What is healthcare in Zimbabwe like?

Facilities and Health Information

The public medical infrastructure is subpar and medical facilities are limited. Most serious illnesses or accidents require medical evacuation to South Africa. All travelers are strongly urged to obtain medical evacuation insurance coverage prior to arriving in Zimbabwe. Doctors, hospitals and air ambulance medical evacuation services often expect immediate, upfront cash payment for health services. We urge you to bring a sufficient supply of your medications with required prescriptions for your entire trip, as many common medications are unavailable in Zimbabwe. Provincial hospitals in rural areas have rudimentary staffing, equipment, and supplies, and are not equipped to care for victims of serious accidents. The fuel shortage further diminishes emergency response capabilities. Emergency patients often must arrange their own transportation to medical facilities.

Diseases from food and water are the leading cause of illness in travelers.

Malaria is also prevalent throughout Zimbabwe, except in Harare, due to the capital’s high altitude. The CDC strongly recommends that malaria prophylaxis and preventive measures be taken when traveling outside of Harare.

Due to Schistosomiasis, travelers are advised to avoid fresh water exposure.

Drinking Water Source - % of rural population improved

68.7%

Drinking Water Source - % of total population unimproved

20.1%

Drinking Water Source - % of urban population improved

97.3%

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate

14.7%

Hospital Bed Density - beds/1,000 population

1.7

People Living with HIV/AIDS

1,200,000

Physicians Density - physicians/1,000 population

.06

Sanitation Facility Access - % of total population unimproved

60.1%

Sanitation Facility Access - % of urban population improved

51.6%

Sanitation Facility Access - % of rural population improved

32.4%

Infectious Diseases - degree of risk

very high

Animal Contact Disease (s)

rabies

Food or Waterborne Disease (s)

bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever

Vectorborne Disease (s)

malaria and dengue fever

Water contact disease (s)

schistosomiasis

Disability Access In Zimbabwe

Accessibility

While in Zimbabwe, individuals with disabilities may find accessibility and accommodation very different from what you find in the United States. The Zimbabwe constitution and law prohibit discrimination against persons with disabilities in employment, access to public places, and the provision of services. However, the law is not widely known, poorly instituted, and rarely enforced. Persons with disabilities face harsh societal discrimination and widespread physical barriers. Many public buildings do not have wheelchair ramps, suffer from inoperative elevators, and have no suitable restroom facilities. Public transportation does not include lifts or access by wheelchair. Road crossing aids for the disabled are nonexistent and sidewalks in urban areas are in disrepair and cluttered with numerous obstacles. Persons with mental disabilities will experience inadequate medical care, available medications, and facilities. Nonetheless, many private lodges and hotels have excellent access and facilities for disabled visitors.

Disclaimer

You are responsible for ensuring that you meet and comply with foreign entry requirements, health requirements and that you possess the appropriate travel documents. Information provided is subject to change without notice. One should confirm content prior to traveling from other reliable sources. Information published on this website may contain errors. You travel at your own risk and no warranties or guarantees are provided by us.

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