Staff Reporter
The Ministry of Health and Child Care in Zimbabwe has received essential medical equipment and supplies valued at nearly US$1.8 million from various health development partners.
The significant donation, provided by the World Health Organization (WHO), the African Development Bank, the government of Japan, the United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund, and USAID, includes modern laboratory equipment, cholera response supplies, and theatre and surgical equipment.
Speaking at the event yesterday, Health and Child Care Minister, Dr. Douglas Mombeshora, emphasized the positive impact of these donations on Zimbabwe's healthcare system.
"The equipment and supplies we are receiving today will play a pivotal role in fortifying our healthcare response to cholera and other health emergencies. The advanced diagnostic tools will enhance our ability to identify and treat diseases more effectively, leading to improved patient outcomes.
"The cholera response supplies will ensure that we are well prepared for any future outbreaks, and the surgical equipment will significantly improve our ability to address urgent health conditions requiring surgical intervention,” he explained.
Japanese Ambassador to Zimbabwe, His Excellency Shinichi Yamanaka, reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to supporting Zimbabwe's health sector.
"It is my pleasure to hand over theatre equipment worth US$237,000 for the surgical, obstetric, and anesthesia project. Since January 2023, Japan has contributed a total of US$634,000 to this project.
The equipment handed over includes operating theatres, LED surgical lights, vital sign monitors, anesthesia machines with workstations, electro-surgical units with accessories, and mechanical operating tables, all of which will be distributed to various hospitals around Zimbabwe,” said Ambassador Yamanaka.
WHO representative to Zimbabwe, Dr Desta Tiruneh, also highlighted the substantial contribution from WHO and the African Development Bank, which includes US$1.3 million worth of laboratory and imaging equipment.
“This donation features two ceiling-mounted digital x-ray machines, chemistry analyzers, extraction machines, and hematology machines.” In addition to cholera supplies, WHO is also committed to supporting the implementation of the National Health Strategy (2021-2025) and promoting health for all in Zimbabwe.
“Japan remains committed to supporting Zimbabwe’s sustainable development with a focus on achieving universal health coverage,” Dr Tiruneh noted.
This generous donation underscores the strong collaboration between the government of Zimbabwe and its health development partners, further strengthening the country’s health infrastructure and capacity to manage health emergencies.
