Results Based Financing in Zimbabwe: Any Changes in the Health Delivery System?

Abstract

This research aims to assess the impact of the Results Based Financing programme on maternal and child health care and evaluate the challenges that are being faced in implementing Results Based Financing. Progress has been made in improving availability of healthcare to vulnerable groups however the mortality rates are not decreasing. Challenges such as bureaucratic legal frameworks, deteriorating infrastructure, lack of expertise in the health sector, poor remuneration, corruption, in accessibility of some rural health centres, religious and cultural beliefs have hampered implementation. It is recommended that political and social realities be considered as they impede implementation efforts. Accountability frameworks are important as they help curb corrupt activities. Targets set and incentives used should be appropriate and genuinely increase access to the poorest and most vulnerable, more rural health centres should be built nearer to the communities, and there is a critical need to address the issue of health staff shortages.