A 2024 baseline assessment of Zimbabwe’s “One Health” landscape and opportunities revealed
that “One Health” was being implemented with minimal coordination across sectors. It revealed
that although the one health approach was supported by a one health secretariat composed of
officers from the three One Health Ministries, implementation was mostly focused on antimicrobial
resistance (AMR). The assessment also highlighted limited cross-sectoral collaboration, overlapping
responsibilities for Government Ministries Departments and Agencies (MDAs), as well as inadequate
funding for one health initiatives.

Although some progress has been made in addressing challenges identified by the 2024 assessment,
broader integration across human, animal, plant and environmental health remains limited.
Strengthening governance, aligning policies, and fostering collaboration among key One Health
MDAs including the Ministry of Health and Child Care; Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries,
Water, and Rural Development; the Ministry of Environment, Climate, and Wildlife; the National
Biotechnology Authority as well as other relevant stakeholders is essential for building and
implementing a comprehensive one health framework.

Zimbabwe’s National One Health Strategic Plan seeks to align with the Global Quadripartite One
Health Joint Plan of Action and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), specifically SDG 3
(Good Health and Well-being), SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG
15 (Life on Land). The plan aligns with Zimbabwe’s National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), NDS 2
priority areas and Vision 2030, which emphasize sustainable development, food security, climate
resilience, and inclusive growth.

Government MDAs responsible for Health, Agriculture and Environment as well as other
stakeholders whose responsibilities intersect across “One Health” sectors, have therefore
committed to implementing this One Health strategic plan.