Health Reporter
The Ministry of Health and Child Care has received a substantial donation of medical supplies and equipment valued at over US$9 million dollars, in is a significant boost to the country's healthcare system.
The handover event, held at the NatPharm Warehouse in Harare today, saw the unveiling of these vital resources that promise to enhance healthcare delivery across the nation.
The Minister of Health and Child Care, Dr Douglas Mombeshora, addressed the gathering, underscoring the strategic importance of this support in achieving the country's health goals.
"Today marks a special occasion where my Ministry is receiving various medical supplies and equipment courtesy of the Health Resilience Fund (HRF)," he stated, emphasising the alignment of this initiative with the National Health Strategy (NHS) 2021-2025.
Among the critical supplies received were ICT equipment for modernising health systems, anaesthetic machines, operating theatre tables, neonatal incubators, and essential drugs like oxytocin and tranexamic acid, crucial for reducing maternal mortality.
Minister Mombeshora highlighted the broader socio-economic reforms led by President Mnangagwa, with the aim to position Zimbabwe as a prosperous and empowered upper-middle-income society by 2030.
He pointed out that health is central to this vision, contributing significantly to economic progress through a healthier, more productive population with a reduced disease burden.
According to Minister Mombeshora, the HRF, a US$90 million pooled effort supported by various Governments and international partners, has been pivotal in enhancing the health sector efficiencies and outcomes.
"Strategic partnerships and collaborations such as the HRF have become key drivers of national development," Dr. Mombeshora noted.
The Minister took pride in the operational achievements of the HRF since its inception in 2022, leading to notable improvements in health metrics such as maternal mortality ratios.
"I urge us all to continue working hard to save our children and mothers, as well as the entire population," he urged.
The event also celebrated the success in managing health crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic and recent cholera outbreaks, attributing these successes to the strengthened health system under the HRF's guidance.
The Minister elaborated on the three pillars of the HRF, which are ending preventable deaths, global health security, and strengthening health systems, which collectively aim to enhance healthcare access and quality.
Minister Mombeshora expressed gratitude to the fund's contributors, including the governments of the UK and Ireland, the EU, GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance, as well as the technical support from UNICEF, UNFPA, and WHO.
"To the Governments and our partners, we say thank you for your invaluable sacrifice and dedication towards the attainment of universal health coverage," he acknowledged.
This event marks a milestone in Zimbabwe's healthcare sector, promising enhanced medical services and health outcomes through international cooperation and robust Government initiatives.
