By Kudakwashe Pembere
The Health and Child Care Ministry has received a variety of medical supplies and equipment which will be distributed to selected district and provincial hospitals across the country.
The donation came from various Health Ministry partners such as the Japanese Government, the World Health Organization (WHO), the African Development Bank (AfDB), the Government of Japan, the United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund (UNCERF), and USAID.
Speaking at the handover ceremony at the National Pharmaceutical Company (NatPharm) warehouse in Harare, Health and Child Care Minister Dr Douglas Mombeshora said the donations emphasise the strong collaborations between the Zimbabwean government, and its partners in the fight against public health challenges.
“This ceremony marks a crucial milestone in our efforts to enhance Zimbabwe’s healthcare capabilities, and it underscores the powerful spirit of international collaboration that is vital for advancing our public health infrastructure.
“We are honoured to accept an array of life-saving equipment and supplies generously provided by our esteemed partners, including the World Health Organization (WHO), the African Development Bank (AfDB), the Government of Japan, the United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund (UNCERF), and USAID.
“This generous contribution reflects an unwavering commitment to supporting Zimbabwe in our fight against cholera and other public health challenges,” he said.
He added the equipment will help in timeous diagnoses which leads to improved patient health outcomes.
“The donation includes state-of-the-art laboratory equipment, cholera response supplies, theater and surgical equipment, and community-based cholera treatment resources. Each component of this donation plays a critical role in enhancing our healthcare delivery and response systems.
“The laboratory equipment provided, valued at $1,308,000, has been funded through the African Development Bank. This includes two Ceiling Mounted Digital X-Ray Machines valued at $793,615.60. These machines represent a substantial advancement in our diagnostic capabilities, providing high-resolution imaging essential for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment planning.
“In addition, the donation encompasses chemistry analyzers, extraction machines, and hematology machines totaling $514,475. The chemistry analyzers will significantly accelerate the diagnosis of conditions such as diabetes and kidney disorders by facilitating rapid and precise analysis of blood and urine samples.
“The hematology machines will enhance our capacity to detect and monitor blood-related conditions like anemia, while the extraction machines will streamline the process of isolating DNA and RNA, which is critical for genetic testing and research,” the Health Minister said. “This new equipment will undoubtedly enhance our diagnostic capabilities and improve patient care outcomes. The ability to conduct timely and accurate diagnoses will enable earlier interventions and more effective management of diseases, ultimately leading to better health outcomes for our population.”
From UNCERF was a vital cholera consignment worth US$117 330.82 which included central and peripheral modules containing essential drugs and renewable supplies as well as a significant number of body bags, boundary nets for potential isolation areas, and personal protective equipment such as gowns for healthcare workers.
The Japanese government gave the Health Ministry theater and surgical equipment valued at $236,968.00. USAID provided 10 community module drugs and 5 Oral Rehydration Point (ORP) sets worth $15,620.00.
“This equipment includes vital signs monitors, suction machines, electrosurgical units with accessories, dressing trolleys, and mechanical operating tables. This invaluable contribution will significantly bolster our surgical capabilities, enabling us to provide high-quality care for conditions requiring surgical intervention. By enhancing our surgical infrastructure, we aim to reduce preventable deaths and disabilities, particularly in underserved and remote communities,” the Health Minister said.
The Japanese Ambassador to Zimbabwe Mr Shinichi Yamanaka said, “It is my great pleasure to handover theatre equipment worth US$237,000 for the Surgical, Obstetric, and Anaesthesia (SOA) Project.
“I extend my sincere gratitude to everyone who contributed to making this delivery possible, particularly the officials from the Ministry of Health and Child Care, World Health Organization (WHO), Provincial Medical Directors and dedicated medical staff.”
WHO representative to Zimbabwe Dr Desta Tiruneh said inasmuch as Zimbabwe declared itself cholera-free, maintaining the stockpile of commodities for cholera was critical to avert another outbreak.
“Maintaining a supply of commodities will support ongoing prevention efforts, such as water treatment and sanitation initiatives, reducing the risk of future outbreaks, particularly during the rainy period the country should be getting into in the coming months. Maintaining a stockpile of cholera commodities also help strengthen health systems and improve their capacity to respond to various public health emergencies, not just cholera. This can enhance overall disease surveillance and control efforts,” he said.
