HPA president Professor Joconiah Chirenda (left) signs his Integrity Pledge
BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA
The Health Professions Authority (HPA) Zimbabwe and its constituent councils, have reaffirmed their commitment to ethical leadership and accountability, saying integrity and strong regulation are essential to protecting patients and maintaining confidence in the country’s healthcare system.
The commitment was made during the signing of Integrity Pledges by HPA board members, council representatives and staff in partnership with the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC).
Speaking during the ceremony this Wednesday (July 22, 2026) HPA president Dr Joconiah Chirenda said regulation remains the backbone of safe healthcare, warning that corruption and conflicts of interest can weaken the entire health system.
“Today marks a defining moment for our organisations as ultimate stewards of public trust. The health and safety of the citizens of Zimbabwe will never be trumped by personal interest,” said Professor Chirenda.
He said while the authority regulates the health sector, leaders must also hold themselves to the highest ethical standards.
“Regulation is the backbone of safe healthcare and we are the gatekeepers who should ensure that backbone is not destroyed by conflict of interest or corruption. These pledges are our armour against that collapse.”
Professor Chirenda said the Integrity Pledges should not be viewed as a ceremonial exercise but as a moral commitment to always act in the public interest.
“It is a promise we make to the public that they can trust us to do the right thing no matter who is watching,” he said.
ZACC Deputy Chairperson Commissioner Chido Madiwa
ZACC Deputy Chairperson Commissioner Chido Madiwa said the HPA carries a critical responsibility because it regulates institutions and professionals responsible for the health and safety of Zimbabweans.
She said any ethical failure within the regulatory system could directly affect the quality of healthcare received by patients.
“In an ordinary business, corrupt actions simply erode revenue, but within an essential regulatory ecosystem like the HPA and its councils, any ethical failure directly robs ordinary patients of quality healthcare, safe clinical environments and the public health protections they deserve,” said Commissioner Madiwa.
She added that the signing of the Integrity Pledges demonstrated the authority’s commitment to transparency, accountability and good corporate governance.
“This Integrity Pledge is far from a superficial boardroom ritual. It is a transparent covenant with the public. By signing it, you are promising Zimbabweans that you will never exploit facility registrations, professional licences, inspection compliance scores or regulatory authority for personal gain,” she said.
Commissioner Madiwa added further that ZACC had also introduced Integrity Committees within the authority to identify weaknesses in systems and policies before they are exploited by corrupt individuals.
She said the committees are designed to prevent corruption rather than react after it has already occurred.
A ZACC official explained that integrity begins with personal responsibility and doing the right thing even when no one is watching.
“It is your conscience that should guide you to always do the right thing, even when there is no CCTV or biometric system watching you,” the official said.
The official added that the Integrity Committees help organisations identify loopholes in policies, regulations and operational systems that could create opportunities for corruption.
It was also revealed that the initiative follows successful models adopted by countries where integrity systems have strengthened efforts to combat corruption.
And it was reiterated that the signing of the Integrity Pledges signals a growing commitment within Zimbabwe’s health sector to strengthen ethical leadership, improve transparency and ensure regulatory decisions remain focused on protecting patients and delivering safe, quality healthcare.
