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The Zimbabwean government has approved sweeping amendments to the Zimbabwe National Family Planning Council Act, signaling a major shift toward modernising the country’s approach to reproductive health and aligning it with the evolving needs of its population—particularly adolescents and youth.
The decision was announced by the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Dr. Jenfan Muswere, during a post-Cabinet briefing on Wednesday afternoon. The move aims to enhance the effectiveness of the Family Planning Council by making it more responsive to contemporary demographic trends, public health challenges, and global development frameworks.
According to Dr. Muswere, the updated Act will be restructured to reflect not only the unique reproductive health needs of different communities and sub-populations but also broader social and technological changes. These include a growing demand for reproductive health services, the importance of male participation in sexual and reproductive health issues, and the rising burden of non-communicable diseases.
The reform will also integrate a rights-based and gender-sensitive approach to health delivery, positioning the Council to better support young people navigating complex reproductive health decisions. The legislation will be harmonised with national and international commitments, such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD), Family Planning 2030, and Vision 2030.
Additionally, the amended Act will align with the Public Entities Corporate Governance Act, a move expected to strengthen governance structures, improve accountability, and ensure consistent quality assurance in the delivery of reproductive health services across the country.
The overhaul marks a decisive step toward future-proofing Zimbabwe’s reproductive health framework and ensuring that no segment of the population—especially young people—is left behind in accessing the services and support they need.
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