe, where access to care is increasingly limited, families often deplete their savings on healthcare, causing them to withdraw children from school and perpetuating the cycle of poverty.
Despite these grim realities, the international community has begun to recognize the pressing need for collective health initiatives.
The WHO has launched various programs aimed at improving health outcomes in low-income countries, including Advance Market Commitments (AMCs) to incentivise the development of vaccines for vulnerable populations.
While these efforts signal a shift toward a more collaborative approach, the pharmaceutical landscape remains challenging.
High costs associated with research and development deter companies from focusing on diseases that predominantly affect poorer nations.
Economic analyst Samuel Ortiz emphasizes the necessity for innovative funding models.
"While innovation is vital, we must reimagine funding models to ensure that lifesaving medications reach those who need them most. The private sector has a role, but it can't do this alone."
Leveraging government-backed funding for vaccine research could provide the necessary support to ensure equitable distribution of health resources.
Historically, the relationship between health and economic growth has been complex.
While improved health outcomes are often linked to economic advancement, instances exist where economic growth has not translated to better health.
Recent studies highlight a contrary trend, with evidence suggesting that economic expansions can coincide with declining health metrics in industrialized nations. However, the focus is on the positive correlation between health and quality of life, particularly in light of Zimbabwe's current challenges.
The urgency for Zimbabwe to revitalize its public health system cannot be overstated. The continued emergence of diseases such as cholera, coupled with rampant bedbug infestations, is indicative of a failing health governance structure.
As DChikanga noted, "Without addressing the root causes of poor health, we are merely treating symptoms, and the implications for economic growth are catastrophic."
As Mbare grapples with an alarming resurgence of bedbugs, residents find themselves in a state of panic and disgust.
Particularly affecting the densely populated Matererini and Matapi Flats, the infestation is not merely a nuisance but a public health concern that experts warn could have far-reaching implications.
With the cost of private fumigation beyond the means of many low-income families, the crisis heightens the narrative of urban vulnerability exacerbated by economic challenges and a rapidly evolving pest control landscape.
The bedbug resurgence is not a localized challenge; it reflects a broader global trend linked to rapid urbanization, increased mobility, and resistance to traditional pest control methods.
Public health specialists assert that bedbugs, known scientifically as Cimexlectularius, thrive in overcrowded environments. Without effective treatments, the cycle of infestation continues, leading to increased economic strain on families already struggling to make ends meet.
The ongoing health crisis in Zimbabwe makes addressing such issues even more critical, as the healthcare system faces widespread shortages of essential medical supplies and support services.the bedbug crisis in Mbare serves as a stark reminder of the intersection between public health, urban living, and economic hardship. As the struggle against these resilient pests continues, collaboration between public health officials, local authorities, and community organizations is essential for mitigating the impact on vulnerable populations.
Yet there is a glimmer of hope.
The recent initiatives led by the WHO and the rising acknowledgment of public health as an economic priority mark a pivotal moment for Zimbabwe and other developing nations.
Harmonizing efforts in vaccine development and enhancing health reporting systems, countries can work collaboratively to tackle disease outbreaks, ultimately benefiting not just their populations but the global economy.
In conclusion, the intertwining of public health and economic stability has never been clearer. As nations navigate the complexities of infectious diseases and chronic health conditions, the need for a cooperative global health framework becomes more critical than ever.
Investing in public health is not merely a moral imperative; it is essential for sustainable economic growth.
As Zimbabwe faces the challenges of the 21st century, one truth remains evident: a healthy population is the foundation for a wealthier, more prosperous future.
*Nyawo is a development practitioner, writer and public speaker
These articles are coordinated by LovemoreKadenge, an independent consultant, managing consultant of Zawale Consultants (Private) Limited, past president of the Zimbabwe Economics Society and past president of the Chartered Governance & Accountancy Institute in Zimbabwe. Email- [email protected] or Mobile No. +263 772 382 852
