THE City of Harare, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the ZB Financial Holdings on Thursday signed a memorandum of understanding for implementation of the Community Health Equity Fund, marking a significant milestone of an innovative public-private partnership that is set to transform access to health services for vulnerable urban communities in Harare.
The Community Health Equity Fund (CHEF) is a community-led programme designed to ensure equitable access to quality and comprehensive primary healthcare for all residents, being implemented with guidance from the Health and Child Care ministry.
Residents can enrol on the medical aid scheme by paying a once off registration fee of US$1 and an annual subscription of US$2.
After this enrolment, members will be exempt from paying clinic fees on visiting council clinics.
The basic benefits package covers consultation by a doctor, nurse provision of medicines and membership to clinic wellness clubs.
Once registered on the scheme, members can access maternity services which include six antenatal visits, delivery at council clinics and access to Caesarian section, ultra-sound scans, and post-natal care with a nominal co-payment on some of the services.
Patients will also have access to laboratory and radiology services.
A key strength of the project CHEF lies in its community-driven approach, tailored to the specific needs of Hopley and Mbare.
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By encouraging community participation and leadership membership, the initiative promotes a culture of proactive health planning and empowers individuals to invest in their well-being, recognising the intrinsic link between improved health and economic empowerment.
“This is more than a signing; it is a declaration of our city’s strategic imperative to build a more resilient, equitable, and prosperous future,” mayor Jacob Mafume said at the signing ceremony.
“The CHEF initiative is a foundational policy that directly addresses our city’s most pressing challenges, particularly those faced by the informal sector and our most vulnerable citizens.”
The scheme will be piloted in the southern district of Harare starting with Mbare and Hopley.
The city plans to roll out the project to the rest of Harare in 2026 and beyond.
“This collaboration on the Community Health Equity Fund is a clear and tangible extension of our purpose to improve lives through service,” said ZB Financial Holdings chief executive officer – banking, Cluster Elisha Chibvuri.
“We are leveraging our digital banking and payments solutions to ensure this critical program is not only sustainable but also accessible to all.”
In addition to providing digital banking and payments solutions to the CHEF, ZB Financial Holdings is extending a subsidised funeral assurance scheme with a monthly premium of US$0,50 to CHEF members, which is normally at US$1,50 per month.
Beneficiaries will receive a cash payment of US$1 000.
“By offering a subsidised funeral assurance plan, we are providing a vital financial safety net, seamlessly integrating our services into the daily lives of the community and reinforcing our commitment to national well-being,” Chibvuri said.
CHEF represents a powerful testament to the impact of multi-stakeholder partnerships.
This collaboration bringing together the City of Harare, ZB Financial Holdings and UNFPA showcases innovative financing for health and sustainable urban development.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, UNFPA representative Miranda Tabifor said this fund is a shining example of what can be achieved when diverse stakeholders unite with a shared purpose to address the health needs of vulnerable communities.
"Through this partnership we have sowed a seed of hope, opportunity, and a healthier future for women, girls, young people and the community at large,” she said.
“As UNFPA, we reiterate our commitment to providing ongoing technical support, guidance, and expertise to ensure the robust implementation and sustainability of the Community Health Equity Fund as lay the groundwork for stronger, healthier, and more resilient communities.”
The CHEF project is being seed funded by the UNFPA Strategic Investment Facility to the tune of US$709 000.
The facility supports catalytic projects for attracting and channeling public and private sector investment.
