By 
By Lloyd Takawira
Harare -The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in partnership with the Global Fund has donated over 136 utility vehicles to the Ministry of Health and Child Care to enhance operations and contribute to improved program implementation and delivery.
Speaking at the official handover ceremony in Harare, UNDP country director Dr.Ayodele Odusola said that through savings from the efficiency gains the organization has managed to procure utility vehicles for the Ministry of Health and Child Care to accelerate the work of the Ministry
“Through savings realized from the GC6 HIV grant and upon a request from the MoHCC and NAC, UNDP secured approval from the Global Fund to use part of the savings to procure 136 vehicles for MoHCC (116) and NAC (20 vehicles). The total value of the vehicles is USD4,1 million”
Dr Ayo further highlighted that the provision of service vehicles to the Ministry will directly contribute to the achievement of several key national and international frameworks such as the National Health Strategy NHS 2021-2025.
“The provision of vehicles will help in the achievement of the National Health Strategy (NHS) 2021-2025 which is to strengthen the health system, particularly service delivery, which is a key pillar of the NHS. These vehicles will enhance access to healthcare services, especially in hard-to-reach communities. Additionally the vehicles will enhance the achievement of National Development Strategy 1 (2021-2025), Zimbabwe United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (ZUNSDCF) as well as the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals, Specifically, this initiative contributes to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).” Said Dr.Ayo
Speaking at the same occasion guest of honor, Health and Child Care Minister Dr Douglas Mombeshora thanked UNDP and the Global Fund for supporting the health care system in Zimbabwe.
“I want to commend UNDP and the Global Fund for this partnership. Since 2023 we have received over USD2, 7 billion of funding from the Global Fund in support of 3 diseases. We witnessed a decrease in HIV deaths by over 65% while malaria-related deaths have decreased by over 75% as of now”
Dr Mombeshora further commented on UNDP for its commitment to support with fuel, service as well as insurance costs for the period 2024-2026
“I want to commend The Global Fund for its commitment to support with fuel, service, and insurance costs of these utility vehicles for the period 2024-2026 under the HIV, TB, and Malaria grants, to ensure the long-term functionality and impact of these vehicles. This comprehensive support will enable uninterrupted service delivery and maximize the return on this investment”
Zimbabwe’s healthcare system, once a beacon for the region, has faced significant challenges in recent decades. One of the most glaring problems is the persistent shortage of essential medicines and medical equipment in public hospitals.
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