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New York, April 9, 2025 -Zimbabwe’s Minister of Health and Child Care, Dr. Douglas Mombeshora, delivered a compelling address at the 58th session of the Commission on Population and Development (#CPD58), spotlighting the critical role of population dynamics in shaping national policies and propelling sustainable development. The minister’s participation underscored Zimbabwe’s proactive approach to addressing demographic shifts, with a focus on health equity and youth empowerment.
Speaking directly to the #CPD58 assembly, Dr. Mombeshora emphasized how understanding population trends particularly Zimbabwe’s youthful demographic, with roughly 60% of its citizens under 25 drives the Government of Zimbabwe’s (#GoZ) policy framework. “Population dynamics are at the heart of our national development strategy,” he stated. “They inform how we design policies to ensure sustainable growth and well-being for all.”
This message carried through to two key engagements at #CPD58. During a United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) side event titled “Advancing Health & Well-being In a World of Demographic Change,” Dr. Mombeshora highlighted Zimbabwe’s inclusive health policies tailored to its growing youth population. He showcased notable successes, including a modern contraceptive prevalence rate of 67% among married women one of the highest in Southern Africa enabled by robust family planning programs and partnerships like the Health Resilience Fund (HRF). Maternal mortality has also declined significantly, from 651 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2010 to 362 in 2022, reflecting investments in maternal and child health.
Zimbabwe’s commitment to sexual and reproductive health rights (#SRHR) was a recurring theme, aligning with the #GlobalGoals, particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 5 (Gender Equality). Initiatives like the Zimbabwe School Health Policy and comprehensive sexuality education address pressing challenges such as adolescent pregnancy, empowering young people to make informed choices.
In a separate high-level expert panel, Dr. Mombeshora shared Zimbabwe’s experiences in multi-stakeholder engagement, emphasizing collaboration as a cornerstone of sustainable health solutions. “By working with communities, international partners, and organizations like UNFPA, we’re ensuring health equity and resilience,” he noted. This approach, rooted in the National Health Strategy (2021-2025) and the Health Workforce Strategy (2023-2030), aims to achieve universal health coverage while harnessing the potential of Zimbabwe’s youth.
The #GoZ’s efforts resonate globally as nations grapple with diverse demographic transitions from aging populations in some regions to youthful ones in others. Zimbabwe’s model of integrating population dynamics into policy offers a blueprint for sustainable development, a point Dr. Mombeshora drove home at #CPD58. “Our growing youth population is an opportunity,” he concluded. “By prioritizing their health and well-being, we’re building a future that delivers for all.”
Tagged #ZimbabweAtCPD58 across social platforms, Zimbabwe’s contributions are sparking conversations about how demographic awareness can drive progress. As the session continues, the country’s blend of data-driven policy, inclusive health measures, and collaborative spirit positions it as a leader in advancing the #GlobalGoals on the world stage.
