Story by Fairstars Mukungurutse
The Ministry of Health and Child Care has received essential equipment and supplies valued at close to US$1.8 million from health development partners.
The donations from the World Health Organisation (WHO), the African Development Bank, the government of Japan, United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund and USAID include modern laboratory equipment, cholera response supplies, theatre and surgical equipment.
Japanese Ambassador to Zimbabwe, His Excellency Shinichi Yamanaka pledged commitment to support Zimbabwe’s health sector, sentiments echoed by WHO country representative, Dr Desta Tiruneh.
He said, “It is my pleasure to hand over theatre equipment worth US$237 000 for surgical, obstetric and anaesthesia project. Since January 2023, Japan has supported this project with a total contribution of US$634 000. Equipment being handed over today is part of the project for strengthening surgical, obstetric and anaesthesia care, a collaborative initiative between WHO and the Ministry of Health and Child Care.
“It includes an operating theatre, LED surgical lights, vital sign monitors, anaesthesia machines with workstations, electro-surgical units with accessories and mechanical operating tables and will be distributed to various hospitals around Zimbabwe. Japan remains committed to supporting Zimbabwe’s sustainable development with a focus on achieving universal health coverage.”
“In addition to cholera supplies, WHO is also donating one million three hundred worth of laboratory and imaging equipment funded by the African Development Bank. This equipment includes two ceiling-mounted digital x-ray machines as well as chemistry analysers, extraction machines and haematology machines. We are also committed to support the implementation of the National health strategy (2021-2025) and promote health for all in Zimbabwe,” noted WHO’s representative to Zimbabwe, Dr Desta Tiruneh.
Health and Child Care Minister, Dr Douglas Mombeshora highlighted the donation will go a long way in improving health outcomes across the country.
He said, “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.”
The donation confirms the strong collaboration between the government of Zimbabwe and health development partners.
