Zimbabwe Physicians
Physicians per 1,000 people SH.MED.PHYS.ZS
Zimbabwe's physicians was 0.14 in 2025, ranked 121st globally. This represents a 2.9% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Zimbabwe's physicians stood at 0.14 in 2025, a rise of +0.00 from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 0.14 by 2025. Zimbabwe ranked 121st globally.
Zimbabwe’s physician density has slipped from its all‑time peak of 0.20 physicians per 1,000 people in 1960 to a historic low of 0.05 in 2007, before modestly rebounding to 0.14 in 2025, placing the country 121st globally. The 30‑year coverage of World Bank data shows a long‑term contraction that coincides with periods of economic instability and health‑system strain, while the recent increase reflects limited improvements in training capacity and modest private‑sector growth. By comparison, neighbouring Cameroon records a similar density of 0.14, whereas the Republic of Congo is slightly higher at 0.15, underscoring regional parity despite divergent policy environments. The persistence of a low physician supply suggests that without sustained investment in medical education, retention incentives, and public‑health financing, Zimbabwe is likely to remain near the lower end of the global distribution, though continued reforms could accelerate the upward trajectory.
Data & projection
| Year | Physicians | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 0.14 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 0.14 | - | - |
| 2025 | 0.14 | +0.00 | #121 |
| 2023 | 0.14 | +0.01 | #50 |
| 2022 | 0.13 | −0.01 | #114 |
| 2021 | 0.14 | +0.01 | #108 |
| 2020 | 0.13 | +0.01 | #120 |
| 2019 | 0.12 | −0.08 | #120 |
| 2018 | 0.20 | +0.02 | #131 |
| 2017 | 0.18 | +0.01 | #124 |
| 2016 | 0.17 | −0.00 | #113 |
| 2015 | 0.17 | +0.06 | #106 |
| 2014 | 0.12 | +0.04 | #114 |
| 2013 | 0.08 | +0.00 | #110 |
| 2012 | 0.08 | −0.00 | #112 |
| 2011 | 0.08 | −0.04 | #108 |
| 2010 | 0.12 | +0.01 | #115 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Zimbabwe matched the Stagflation Risk pattern in 2024. Historically, 38% of countries showing this pattern (117 out of 307) saw physicians improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Zimbabwe's physicians was 0.14 in 2025. Ranked 121st globally. This represents a 2.9% increase from the previous year.
Zimbabwe's physicians peaked at 0.20 in 1960.
The lowest physicians in Zimbabwe was 0.05 in 2007.
Zimbabwe ranks 121st globally in physicians as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SH.MED.PHYS.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Zimbabwe's physicians is projected to reach 0.14 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The physicians of Zimbabwe in 2025 was 0.14. This ranks 121st in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_zimbabwe_physicians,
title = {Zimbabwe Physicians},
url = {https://historysaid.com/zimbabwe/physicians/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}