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Mukudzei Chingwere-Herald Reporter
Japan is helping Zimbabwe achieve universal health coverage, a key component for an upper middle income society by 2030, and yesterday handed over a GeneXpert machine that detects and identifies viruses to Nyanga District Hospital, with two ambulances to follow in January.
Japanese Ambassador to Zimbabwe Satoshi Tanaka handed over the machine donated by his government through the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS).
“I hear that through this project (GeneXpert machine), the laboratory technicians at Nyanga District Hospital will be trained on how to operate and maintain this PCR machine,” said Ambassador Tanaka.
“I am glad that UNOPS attaches high importance to training as a key component of this project, because no system can be properly operated and maintained without the training of those who actually handle it.
“I believe that this machine will make the population served by Nyanga District Hospital more resilient to future outbreaks of diseases. By allowing early detection, it will give people the best chance for survival. And this point is all the more significant as we commemorate Breast Cancer Awareness Month this month.”
UNOPS country manager Ms Aminath Nawal said UNOPS will be delivering two ambulances expected in January funded by the Japanese government.
“With generous support from the people of Japan, UNOPS is privileged to be delivering the project benefiting the communities in Manicaland,” said Ms Nawal.
“Under this project, UNOPS will procure and deliver two ambulances and a GeneXpert machine. Today, we are all here to witness the handing over of the GeneXpert PCR machine to the Ministry of Health and Child Care.
“In January, the two fully equipped ambulances that have been procured under this same project will be handed over to the Ministry of Health and Child Care.”
She said on November 3, UNOPS in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Child Care will be facilitating the training of laboratory staff at Nyanga District Hospital.
Deputy Minister of Health and Child Care Dr John Mangwiro commended the relationship between Zimbabwe and Japan.
“This shows the strengthening and deepening of the relation between Zimbabwe and Japan,” he said.
“We want to thank the United Nations through their different agencies for always being there.
“This machine will be used to detect all the viruses that may arise so that they can quickly be responded to. We definitely need those ambulances and we are also grateful that as part of their collaboration with the Ministry they will be offering training to our personnel.”
Online Reporter