2025 UHC Day Champion
Jacob Ngwenya
Director of the NCD Champions Network, Zimbabwe
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A national NCD law is not just policy—it is protection. By reducing financial hardship and guaranteeing access to essential services, we can make UHC tangible for millions of Zimbabweans.
Jacob Ngwenya is a dedicated universal health coverage advocate driving key health financing reforms in Zimbabwe. He led a national petition calling for the enactment of a law that would ensure financial protection and equitable access to services for all people living with non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The petition highlights the need for legislation that ring-fences health taxes to ensure that these funds are used for their intended purpose of improving health outcomes for people living with NCDs. Jacob has consistently engaged parliament, ministries and policymakers through targeted lobbying, policy briefs and formal correspondence to push for stronger, people-centered health investments.
His sustained advocacy for Zimbabwe to fulfill the Abuja Declaration contributed to a major milestone: the 2026 national budget allocated 15% of government expenditure to health for the first time. Jacob continues to champion inclusive health reforms and amplify community voices in advancing UHC.
