Staff Writer
Zimbabwe’s efforts to bring essential healthcare services closer to underserved communities are set to receive a major boost with the launch of the Presidential Ward-Based Health-Care Outreach Programme, an initiative that combines digital innovation, mobile healthcare and community-based service delivery.
His Excellency the President Emmerson Mnangagwa, will officially launch the Ward-Based Healthcare on Saturday on the sidelines of the ZANU PF Annual National People’s Conference in Chinhoyi.
The initiative advances the national development vision of leaving no one and no place behind by addressing barriers that prevent rural and marginalised communities from accessing essential medical services.
The Ward-Based Healthcare builds on the vision championed by the First Lady, Dr Amai Auxillia Mnangagwa, whose advocacy has helped advance the cause of accessible healthcare for vulnerable communities.
Through the integration of technology and community outreach, the initiative seeks to translate this vision into practical healthcare solutions.
At the heart of the programme is ZimSmart Villages, which is driving the technical and operational model that connects mobile health services, telehealth, community health workers, clinicians and established medical facilities into an integrated healthcare delivery ecosystem.
Drawing on its experience in digital health and community-based healthcare, ZimSmart Villages is helping establish a model through which patients can access initial screening, professional clinical support and appropriate referrals closer to their homes.
NetOne is financing the initial deployment of 10 three-wheeler Mobile Health Kiosks, with one allocated to each of Zimbabwe’s 10 provinces.
The initial phase forms part of a planned national rollout of 100 kiosks extending to district level, demonstrating how telecommunications investment can support the country’s broader healthcare and development priorities.
Speaking ahead of the launch, NetOne spokesperson Ernest Magadzire said the initiative reflects the company’s commitment to using connectivity to improve lives.
“As NetOne celebrates 30 years of connecting Zimbabwe, we are proud to invest in a programme that places people’s wellbeing at the centre of development.
“Our contribution demonstrates that connectivity goes beyond voice and data; it is about enabling access to essential services and creating solutions that improve lives.
“By financing these Mobile Health Kiosks, we are supporting a national initiative that brings healthcare closer to communities that need it most,” said Magadzire.
Chief Medical Officer for ZimSmart Villages, Mr Admore Jokwiro, said the programme represents a practical application of technology in strengthening primary healthcare delivery.
“ZimSmart Villages is bringing together digital health, mobile outreach and community-based healthcare to create a connected pathway from screening to clinical consultation, referral and follow-up.
“The kiosks will help communities access health information and initial assessments while connecting patients to clinicians and established health facilities when further care is required.
“Our focus is to build an accessible, coordinated model that complements the existing healthcare system and extends its reach to underserved populations,” said Mr Jokwiro.
The nurse-manned kiosks are expected to support services including blood pressure and blood glucose screening, maternal and child health, malaria services, HIV and tuberculosis support, health education and the early identification of conditions such as cancer and drug and substance abuse, subject to approved clinical protocols.
The initiative supports Zimbabwe’s development aspirations under the National Development Strategy 2 and Vision 2030, demonstrating the potential of collaboration between technology providers and healthcare stakeholders to improve service delivery.
As NetOne celebrates three decades of connecting Zimbabweans, its investment and ZimSmart Villages’ technical expertise are coming together to advance a shared national objective: making healthcare more accessible, responsive and inclusive.
NetOne@30 — The World In One.
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