Prominent medical practitioner Dr. Johannes Marisa has been appointed Country Governor for Zimbabwe by the Association of Medical and Health Law Practitioners in Africa (AMHLPA), a continental organisation dedicated to advancing health law, medical ethics, and governance across Africa.
The appointment, effective November 7, 2025, was confirmed in an official communication from AMHLPA president F. O. Agbo, who praised Dr. Marisa’s leadership, expertise, and long-standing commitment to improving health and medical law practice in Zimbabwe.
According to the appointment letter, Dr. Marisa will serve a two-year term running until November 2027, with an option for renewal based on performance.
In his new role, Dr. Marisa will oversee AMHLPA’s operations in Zimbabwe, serve as the head of the association’s national chapter, and lead efforts to mobilise medical and legal professionals to join the organisation. He will also coordinate member activities, spearhead fundraising initiatives to support programmes, and report to the regional vice-president on Zimbabwe’s contributions to the continental body.
Additionally, he will champion professional development in medical and health law while promoting AMHLPA’s broader mission of strengthening health governance and ethical standards across Africa.
AMHLPA underscored that the appointment is contingent upon adherence to its constitution and ethical principles. “We expect all appointees to act with the highest degree of professionalism and integrity,” said Agbo. “We look forward to your leadership and dedication in advancing our association’s goals.”
AMHLPA advocates for improved health systems, ethical medical practice, and robust legal frameworks to safeguard both patients and healthcare professionals on the continent.
Responding to his appointment, Dr. Marisa expressed gratitude and outlined his vision for strengthening Zimbabwe’s health governance. “I am deeply honoured by this appointment and grateful for the confidence placed in me,” he said. “Zimbabwe stands to benefit immensely from strengthened health law and ethical governance, and I am committed to working closely with our medical fraternity, policymakers, and stakeholders to enhance standards, protect patient rights, and promote professional accountability.”
He added that his focus will be on building a healthcare system anchored in transparency, integrity, and equitable access to quality services for all Zimbabweans.
Dr. Marisa’s appointment is expected to enhance Zimbabwe’s participation in continental medical governance initiatives. The respected physician, who is set to assume the rank of professor next month, currently serves as president of the Medical and Dental Private Practitioners of Zimbabwe Association (MDPPAZ), an umbrella body representing medical professionals in private practice, including doctors, dentists, nurses, dental therapists, and laboratory scientists.
Source – the standard
