Zimbabwe’s preparedness to monitor diseases among returning nationals and its progress in controlling HIV came under the spotlight in Parliament this week, as lawmakers examined the impact of cross-border migration on public health.

Responding to a question from Hon. Mutsa Murombedzi, the Minister of Health and Child Care said Zimbabwe has established disease surveillance systems for returning citizens and travellers transiting through the country. However, the Minister acknowledged that monitoring people using illegal crossing points remains a major challenge, limiting health authorities’ ability to conduct screening, testing and link patients to care.

The discussion also highlighted Zimbabwe’s achievement of the UNAIDS 95-95-95 HIV targets. According to government figures, 95% of people living with HIV know their status, 95% of those diagnosed are receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART), and 95% of those on treatment have achieved viral suppression. Officials attributed this success to the country’s AIDS Levy and continued support from international partners.

Parliament heard that, contrary to common assumptions, Zimbabwe’s highest HIV burden is not concentrated in mining or border communities but among families separated by labour migration. In many cases, one spouse works abroad while the other remains in Zimbabwe, increasing the challenges of treatment continuity and prevention.

To reduce treatment interruptions, some families have arranged for medication to be collected in Zimbabwe and sent across the border to relatives working in neighbouring countries. While health experts say the practice helps prevent treatment defaulting, it also highlights the need for stronger cross-border healthcare coordination.

The Minister cautioned against attributing HIV transmission solely to undocumented migration, noting that the epidemic is shaped by a combination of social, behavioural and health system factors. He added that effective disease control depends on well-managed migration, strengthened surveillance and improved access to healthcare services.

Parliament is expected to continue engaging the Ministry of Health and Child Care on measures to strengthen border health screening, improve cross-border treatment continuity and expand community-based HIV testing and care for mobile populations.