The Minister of Health and Child Care, Dr. Douglas Mombeshora, presented the National Health Strategy Performance Report for the 2021-2024 period yesterday during a cabinet briefing.
The report highlights significant progress in the country’s healthcare sector, particularly noting a notable increase in life expectancy at birth for females.
According to the report, life expectancy at birth for females rose from 66.5 years to 68 years during the first half of the National Health Strategy period.
The Minister attributed this improvement to various factors, including enhanced access to healthcare services, particularly for women and children, improved maternal and child health services, strengthened healthcare infrastructure and human resources, and increased awareness campaigns and educational programs promoting healthy lifestyle choices and disease prevention.
Despite these advancements, life expectancy at birth for males remained stagnant at 61 years.
Dr. Mombeshora expressed concern over this lack of progress, citing higher rates of smoking and substance abuse among men, limited access to healthcare services in rural areas, and a higher incidence of chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension among men as potential contributing factors.
He emphasised the necessity for targeted interventions aimed at addressing these disparities and enhancing overall health outcomes for men.
The Minister also underscored the Ministry of Health and Child Care’s commitment to prioritizing investments in healthcare infrastructure, human resources, and awareness campaigns to tackle the health challenges facing men.
SOURCE : NEWSREPORTZIM.COM
