October Health – 2025 Report

Chronic illness in Zimbabwe

In Zimbabwe, the leading cause of chronic illness stress at the population level is largely linked to socioeconomic factors such as prolonged economic instability, high unemployment rates, and limited access to healthcare. These stressors create a persistent environment of uncertainty and hardship, contributing to chronic stress and related illnesses. Workplace stressors, including job insecurity and poor working conditions, also play a significant role. Supporting employees with mental health resources, like digital group sessions through providers such as October, can help alleviate some workplace-related stress.

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Chronic illness Prevalence
7.75%
Affected people
4,262,500

Impact on the people of Zimbabwe

Effects of High Chronic Illness Stress on Health and Personal Lives

  • Physical Health Impacts

    • Weakened immune system, increasing susceptibility to infections
    • Exacerbation of existing chronic illnesses (e.g., hypertension, diabetes)
    • Increased risk of cardiovascular diseases
    • Fatigue, headaches, and other stress-related symptoms

  • Mental Health Consequences

    • Higher risk of anxiety and depression
    • Difficulty concentrating and making decisions
    • Emotional exhaustion and burnout

  • Personal Life Effects

    • Strained relationships due to irritability or social withdrawal
    • Reduced motivation and energy for daily activities and hobbies
    • Challenges balancing work and personal responsibilities

Workplace Tip:
Encouraging open conversations about chronic illness stress and providing access to supportive resources, like October’s digital group sessions and mental health assessments, can help employees manage their stress and maintain productivity.

Impact on the Zimbabwe Economy

Effects of High Chronic Illness Stress on an Economy

  1. Reduced Workforce Productivity
    Chronic illness stress leads to frequent absenteeism and presenteeism (working while unwell), lowering overall productivity.

  2. Increased Healthcare Costs
    Employers and governments face higher healthcare expenses managing chronic conditions and related stress impacts.

  3. Higher Disability and Insurance Claims
    Stress related to chronic illness can increase claims, raising insurance premiums and social welfare burdens.

  4. Loss of Skilled Labor
    Prolonged stress may result in early retirement or job loss, depleting the skilled labor pool.

  5. Decreased Economic Growth
    Lower productivity and increased costs hamper business growth and national economic expansion.

Workplace Mental Health Action:
Employers in Zimbabwe can support employees by integrating mental health programs like Panda's digital group sessions and assessments, which help manage stress, improve wellbeing, and reduce economic burdens linked to chronic illness stress.

What can government do to assist? 

 Strategies for a Country to Lower Chronic Illness Stress

1. **Improve Healthcare Access**  
   - Provide affordable and accessible healthcare services, including mental health support, especially for chronic illness patients.

2. **Promote Workplace Wellness Programs**  
   - Encourage employers to implement wellness initiatives such as flexible working hours, mental health days, and stress management resources.

3. **Public Education and Awareness**  
   - Run campaigns to educate people about chronic illnesses and stress management techniques to reduce stigma and encourage early intervention.

4. **Integrate Mental Health in Chronic Illness Care**  
   - Train healthcare providers to recognize and treat stress and mental health issues alongside chronic physical conditions.

5. **Support Community-Based Programs**  
   - Develop community support groups and digital platforms (e.g., digital group sessions like October offers) to provide peer support and shared coping strategies.

6. **Policy and Legislation**  
   - Enforce policies that protect people with chronic illnesses in the workplace, ensuring reasonable accommodations to minimize stress.

By targeting these areas, countries like Zimbabwe can reduce stress related to chronic illnesses, improving overall population health and workplace productivity.

What can businesses do to assist their employees? 

**Ways a Company in Zimbabwe Can Lower Chronic Illness Stress**

1. **Flexible Work Arrangements**  
   Offer flexible hours or remote work to help employees manage medical appointments and energy levels.

2. **Health Education and Awareness**  
   Provide workshops or digital sessions on managing chronic illnesses and stress, possibly through platforms like October.

3. **Access to Mental Health Support**  
   Facilitate confidential counseling or group therapy sessions focused on chronic illness coping strategies.

4. **Reasonable Workplace Adjustments**  
   Adjust workload, provide ergonomic equipment, or create quiet spaces to reduce physical and mental strain.

5. **Promote a Supportive Culture**  
   Train managers to recognize stress signs and encourage open conversations about health without stigma.

Using digital group sessions from platforms like October can offer scalable support and build community among employees facing similar challenges.