Zimbabwe’s public health system has received a donation of medical equipment worth US$700,000 from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), aimed at improving emergency care and saving lives across the country.
The donation, which includes 74 ICU ventilators and 34 tonnes of essential medical supplies, was officially handed over on Thursday, 10 July 2025, in Harare.
In a statement, Deputy Minister of Health and Child Care Sleiman Kwidini said the equipment would go a long way in supporting patients with life-threatening conditions.
“This donation comprises 74 ICU ventilators, which are vital for managing life-threatening respiratory conditions, along with 34 tonnes of other essential medical supplies,” Kwidini said.
“These are not just figures on paper—they are life-saving tools that will help us reduce mortality rates and improve emergency response.”
He added that the donation supports Zimbabwe’s Universal Health Coverage goals by easing pressure on the country’s overstretched public hospitals.
“This gesture is about more than medical supplies—it’s about empathy, hope, and human dignity. It empowers our communities and ensures no Zimbabwean is left behind due to lack of resources.”
In a separate statement, UAE Ambassador to Zimbabwe Jassim Mohamed Al-Hassanini reaffirmed his country’s commitment to supporting Zimbabwe through development and humanitarian partnerships.
“We hope this medical aid makes a positive difference in the lives of the people of Zimbabwe,” said Al-Hassanini.
“This donation reflects our shared vision for a healthier future and our commitment to long-term cooperation in healthcare and other sectors.”
The donation comes at a time when Zimbabwe is working to upgrade its healthcare system, especially in rural areas where access to specialised treatment remains limited. Health experts say the ventilators could significantly improve survival rates in intensive care units across the country.
Past Support from UAE
This is not the first time the UAE has extended humanitarian aid to Zimbabwe. After Cyclone Idai struck parts of Manicaland and Masvingo provinces in 2019, the UAE sent a 95-tonne consignment of food and tents to assist flood victims in Chimanimani and Chipinge.
At the time, UAE Red Crescent Operations Manager Salem Alameri said they felt “obliged to help, given the magnitude of the cyclone disaster.”
Zimbabwean officials described that earlier shipment as crucial for families who had been displaced or lost loved ones during the storm.
With this latest donation, officials from both countries say discussions are already underway for further cooperation in healthcare, technology, and economic development.
“We believe this is just the beginning of a fruitful and long-term relationship,” Kwidini noted in the statement.
