By Kuda Pembere
The Health Resilience Fund (HRF), through one of its implementing partners, the World Health Organization (WHO), has given to the Public Health Emergency Operation Centre some ICT equipment worth US$90 000 for better real-time data collection in the preparedness and response of public health emergencies.
Officiating the handover ceremony, Health and Child Care Ministry Permanent Secretary Dr Aspect Maunganidze in a speech read on his behalf by Acting Public Health Chief Director Dr Jaensch Mutede said the equipment would go a long away for prompt updates amidst public health emergencies.
As we all know, in the face of public health emergencies, timely and accurate information can mean the difference between life and death. This ICT equipment represents a vital lifeline for our health professionals.
“It will enhance the Ministry of Health’s ability to coordinate rapid responses, manage data effectively, and communicate seamlessly in times of public health emergencies,” the Permanent Secretary said.
With the tools at Zimbabwe’s disposal, the country’s Emergency Operations Centre will be better equipped to monitor health threats, allocate resources efficiently, and protect the health of the community.
This investment is not just in technology; it is an investment in the well-being of every individual we serve. The Health Ministry permanent secretary added that the equipment will improve the response mechanisms.
“The benefits of this initiative extend beyond the walls of our health facilities. By improving our response capabilities, we are ensuring that our community remains resilient in the face of challenges, pandemics, natural disasters, or other public health emergencies.
“This equipment will empower our health professionals to act swiftly, guided by data-driven insights, ultimately leading to better outcomes for all,” Dr Maunganidze said.
Roisin Rooney, representing the HRF said the real time data is important in threat assessment and analysis.
“Now, three years ago, if you can remember, in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, we decided to actually include health security. We knew there was a need for more investment in health security and for threat assessment. And we included this in the Health Resilience Fund with a new partner, the WHO,” said Rooney.
She further stated that such equipment had come at a time Africa was battling serious threats such as Marburg in Rwanda, the monkey pox.
WHO Representative to Zimbabwe, Dr Desta Tiruneh said the equipment will enhance the PHEOC’s work in three provinces.
“This gesture reaffirms WHO’s unwavering commitment to supporting Zimbabwe in its efforts to build a robust and responsive health system capable of managing and mitigating public health emergencies,” he said. “In order to effectively fulfill their role of coordinating and managing information and resources during health emergencies, PHEOCs require a basic set of tools to do this. The donation of laptops, mobile phones, printers, monitors and other essential ICT tools will help strengthen the PHEOC’s ability to manage emergency responses effectively.”
He also noted latest technological equipment are essential in quick responses amidst outbreaks.
