THE United Kingdom (UK) Government’s Department for International Development is chipping in with £1, 7 million for the setting up of Zimbabwe’s Public Health Emergency Operation Centre as the country prepares for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
By Kudakwashe Pembere
The equipment is worth USD2197156.50 and includes computers and protective clothing. Health and Child Care Minister Dr Obadiah Moyo giving his acceptance speech said this gesture showed how the British government is keen on supporting Zimbabwe’s health sector.
We are very grateful to you the head of mission. This is exactly what we want. Protection of our staff is very, very vital. We don’t want our members of staff to end up being infected by COVID 19. So the British have come in and make sure all our members of staff are well protected. infected. We really thank you for that.
“ The implementing partner WHO making sure we have a fully responsive public health emergency outbreak centre working together with higherlife and DFID. The total amount of the works and equipment we are getting amounts to 1, 7 million pounds so its not little money,” he said.
DFID head of mission Cate Turton said the UK government remains supportive of Zimbabwe’s health and disaster emergency preparedness and response.
“From 2019 to 2022 we will be investing £130 million to support health systems in Zimbabwe,”she said