Online Reporter
Ivan Zhakata
Herald Correspondent
The newly-appointed 14-member National Aid Council (NAC) board has been urged to strengthen collaboration and partnerships in HIV response and fight.
Speaking after appointing the new board, Health and Child Care Minister Dr Douglas Mombeshora said the board should build and foster effective working relationships with all stakeholders including Government, civil society, communities and international partners.
Mrs Nester Mukwehwa was appointed the board chairperson and advocate Tapson Dzvetero as the vice chairperson.
Other board members include The Herald’s senior reporter Rumbidzai Zinyuke, Dr Matthew Mare, Mrs Tendayi Westerhof, Dr Gilbert Chahwanda, Ms Mabel Buzuzi, Mr Isheanesu Nkomo, Mr Jaison Muradzikwa, Mrs Beatrice Dupwa, Mr Ralphel Tsivama, Dr Ntombizanele Vella, Dr Wenceslas Nyamayaro and Dr Bernard Madzima.
Minister Mombeshora said the board should also ensure that NAC fulfils its mandate as enshrined in the National AIDS Council of Zimbabwe Act Chapter 15:14 as well as its other obligations as encapsulated in several other enactments.
“I charge you to ensure that NAC exists to coordinate, oversee and spearhead the national response to HIV and AIDS, As the Board, you are the custodians of this mandate,” he said.
“Your decisions and actions will determine the Council’s ability to deliver impactful programmes and achieve HIV and AIDS national targets and global requirements. The council further plays an extended role of dealing with other emerging public health risks and challenges.
“Familiarise yourselves with NAC’s strategic plan, programmes and general policies. Strengthen NAC’s role as a leader in the national HIV and AIDS response, ensuring alignment with broader health and national development goals as espoused in the NDS1 (National Development Strategy 1) of the Second Republic ably led by President Mnangagwa.”
Minister Mombeshora also urged the board to uphold national as well as NAC’s values such as transparency, accountability, integrity, professionalism, innovation, inclusiveness as well as teamwork, in all their actions and decisions.
“Provide strategic leadership to the Council. The fight against HIV and AIDS requires innovative and forward-thinking leadership.
“Leaders are further required to be servants of the people of Zimbabwe. Mobilise resources and develop sustainable strategies.”
Mrs Mukwehwa said they will lead to strengthening their partnerships, improving services, delivering and ensuring that they reach those who need support the most.
“I am excited to work with the talented team and be led by Dr Madzima and with all stakeholders to achieve our national goals. I would like to thank the outgoing chair and the outgoing board members for their leadership and dedication to this cause.
“I look forward to building all the progress that is contributing to the success of the National AIDS Council. I want to assure you that together, we will continue to work towards a future where every Zimbabwe has access to services and support.”
NAC chief executive officer Dr Madzima said the board was important in terms of giving direction to the management, the policy level and the strategic level.
“We have accepted this huge responsibility as management to stay guided by your academics and I am sure the old board members, those of you in the previous board, would attest to the fact that management at NAC is ready to get that guidance to work together.”
