Introduction
This essay critically examines the extent to which emerging epidemiologies, specifically HIV/AIDS, cholera, and Covid-19, have posed significant threats to Zimbabwe’s national security. National security, traditionally associated with military and territorial defence, has evolved to encompass non-traditional threats such as public health crises, which can destabilise economies, governance, and societal cohesion (Buzan et al., 1998). In the context of Zimbabwe, a country grappling with political and economic challenges, these health emergencies exacerbate existing vulnerabilities, undermining state stability and human security. This discussion will first explore how these diseases threaten national security across multiple dimensions, including health infrastructure, economic stability, and social order. Secondly, it will evaluate the civil-military responses to these crises, assessing their effectiveness and limitations. By drawing on academic literature and official reports, this essay aims to provide a nuanced analysis of public health as a national security concern in Zimbabwe, with implications for policy and future preparedness.
Threats to National Security from HIV/AIDS
HIV/AIDS has been a profound challenge to Zimbabwe’s national security since it emerged in the 1980s, with prevalence rates peaking at over 25% in the early 2000s (UNAIDS, 2020). From a human security perspective, HIV/AIDS undermines the health and productivity of the population, particularly affecting the workforce and military personnel, who are critical to state stability. High morbidity and mortality rates have led to a demographic crisis, reducing life expectancy and creating a significant burden on already strained health systems (Barnett and Whiteside, 2002). Economically, the epidemic has curtailed growth by diminishing labour capacity and increasing dependency ratios, which in turn fuels poverty and inequality—key drivers of social unrest. Furthermore, the disease has compromised the military’s operational capacity, as infected personnel face reduced effectiveness, and recruitment becomes challenging (Elbe, 2006). Thus, HIV/AIDS represents a multifaceted threat, destabilising both the human and state dimensions of national security in Zimbabwe.
Cholera Outbreaks and Their Security Implications
Cholera, a waterborne disease, has repeatedly threatened Zimbabwe, with major outbreaks in 2008-2009 and 2018 causing thousands of deaths and widespread panic (WHO, 2009; WHO, 2018). The 2008 outbreak, one of the worst in recent history, resulted in over 4,000 deaths, largely due to contaminated water supplies and inadequate sanitation—a direct consequence of economic collapse and governance failures (Chigudu, 2019). From a national security lens, cholera exacerbates public distrust in state institutions, as the government’s inability to provide basic services like clean water undermines its legitimacy. This creates fertile ground for civil unrest, particularly in urban areas where populations are densely packed and vulnerable. Additionally, cholera outbreaks strain emergency response systems and divert resources from other critical areas, such as border security or economic recovery (Connolly et al., 2009). Therefore, cholera not only poses a direct health threat but also amplifies political and social instability, challenging the state’s capacity to maintain order.
Covid-19: A Contemporary Security Challenge
The emergence of Covid-19 in 2020 introduced an unprecedented global health crisis, with Zimbabwe reporting its first case in March 2020 (WHO, 2020). Beyond its immediate health impacts, Covid-19 has threatened national security by straining an already fragile healthcare system, disrupting economic activities through lockdowns, and intensifying food insecurity. The imposition of restrictive measures, while necessary to curb transmission, triggered significant public discontent, particularly among informal workers who constitute a large portion of the population (Chitungo et al., 2021). Moreover, the pandemic exposed governance weaknesses, with reports of corruption in the procurement of medical supplies undermining public trust (Transparency International, 2021). From a theoretical standpoint, Covid-19 aligns with the Copenhagen School’s concept of securitisation, as the state framed the virus as an existential threat requiring extraordinary measures, including military involvement in enforcing lockdowns (Buzan et al., 1998). However, this approach arguably prioritised state control over human security, raising questions about the balance between health interventions and civil liberties.
Civil-Military Response to Epidemiological Threats
Zimbabwe’s response to these health crises has often involved a combination of civilian and military efforts, reflecting the securitisation of public health. In the case of HIV/AIDS, the government, with support from international donors, implemented awareness campaigns and antiretroviral therapy programmes, though military-specific interventions have been limited and under-documented (UNAIDS, 2020). During cholera outbreaks, particularly in 2008, the military was deployed to assist in emergency response, including distributing water and medical supplies. However, this response was widely criticised for being reactive rather than preventive, with insufficient coordination between civilian health authorities and military units (Chigudu, 2019). Similarly, during the Covid-19 pandemic, the military played a prominent role in enforcing lockdowns and border controls, often accused of excessive force and human rights violations (Human Rights Watch, 2020). While the military’s involvement underscores the perception of health crises as national security threats, it also highlights a critical limitation: the lack of long-term capacity building in civilian health infrastructure. Hence, while civil-military responses address immediate needs, they often fail to tackle underlying systemic issues such as poor governance and resource scarcity.
Critical Evaluation of Responses and Limitations
A critical examination reveals that Zimbabwe’s civil-military responses, though necessary in acute crises, are constrained by structural and political challenges. Firstly, the militarisation of health responses, particularly during Covid-19, risks alienating citizens and exacerbating tensions rather than fostering trust—a key component of effective crisis management (Elbe, 2006). Secondly, the reliance on military intervention often overshadows the need for sustained investment in public health systems, which are central to preventing future outbreaks (Connolly et al., 2009). From a theoretical perspective, this reflects a narrow interpretation of national security that prioritises state control over human security, contrary to broader conceptualisations that advocate for holistic approaches (Buzan et al., 1998). Furthermore, limited transparency and accountability in resource allocation, as seen during Covid-19, undermine the efficacy of responses (Transparency International, 2021). Indeed, while civil-military collaboration can provide short-term relief, it cannot substitute for robust civilian-led health strategies and governance reforms.
Conclusion
In conclusion, new epidemiologies such as HIV/AIDS, cholera, and Covid-19 have posed significant threats to Zimbabwe’s national security by undermining health, economic stability, and social cohesion. These crises expose and exacerbate pre-existing vulnerabilities, including weak infrastructure and governance failures, thereby challenging the state’s ability to maintain order and protect its citizens. The civil-military response, while instrumental in addressing immediate challenges, often lacks coordination, prioritises short-term control over long-term resilience, and occasionally infringes on civil liberties. This essay suggests that a more balanced approach, integrating human security principles and prioritising civilian health systems, is essential for sustainable crisis management. The implications are clear: Zimbabwe must reevaluate its securitisation strategies to address not only the symptoms of health crises but also their root causes, ensuring that national security encompasses the well-being of its population. Future research could explore comparative case studies to identify best practices in civil-military cooperation during health emergencies, offering valuable lessons for Zimbabwe and beyond.
References
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- WHO (2020) Zimbabwe Covid-19 Situation Report. World Health Organization.
