Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa has with immediate effect appointed Air Commodore Dr Jasper Chimedza the new permanent secretary for the Ministry of Health and Child Care.

According to a statement issued by the Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Dr Misheck Sibanda Monday, Chimedza carries with him experience that will improve the health sector of Zimbabwe.

“Dr Chimedza brings with him a wealth of experience to the Ministry of Health and Child Care, in particular and the health services sector in general where he is expected to refocus the nation’s health delivery services in order enhance innovation, integrity, transparency, efficiency, and vibrant stakeholder participation as the country fights the war against the Covid-19 pandemic,” read the statement.

The new permanent secretary is a medical doctor who studied medicine and surgery at the University of Zimbabwe before being attested into the Air Force of Zimbabwe in 1996.

After training, he was promoted to the rank of Flight Lieutenant and posted to Thornhill Air Force base in Gweru as medical officer. Two years later he was promoted to the rank of Squadron Leader and posted to Manyame Air Base as Senior Medical Officer.

“Thereafter he was appointed to the rank of Wing Commander,” said Dr Sibanda in his statement.

“Currently, he (Dr Chimedza) is the Director General Health Services at Zimbabwe Defence Forces headquarters holding the rank of Air Commodore, a position he has held since 2010.”

Dr Chimedza takes over from former permanent secretary Dr Agness Mahomva who was appointed Chief Coordinator of the National Response to Covid-19 pandemic in May.