President Emmerson Mnangagwa has appointed Ministry Of Health and Child Care permanent secretary Dr Agnes Mahomva to take over the running of the country’s Coronavirus programming something which ordinarily would be expected to be done by the Minister of Health Dr Obadiah Moyo himself.

Throughout the world, Ministers of Health are in the forefront working with the President in running the Coronavirus programme but only in Zimbabwe has the President decided to eliminate his Minister.

Below we publish the full statement by the President’s office appointing Mahomva to take over from her boss.

Contents of the statement clearly show that the President has lost confidence in his Minister and Dr Mahomva may soon be the next Health and Child Care Minister.

PRESS STATEMENT BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY TO THE PRESIDENT AND CABINET DR M J M SIBANDA ON THE APPOINTMENT OF CHIEF COORDINATOR, NATIONAL RESPONSE TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

His Excellency the President has, in terms of Section 203 (1) (a) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No.20) Act 2013, approved the appointment of Dr Agnes Mahomva to the newly created post of Chief Coordinator, National Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic in the Office of the President and Cabinet.

The post has been created after due consideration of the work of the Ad-hoc Inter-Ministerial Task Force on COVID -19, which has indicated the need for an evidence-based, and coordinated division of labour between and among Government agencies and other significant entities, as the country acts to prevent, manage and contain cases of infection and illness relating to the virus.

Prior to her appointment, Dr Mahomva held the post of Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Child Care, and brings to the new post her extensive knowledge and experience both from her work in Government and from her previous assignments in country, regional and global health organizations. As the Government’s principal technical spokesperson on efforts to combat the COVID-19 threat, Dr Mahomva has been on the frontline in defining Government strategy and in providing guidance to the public on behavioral adjustments needed to protect the populace against the spread of the pandemic, as well as on necessary health protocols that must be followed when dealing with cases, both suspected and established, of infection.

Dr Mahomva’s leadership is critical in coordinating the country’s expertise in medical, epidemiological and related research and practices, and in intensifying activities in the area of public health at a time when the country is contending with a formidable health threat. She will also take responsibility for ensuring synergies in activities relating to the logistical, resource mobilization, materials production, and distribution, protective services and monitoring functions in the fight against COVID-1 9.

Dr Mahomva’s appointment is with immediate effect.

An announcement on the appointment of a new Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Child Care will be made in due course.

Dr. M J M Sibanda

CHIEF SECRETARY TO THE PRESIDENT AND CABINET

12 May 2020