The Zimbabwe Human Rights Association joins the rest of the world in commemorating the World Health Day 2021 under the theme,” Building a fairer, healthier world.”
This year’s commemorations are being held for the second time during the Covid-19 Pandemic. The Pandemic has heightened human rights violations and exposed the failure by Zimbabwe to finance the health system over the years thereby resulting in the failure to safeguard the right to health care as provided for in section 76 of the constitution. The constitution provides that every citizen and permanent resident of Zimbabwe has the right to have access to basic health-care services. The Constitution further creates an obligation for the State to take reasonable legislative and other measures to achieve the progressive realisation of the rights set in the Constitution
The right to health care has been continuously eroded for ordinary citizens in Zimbabwe and the Covid-19 pandemic has worsened the situation hence ZimRights call for urgent action to eliminate health inequities and mobilize action to attain better health for all Zimbabweans.
Realising the devastating effects of Covid-19, ZimRights has continued to demand for a comprehensive vaccination plan, that will ensure everyone who needs a vaccine in the country gets it.
While we applaud the government for the initiative to procure vaccination drugs, ZimRights believes that what is required is a clear plan of action, with details of implementation, time frames and adequate funding for the vaccination programme in the country. It is these details that prove that there is dedication and commitment to saving lives. ZimRights has litigated for vaccines and continues with advocacy that will ensure that government procures adequate and safe drugs for its citizens.
ZimRights also urges government to license the World Health Organisation approved vaccines to allow private players to procure vaccines that are desired as this will increase the vaccines uptake.
ZimRights urges government to adequately finance the health system such that even when faced with pandemics, the right to Health is achieved.