A new project to address the mental health, emotional resilience, and wellbeing of healthcare workers in a hospital in Zimbabwe has been launched. It aims to demonstrate the value of basic occupational health services in the public sector, focusing on the health of health care workers.
Health care workers in Zimbabwe serve under immense pressure and are exposed to higher psychosocial, biological, chemical, ergonomic, and physical hazards. The project, based at Gweru Provincial Hospital, will address this. Gweru Hospital struggles with a high patient workload and staffing challenges.
The project aims to reach over 500 healthcare workers (including nurses, doctors, allied and general staff). It will also measure the impact on training on morale, burnout, and the quality of patient care. The project provides a foundation for the Hospital to retain and support its workforce. Sustainability will be a focus – to embed culture change to continue benefitting health care workers beyond the project. Learning will also be included within the curriculum at Gweru’s affiliated nursing training school.
Professor Dingani Moyo, FRCP; FFOM; MFOM; MOHS; MAppMgnt is leading this programme, with the support of provincial health authorities and the Ministry of Health. He said:
"I am excited to lead a new team to promote and maintain the health and wellbeing of health care workers at the hospital. A first step will be to ensure that all occupational hazards are identified and assessed, and appropriate strategies developed. The project will then provide a comprehensive and holistic support package including:
-Access to professional psychosocial support and counselling services.
-Mental health awareness, stress management, and wellness promotion activities.
-Training for departmental heads on creating supportive work environments.
Ongoing monitoring and evaluation will focus on impact and sustainability.”
In December 2025, Dr Moyo and the team at Baines held the first steering group meeting at the hospital, cementing the curriculum for the project and the sustainability plan for full integration and mobilisation at Gweru.
SOM is grateful for funding for the project from NEBOSH’s social purpose programme. NEBOSH are internationally recognised for its health, safety, and environmental qualifications. Mariyah Mandhu, manager for Social Development at NEBOSH said, “This programme focuses on an underrepresented and high-risk occupation, health care workers. NEBOSH is also pleased to support a project in Zimbabwe, where occupational health awareness is limited. We look forward to this project creating new partnerships, to ensure sustainable change occurs.”
Technical assistance and support will be provided by SOM, who have delivered similar projects in Nigeria and Ethiopia. Consultants from the UK will visit the team and hospital. An expert steering group hosted by SOM will provide oversight to review progress and disseminate learning.