Japan avails US$322 000 aid

THE Government of Japan has provided more than US$322 000 to increase accessibility of basic emergency medical services in remote communities of Manicaland Province, in a project implemented by the United Nations Office for Projects Services (UNOPS).

The project will provide ambulances to hospitals in Chipinge and Mutasa districts, and a PCR machine to a hospital in Nyanga District.

Approximately 194 240 people are expected to benefit across the three districts that were among the areas that were severely affected by Cyclone Idai in 2019.

The cyclone underlined the need for accessible health services as many communities were cut off from such amenities.

In addition, the Covid-19 pandemic further strained the health system.

Japanese Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Ambassador Satoshi Tanaka said: “Given that some people affected by Cyclone Idai still remain cut off from access to emergency healthcare, I hope the ambulances will ensure that they receive life-saving health services, and that the PCR machine will allow improved diagnosis and treatment of viruses. I also expect this new equipment to make the communities more resilient to future climate shocks and virus outbreaks in the future.”

In order to increase accessibility to emergency health services for remote communities, Chikore Mission Hospital in Chipinge and Hauna District Hospital in Mutasa will get fully-equipped four-wheel-drive ambulances.

Nyanga District Hospital will take delivery of a PCR and extraction machine.

In partnership with the Ministry of Health and Child Care, UNOPS will facilitate the relevant training of the medical personnel.

Four ambulance drivers, four nurses and two laboratory technicians will receive training in their respective fields.

This project will focus on ensuring that women and girls have access to health facilities for vital health and support services, as disasters and emergencies have a disproportionate impact on them.

UNOPS’ Zimbabwe country manager, Mr Djibrilla Mazin said this intervention will complement Government’s efforts to restore normalcy in the districts that were affected by Cyclone Idai in 2019.

In providing humanitarian assistance, Japan has been working in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Child Care to identify the response needs and effectively implement them.