Zimbabwe: Government fires striking nurses April 17 /update 1

Event

Vice President Constantino Chiwenga announced on Tuesday, April 17, that all nurses currently on strike have been fired. According to Chiwenga, the strike was politically motivated and the nurses refused to return to work after the government released USD 17 million to increase their pay. Media sources estimate that over 10,000 nurses were fired by the government. The vice president also said that unemployed and retired nurses would be hired to replace those who were let go. In response, the Zimbabwe Nurses Association stated it had taken note of the government’s decision but their members would remain on strike.

Context

Nurses decided to strike on April 16 after the government failed to pay allowances promised since 2010. The group is also calling for better working conditions and more resources for hospitals.

Hospitals were also hit by staffing issues during a month-long strike by junior doctors that ended on April 2.

Advice

Individuals in Zimbabwe are advised to avoid any demonstrations due to the potential for violence, to confirm medical appointments, and to anticipate severely reduced services and long waiting times at hospitals.