Happy Defence Forces Day, Zimbabwe — BHEKZIM Plug Spotlights ZNFPC Services
From the Plug.

Happy Defence Forces Day, Zimbabwe!

On Tuesday, 11 August 2026, BHEKZIM Plug joins Zimbabweans in honouring the women and men of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces and recognising the discipline, sacrifice and public service associated with the national commemoration.

The main 2026 celebration is being held at Rufaro Stadium in Harare, with provincial events taking place around the country. The official national theme is “ZDF: Guaranteeing Peace and Stability for the Attainment of Vision 2030.”

Peace and security create the space in which families, schools, businesses and public services can grow. A strong nation also depends on healthy, informed and supported communities.

In that spirit, BHEKZIM Plug is using this Defence Forces Day feature to help more Zimbabweans discover the services of the Zimbabwe National Family Planning Council. This is a public-awareness spotlight, not a claim of a formal partnership or endorsement.

The correct organisation: Zimbabwe National Family Planning Council

ZNFPC is the Zimbabwe National Family Planning Council, a Government of Zimbabwe parastatal under the Ministry of Health and Child Care. Its mandate is to coordinate, lead and support the implementation of integrated family-planning and reproductive-health services in Zimbabwe.

The Council delivers and supports services through health facilities, community-based distribution, adolescent and youth-friendly programmes and outreach work. It also provides technical support, trains service providers, develops information and education materials, conducts research and helps coordinate contraceptive procurement and distribution.

Services available through ZNFPC

Family planning and reproductive-health counselling

Qualified providers help clients understand available family-planning choices and select an appropriate method after counselling and clinical assessment. Depending on the facility, individual eligibility and available stock, options may include condoms, oral contraceptive pills, injectable methods, implants and intrauterine contraceptive devices.

Clients can also seek follow-up support, resupply information, method-change guidance and referrals. No single method is suitable for everyone, so professional counselling is important before starting or changing a method.

Integrated HIV, STI and reproductive-health services

ZNFPC advertises integrated family-planning, HIV and related sexual and reproductive-health services. These can include HIV testing and counselling, STI information and screening or referral, condom information and distribution, and linkage to appropriate prevention or treatment services.

The one-stop approach introduced at selected ZNFPC clinics was designed to reduce the time and cost involved when clients must visit different providers for related services. Availability differs by location, so clients should contact the clinic first.

Adolescent and youth-friendly services

ZNFPC promotes free adolescent and youth-friendly sexual and reproductive-health information and services for young people aged 10 to 24 years. Its youth programmes and centres may provide:

• Age-appropriate family-planning and reproductive-health information
• Menstrual-health education and support
• HIV and STI information, counselling and referral
• Guidance on healthy relationships, consent and personal safety
• Drug and substance-abuse awareness
• Mental-health and wider wellness information
• Support and referral relating to sexual abuse

Services should be respectful, confidential and appropriate to the young person's age and needs. Parents, guardians and young people can contact ZNFPC to find the nearest youth centre or outreach programme.

Cancer awareness, screening and referral

ZNFPC has promoted breast, cervical and prostate cancer screening and referral support as part of broader reproductive-health and wellness services. Screening availability can change, so clients should confirm the required appointment, eligibility, cost and referral process before travelling.

Community outreach and distribution

ZNFPC takes information and selected services closer to communities through outreach activities and community-based distributors. This helps people who live far from major clinics, face transport challenges or need a trusted local point of contact.

Training for health workers and organisations

The ZNFPC Training Unit provides professional family-planning and selected sexual and reproductive-health training. Doctors, nurses, teachers, youth workers and organisations should use the official training page or provincial contacts to confirm current courses, entry requirements, dates and fees.

Research, monitoring, publications and health education

ZNFPC conducts and supports research, monitoring and evaluation relating to family planning and reproductive health. It also publishes strategies, reports, fact sheets, newsletters, pamphlets and other public information that can help health workers, researchers, educators and families use reliable evidence.

Conference, accommodation, catering and media-production services

ZNFPC also operates organisational facilities and specialist services. Its official website advertises conference, accommodation and catering facilities, as well as an Audio Visual Unit that produces print and electronic information, education and communication materials. Organisations should request a current quotation and availability directly from ZNFPC.

ZNFPC contacts for Bulawayo and Matabeleland North

Residents of Bulawayo and surrounding areas can contact the ZNFPC Matabeleland North Provincial Office:

• Address: Lister House, 88A Samuel Parirenyatwa Street, between 8th and 9th Avenues, Bulawayo
• Postal address: P.O. Box 1045, Bulawayo
• Telephone: (0292) 270584 / 274120 / 269410
• Mobile and WhatsApp enquiries: 0713 595 022
• Email: matnorth@znfpc.org.zw

ZNFPC and partner material has also identified Lister House and Mpilo Centre in Bulawayo as locations used for integrated family-planning and HIV services. Confirm the service location before visiting.

National information lines

• Econet toll-free: 0808 0560
• NetOne toll-free: 0801 1584
• General public-relations email: pr@znfpc.org.zw
• Official website: www.znfpc.org.zw

Telephone numbers, clinic schedules, stock, eligibility and charges can change. Call the relevant office before travelling and do not send money to an unofficial personal account.

Help reliable health information travel further

Zimbabweans can support public health by following ZNFPC's official channels, sharing verified service announcements and directing friends or relatives to qualified providers. The official website and social links on this page make it easy to follow, subscribe and share without relying on unverified forwarded messages.

A healthier nation is a stronger nation

On Defence Forces Day, BHEKZIM Plug salutes those who serve Zimbabwe and encourages every community to protect health, support informed decisions, value young people and use reliable public services.

Happy Defence Forces Day, Zimbabwe. Amhlophe! Makorokoto! Congratulations!

This article provides general public-awareness information and does not replace professional medical advice. Service availability, operating hours, eligibility and charges may change. Contact ZNFPC directly for current guidance.