Story by Fairstars Mukungurutse
ZIMBABWE is making strides towards universal health coverage, thanks to its partnership with development partners who availed a 450-kilowatt solar unit for the National Pharmaceutical Company (NatPharm) in Harare this Thursday.
The solar system was availed through the support of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Global Fund.
“This is in addition to helping to implement and accelerate the operationalisation of the renewable energy policy and strategy in Zimbabwe, as well as ensuring that we contribute to a resilient system. We are not only pushing for a resilient health system, but we are also pushing for protecting the climate and the planet.
“We want to push for energy efficiency, to promote smart health and climate health particularly reducing the reliance on the national grid, which will in turn allow electricity to be supplied to other sectors of the economy that need them, and also something that leads to making sure the operations of NatPharm and health facilities go uninhibited and unimpaired,” said UNDP’s resident representative, Dr Ayodele Odusola.
“The Global Fund has already invested US$18.7 billion in the Solar for Health Initiative here in Zimbabwe, a move to strengthen health systems while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This investment is not only about health services but also addressing the challenges posed by climate change and frequent electricity blackouts. It is about ensuring health facilities have the power they need to fight the diseases,” noted Global Fund Head of High Impact Africa, Mr Linden Morrison.
Minister of Health and Child Care, Dr Douglas Mombeshora, commended the development partners for their continued support.
“Today’s launch is the result of our strong partnership with the Global Fund and UNDP as we fight AIDS, TB, and malaria. I extend my deepest gratitude to both organisations for their unwavering support to the Zimbabwean government’s efforts to combat these pressing health issues. Your contributions are invaluable and will continue to save countless lives while improving health outcomes across our nation.”
The government has since installed solar systems at over 1 000 health facilities nationwide, bolstering operational efficiency in critical areas such as maternity wards, laboratories, pharmacies, and health information systems.
