COVID-19 pandemic highlights need for Public Health Investment: Minister Chombo

Cairo, Egypt – The COVID-19 pandemic has taught Zimbabwe the crucial need for public health investment, Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Hon. Marian Chombo, revealed at the ongoing Pharmoconex Conference in Egypt.

The conference, one of Africa’s largest events for the medical manufacturing industry, brings together pharmaceutical industries from across the continent. Minister Chombo, representing Zimbabwe, emphasized the importance of public health investment, not only for health needs but also as an opportunity for job creation in the pharmaceutical industry sector.

“Zimbabwe has learned four key lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic,” Minister Chombo said. “These include investing in public health and health infrastructure, implementing medical and non-medical countermeasures, enhancing risk communication in public health, and investing in human capital and partnerships.”

These lessons, she added, make Zimbabwe, particularly Mashonaland West Province, an attractive destination for pharmaceutical investment.

The Minister revealed that the province is pursuing the establishment of the Zimbabwe Life-Sciences and Pharma Park, a transformative initiative aimed at creating a vibrant pharmaceutical hub.

The hub will focus on pharmaceutical innovation, research, and manufacturing capacitation, offering trade opportunities for pharmaceutical companies and establishing local vaccine development establishments through a vaccine manufacturing academy.

Minister Chombo highlighted Zimbabwe’s National Development Strategies, which aim to achieve an upper-middle-income society with specific targets for the health sector.

The Pharmoconex Conference features presentations and exhibitions from the pharmaceutical industry, with delegates from Australia, Germany, India, Cyprus, England, Egypt, and other countries participating in the eleventh edition of the premier pharmaceutical conference.

Samar Awad, the Exhibition Manager, expressed pride in the exhibition’s achievements over the years.

“Pharmaconex has established itself as a leading force in supporting the pharmaceutical industry. We have worked to provide a new on-site experience this year, meeting the evolving needs of the Egyptian and African markets and raising the level of knowledge about the latest trends and technologies in the industry.”

“The conference also includes a “Women in Pharma” event, aimed at empowering women working in the sector.”