After years of ignored requests, the frontline workers set a final deadline, threatening new unrest in the underfunded public health sector.

Harare– The Nurse Aides Association of Zimbabwe Trust (NAAZT) has delivered a final, time-bound ultimatum to the Health Service Commission, demanding the payment of long-overdue uniform allowances and threatening to launch a public advocacy campaign if their grievances are ignored.

In a strongly-worded final request letter addressed to the Secretary of the Health Service Commission, Dr. Christopher Pasi, the association’s president, Yotamu Chagwada, stated that all previous attempts to engage the Commission on the issue had been “met with silence.”

The letter, dated today and copied to the Permanent Secretary for Health and Child Care, Dr. Aspect Jacob Maunganidze, sets a definitive deadline of 30 January 2026 for a satisfactory response.

“We have made every effort to engage with your office regarding the long-overdue uniform allowance for nurse aides in public health institutions,” Chagwada wrote.

“Despite our professional approach and multiple attempts to resolve this matter amicably, we have been met with silence.”

The association, representing nurse aides who provide essential frontline care in public hospitals and clinics, warned that failure to receive a definitive and positive response would force them into drastic action.

“We are willing to engage in discussions and find a solution that works for all parties,” the letter states.

“However, if we do not receive a satisfactory response, we will be compelled to pursue further advocacy and raise public awareness about this critical issue.”

This escalation signals a potential new front of labour unrest in Zimbabwe’s perennially underfunded public health sector. The uniform allowance is considered a critical part of the nurse aides’ remuneration, intended to cover the cost of maintaining professional attire required for their duties.

The NAAZT emphasised its preference for a peaceful resolution but underscored the growing desperation of its members. “We believe in professionalism and resolving issues peacefully, but we cannot continue to neglect the needs of our members,” Chagwada asserted.

On August, 18, 2025, the association wrote to the Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Dr Martin Rushwaya and Finance Ministry Permanent Secretary, George Guvamatanga with the same request.

“We are basing this request on Section 4 (4) of the Health Service Amendment Act of 2021,” wrote the association.

Dr Rushwaya responded with a letter to Dr Maunganidze, Secretary for Health and Child Care to furnish his office with “the considered view and position on the matter.”

Finance Permanent Secretary, Guvamatanga responded on September 2, 2025 redirecting the association to the relevant office revealing that this matter did not fall under the purview of his ministry.

The letter, which was copied to Finance Minister, Mthuli Ncube and his deputy Kudakwashe Mnangagwa, Health Minister Dr Douglas Tendai Mombeshora, Brigadier Dr Christopher Pasi, Secretary to the Health Services Commission, Percy Takavarasha, the Chief Director Expenditure Management and Enittah Matenda, Acting Director Recurrent Expenditure read: “Please be advised that this matter falls under the purview of the Health Services Commission. We are kindly asking you to redirect your application there.”

Before the latest letter, the organisation through its president, Chagwada wrote to the Health Services Commission on September 30 2025 requesting for the finalisation of their request.

Wrote Chagwada:

“We the NAAZT request the finalisation of our application for uniform allowances. Over a decade of delay has caused financial hardship, emotional distress and decreased miralw amongst nurse aides.

We kindly request inclusion of this benefit in the 2026 budget to alleviate financial burdens and improve health care delivery. We cannot afford to lose this opportunity and we urge a formal response before budget consultation commence to ensure timely consideration.”

As of publication, the Health Service Commission had not issued a public response to the letter or the allegations of ignored communications.

All eyes will now be on the Commission’s offices to see if dialogue begins before the Januaŕy deadline, or if the nation’s health sector faces another wave of public discontent.