Will Zimbabwean Healthcare Improve With a $101 Billion Injection Now Costing $5.4 Billion a Year? Can We Afford It? The impact of US sanctions on Zimbabwe, the call for reparations due to healthcare crisis by 2025, and challenges facing healthcare funding due to tax base erosion and GDP constraints are key points highlighted in the UN health sanctions report. MDC CCC’s stance on sanctions and the need to meet AU healthcare standards add complexity to the discussion on the future of Zimbabwe’s healthcare. 
Zimbabwe’s healthcare system was not destroyed by Emmerson Mnangagwa but the 24 years of illegal U.S. and western sanctions that MDC/CCC members called upon the country to make people suffer, to force them to vote for the opposition. This was determined by the UN Human Rights Council and the U.S. Congress Subcommittee on Human Rights and Health sanctions impact assessment reports done in 2021.
Both reports state that western sanctions eroded Zimbabwe’s tax base by 92%, reduced the government’s contribution to healthcare from 15% of GDP to 7%, which prevented the country from maintaining its system, buying medicines and medical equipment, and led to the loss of doctors, nurses, tutors, midwives, and technicians.
Now, to rebuild the system to the standard it should be (AU standards), an investment equivalent to the 8% GDP shortfall per year compounded by 5% interest over 24 years, multiplied by the median GDP over the same period, would be required. This translates to no less than $101 billion required upfront today to restore what was lost over 24 years to an international standard.
Additionally, 15% of GDP would need to be allocated for the health budget each year thereafter to continue maintaining and improving the system in line with international standards.
Now given that only 2% of Zimbabweans pay tax, can Zimbabweans actually afford healthcare they want? Who will pay for this health that we want when we are not producing enough to generate enough taxes?
#WeNeedReparations
