By Lloyd G. Makonese – Public Health Expert

Health authorities in Zimbabwe have highlighted the need for increased domestic funding for tuberculosis (TB) control programmes, following indications of reduced international financial support. Officials noted that a significant portion of TB prevention and treatment activities in the country has historically relied on external donor funding.

According to recent programme reports, Zimbabwe continues to record TB cases across both urban and rural districts, with a notable overlap between TB and HIV infection. Health workers report that TB remains one of the most common opportunistic infections among people living with HIV. This pattern is consistent with trends seen in several countries in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Public health data indicates that early diagnosis, continuous treatment access and integrated HIV/TB services are key components in managing TB. However, health facilities in different regions have reported resource constraints affecting TB testing, contact tracing, community health outreach and continuity of care.

Stakeholders state that the reduction in donor support may affect the availability of medicines, diagnostic supplies and frontline health services. In response, government representatives and health partners have called for increased domestic resource mobilisation to maintain and strengthen TB control systems.

Local health organisations continue to encourage routine screening for TB symptoms, particularly in individuals living with HIV, in households with known TB cases and in communities where access to health facilities may be limited. Public health guidance emphasises that TB is preventable and treatable when diagnosed early and when treatment is completed as prescribed.

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