Zimbabwe and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) have deepened collaboration in community health programmes to strengthen support for Zimbabwean returnees from South Africa. The commitment was made during a courtesy call by IFRC secretary-general Jagan Chapagain on Health and Child Care ministry permanent secretary Aspect Maunganidze. Maunganidze said the discussions underscored the importance of strengthening partnerships that improve access to quality healthcare. “The ministry values its longstanding relationship with the Red Cross movement, whose community-based programmes have complemented government efforts in delivering essential health services, especially in vulnerable communities,” he noted. Maunganidze said expanding immunisation coverage remains one of the ministry’s key priorities to protect children and communities against vaccine-preventable diseases. “We also discussed vital strategies for integrating Zimbabwean returnees from South Africa into the national health sector. This is an important aspect of ensuring that returning citizens continue to access essential healthcare services while supporting the country’s broader public health objectives,” he said. He added that the meeting reaffirmed the enduring partnership between the Health and Child Care ministry and the Red Cross in advancing universal access to healthcare. "Through continued collaboration, we are strengthening community health systems and ensuring that no one is left behind." The IFRC has worked closely with the Zimbabwe Red Cross Society (ZRCS) and the Health ministry in responding to disease outbreaks, strengthening epidemic preparedness, promoting health education and supporting routine immunisation campaigns across the country.