By Dumisani Ndlovu
The government of Zimbabwe has applauded Global fund for empowering the Ministry of Health and Child Care by extending funds to the ministry, which it says necessitated the provision of three pharmacy vehicles and 30 motorcycles for use in improving service delivery within Mberengwa, Shurugwi and Chirumanzu districts.
Speaking at the official handover of the vehicle, Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Midlands Province Owen Ncube said the vehicles worth US$65 000 and motorcycles worth US$65 200 were purchased through support from Global Fund.
“The vehicles and motorcycles will improve provision of health services through ordering and transportation of drugs by primary health care facilities, optimal use of medicines through timeous transportation. This will also reduce cases of expired drugs by easily monitoring drug supply, usage and general health services by Environmental Health Technicians (EHTs), to enhance contact tracing of patients un- der treatment of diseases such as TB, Malaria, and HIV and AIDS among others,” Minister Ncube said.
Minister Ncube also said it is the government’s objective to pro- vide inclusive health service through capacitation of dedicated health personnel with essential necessities such as transport.
“Accordingly, these vehicles and motorcycles will enhance access to health services to previously marginalised areas in the Midlands Province. He applauded the government for involving private sector in the health delivery system that has played a significant role in fighting outbreaks of diseases such as cholera,” he said.
Government, he added, will upholds all health indicators and has pledged to commit domestic resources as well as engagement of partners who are prepared to support our health delivery system such as the Global Fund.
“The second Republic appreciate the health services support by local Private Entities, Church Organisations and friendly countries that include Russia, China, India and Belarus,” he said.
The country’s health sector faces numerous challenges: a shortage of skilled professionals and health-care staff; an eroded infrastructure with ill-equipped hospitals, many lacking functional laundry machines, kitchen equipment and boilers; and a lack of essential medicines and commodities.
