Harare, Zimbabwe, 2 June 2025 - The Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZIMSTAT), in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Child Care and development partners, today released key findings from the 2023–24 Zimbabwe Demographic and Health Survey (ZDHS) which highlights both progress and persistent challenges in Zimbabwe’s health and development landscape.
The ZDHS provides current demographic and health information for use by policymakers, planners, researchers, and programme managers. The survey covers a broad range of topics including fertility, maternal and child health, family planning, nutrition, gender-based violence, and non-communicable diseases, among others.
Speaking at the launch ZIMSTAT Director General Ms. Tafadzwa Bandama underscored that ZDHS has become a cornerstone of the national statistical calendar with surveys conducted approximately every five years.
“Since the first survey in 1988, ZIMSTAT has remained committed to delivering high-quality demographic and health data. The release of these results is timely. As we approach the conclusion of the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), the findings from the 2023-24 ZDHS will provide a critical evidence base for assessing the effectiveness of NDS1 and guiding the formulation of NDS2. Beyond our borders, these results contribute to Zimbabwe’s reporting on global commitments, including the Sustainable Development Goals and Africa Agenda 2063”she said.
The 2023-24 ZDHS findings reflect notable progress in several areas of health service delivery such as improvements in contraceptive use, child nutrition, increased use of insecticide-treated nets, and a reduction in maternal mortality.
Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) has reduced to 212 deaths per 100,000 live births down from 651 per 100 000 live births from the last ZDHS 2015. Although still high this steady decline indicates progress towards ending maternal deaths and ensuring no woman dies while giving life. Linked to the issue of maternal mortality is Ante-Natal Care (ANC) coverage from a skilled provider which slightly increased from 91% to 92%. At least 71% of pregnant women made the recommended 4plus ANC visits. Institutional deliveries stood at 84%, up from 81% in 2015 while home deliveries reduced from 16% in 2015 to 14% in 2023-24.
"We commend the significant reduction in the Maternal Mortality Ratio, as evidenced by the 2023-24 ZDHS. This is a testament to the focused investments and collaborative efforts in strengthening maternal health services across Zimbabwe,’ said UNFPA Representative Ms. Miranda Tabifor. “It's a clear indication that prioritizing the health of mothers and ensuring access to skilled care can save lives. While we acknowledge that more work remains, this achievement is a powerful reminder of what can be accomplished when we invest in the right areas and empower women with quality healthcare."
On family planning, the proportion of women using any modern form of contraception increased from 48% in 2015 to 53% in the 2023-24 survey. The pill remains the widely used form of contraception among women at 27%. The current total fertility rate in Zimbabwe is 3.9 children per woman, a slight decline from 4.0 children per woman in the 2015 ZDHS. Figures on adolescent pregnancies to be added
Marriage and sexual activity help determine the extent to which women are exposed to the risk of pregnancy, hence the two are important determinants of fertility. At least 62% of women and 48% of men aged 15–49 in Zimbabwe are currently married or living together with their partners as if married. The median age at first sex is 18.5 years for women and 19.9 years for men (25–49 age group). Figures on child marriage to be added
In terms of sexual behaviour and condom use at least 2% of women and 17% of men had more than two sexual partners in the last 12 months. Among respondents who had sex with a non-marital, non cohabitating partner in the past 12 months, 64% of women and 83% of men reported that they used a condom during their most recent sexual intercourse with that partner.
While maternal health and institutional maternal health care have improved, issues such as child malnutrition and infant mortality remain worrying issues according to the new findings.
Information on infant and child mortality is relevant to a demographic assessment in Zimbabwe and is an important indicator of the country’s socioeconomic development and people’s quality of life. Under five mortality rate remained 69 deaths per 1000 live births between the 2015 and 2023-24 surveys. Over the same period, infant mortality worsened, from 50 to 56 deaths per 1000 live births. Neonatal mortality also increased, from 29 to 37 deaths per 1000 live births.
“…We applaud Zimbabwe’s improvement in increasing skilled birth attendance during delivery; however, we also acknowledge the 28% rise in newborn deaths since 2015 and 54 percent increase since 2005. This is a sobering wake-up call for all of us. It highlights urgent gaps in maternal and child health systems and underscores the critical need for coordinated action at every level of society—governmental, medical, and community,” noted USAID Mission Director Ms. Janean Davis.
In other worrying statistics, teenage pregnancy remains high at 24% (15% urban and 13% rural). The teenage prevalence rate is highest in Mashonaland Central (37%) and lowest in Bulawayo (13%).
Gender Based Violence also continues to be a pressing concern. Results show that 27% of women (15–49) reported experiencing physical violence since age 15 and 13% experienced physical violence in the last 12 months. In addition, at least 9% of women aged 15-49 experienced sexual violence at least once in their lifetime, and 5% experienced sexual violence in the past 12 months while 44% of women who have ever experienced physical or sexual violence have sought help.
“This data is very important to policymakers and programme managers as it supports the design, monitoring and evaluation of health and development strategies across Zimbabwe. It also contributes essential indicators for assessing the progress toward our national objectives and international commitments…We must understand the policy implications of these findings and apply them to shape impactful data delivery and health strategies that uplift the wellbeing of all Zimbabweans,” said Dr. Stephen Banda, the Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Child Care.
As a data agency that plays a significant role in supporting the collection, analysing and utilization of population data to inform policies and programs, UNFPA is proud to have partnered with the Government of Zimbabwe in this endeavour, alongside with other development partners. UNFPA has been supporting the ZDHS since its inception in 1988. UNFPA Zimbabwe has been actively involved in the ZDHS, providing support for various surveys including the 1988, 1994, 1999, 2005-06, 2010-11, 2015, and 2023-24 surveys. Support includes technical assistance, data analysis and promoting evidence-based decision-making.
By Bertha Shoko
