By Kuda Pembere
Zimbabwe on Thursday received a consignment of medical supplies worth US$700,000 from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to support the strengthening of the country’s public health sector.
The donation consists of 34 tons of essential supplies, including ventilators and other medical sundries.
Speaking at the handover ceremony held at the NatPharm warehouse in Harare, Deputy Minister of Health and Child Care Hon. Sleiman Kwidini commended the solidarity shown by the UAE government.
“Under the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE continues to demonstrate a strong global commitment to humanitarian assistance, sustainable development, and public health. Zimbabwe is honoured to be a beneficiary of this noble vision,” he said.
Hon. Kwidini stated that the donation—comprising ventilators, hypodermic needles, syringes, and other sundries—would help reduce deaths in Zimbabwe’s health facilities while supporting the attainment of Universal Health Coverage.
“Today’s donation comprises 34 tons of essential medical supplies, including 74 ICU ventilators, which are critical for managing life-threatening respiratory conditions. This consignment is valued at US$623,737 and includes: hypodermic 23G needles worth US$449,249; syringes and ICU ventilators valued at US$122,515. These are not just figures on paper—these are life-saving tools. They represent our ability to respond more effectively to emergencies, reduce mortality, and provide quality care to the people of Zimbabwe, especially in our rural and underserved communities,” he said. “This generous contribution directly supports our ongoing efforts to achieve Universal Health Coverage and aligns with the Government’s Health Sector Strategy. It will ease pressure on public hospitals, enhance intensive care services, and ultimately improve health outcomes across the nation.”
UAE Ambassador to Zimbabwe Dr. Jassim Mohamed Al-Hassanini said they believe solidarity and cooperation between nations is the best path to overcoming health and humanitarian challenges.
“We would like to thank the Government of Zimbabwe for giving us the opportunity to hand over this donation under the framework of our good and strong relationships between the UAE and Zimbabwe,” he said. “We hope this medical aid makes a positive difference in the lives of the people in Zimbabwe.”
