On the bustling streets of Mabvuku, George Gunguta (49), struggles to move his crippled legs perched awkwardly on improper leg crutches, but self-determination hides the pain written inwardly in his body as he trudges along the potholed Manresa Way, resolute to reach Mabvuku Hospital.
Despite the physical challenges he faces with his legs, Gunguta’s unwavering spirit to access the healthcare he desperately needs is palpable.
His journey is fraught with obstacles, a stark reflection of the daily struggles encountered by persons with disabilities across Zimbabwe.
As organisations advocating for the rights of people with disabilities closely examine the country’s recent health budget allocation, a troubling pattern emerges — the introduction of earmarked health taxes has not translated to tangible benefits for those like Gunguta, leaving them with limited access to quality healthcare.
For Gunguta, a resident of Mabvuku, a high-density suburb in Harare, accessing healthcare is a daily struggle due to his physical condition, made worse by the potholed main and side-roads.
“I’ve been waiting for months to get proper leg crutches, but the process is so slow and frustrating,” he laments, his voice tinged with exasperation.
“Without the right mobility aid, especially given the bad roads, it’s nearly impossible for me to get to the nearest clinic, let alone hospital.”
Gunguta’s story is not unique.
- Measles outbreak looms in schools
- Measles outbreak looms in schools
- COVID-19 cases rising
- ‘Poor funding threatens health sector’
Keep Reading
Across Zimbabwe’s high-density and informal settlements, persons with disabilities face an uphill battle in securing the right to healthcare and mobility.
Philemon Simwaba, the executive director for the Disability, HIV/Aids Trust, has witnessed these challenges first-hand.
“The government’s introduction of earmarked health taxes was a positive step, but the utilisation of the funds remains opaque,” he explained to NewsDay in a recent interview.
“There’s little evidence of these resources being invested in disability-inclusive programmes and infrastructure,” he asserted.
Mental Health Sustainability Trust co-ordinator Tadiwa Karimbanawo echoed these concerns.
“Mental healthcare, in particular, has been severely underserved.
“Persons with psychosocial disabilities often face stigma and discrimination, leaving them with limited access to the support they desperately need.”
Itai Rusike, the executive director for the Community Working Group on Health, a prominent health-focused advocacy organisation, argues that lack of transparency and accountability in the health budget is a systemic issue.
“We’ve been pushing for greater engagement and consultation with civil society organisations, including organisations of persons with disabilities in the budget review process, but their voices are often marginalised,” he lamented.
“The government must create meaningful platforms for organisations of persons with disabilities to meaningfully participate and influence how health resources are allocated and utilised,” he added emphatically.
The organisations of persons with disabilities (OPD)s' analysis of the 2026 national health budget allocations paint a concerning picture.
“Our critical research has uncovered critical gaps and areas of concern that must be addressed,” Simwaba said.
“From limited investment in disability-inclusive infrastructure to the opaque utilisation of earmarked health taxes, the system is failing those who need it most.”
Karimbanawo emphasised the need for a more comprehensive approach.
“It’s not just about the budget allocations, but it’s also about the implementation and monitoring of healthcare services.
“We must ensure that the allocated resources reach the intended beneficiaries and that persons with disabilities have a meaningful say in how the funds are used, he observed.”
For Anna Chikumbirike, a mother living with a disability in Nyamhunga, Kariba, the path to healthcare equity is not clear for persons in his predicament.
“We’ve been left behind for too long,” she said.
“It’s time for our voices to be heard, for our needs and rights to be prioritised, and for the government to be held accountable.”
Looking ahead to 2026, OPDs are gearing up for a renewed advocacy push, determined to influence the next budget cycle.
“We will now fully engage in the consultative budget review processes, providing community-led evidence-based input,” Simwaba said.
“We’ll build strategic partnerships with key government agencies and relevant parliamentary portfolio committees to amplify the voices and lived experiences of persons with disabilities,” he said.
Rusike emphasised the importance of community-led advocacy campaigns.
“By mobilising persons with disabilities at community level and their allies more effectively, we can create a groundswell of support, constantly putting pressure on the government to address these critical gaps and ensure equitable access to quality healthcare.”
As the nation grapples with the complexities of healthcare financing, the call for equity and inclusion from persons with disabilities echoes across Zimbabwe.
“This is not just about numbers and budgets; it’s about our fundamental right to live with dignity and access the services we need,” declared partially-blind Barbra Farashishiko from Old Tafara.
“We will not rest until our voices are heard, and our needs and rights are met and addressed.”
Chiedza Maponga, a disability policy expert, said the 2026 health budget allocations woefully neglected the needs of persons with disabilities.
“The numbers tell a story of systemic exclusion,” she stated recently during a national budget review meeting.
“The meagre allocations for disability-inclusive healthcare infrastructure and programs paint a grim picture of the government’s priorities.”
Tonderayi Kadzere, the policy planning officer in the Health and Child Care ministry, acknowledged the concerns, stating: “We recognize the gaps and are committed to improving disability inclusion in the next budget cycle through greater stakeholder engagement.”
