Gibson Mhaka [email protected]
NETONE has earned Presidential commendation for supporting Zimbabwe’s national health agenda after President Mnangagwa launched an initiative to deploy 100 mobile health kiosks in rural communities, bringing digital healthcare closer to underserved populations.
The initiative, funded and supported by the telecommunications company through its flagship OneHealth programme, was launched on Saturday during the just-ended 23rd ZANU PF People’s National Conference in Chinhoyi.
Implemented in partnership with ZimSmart Villages and under the leadership of the ZANU PF Department of Health, the project seeks to address barriers that prevent rural communities from accessing essential healthcare services.
The investment marks a significant shift in NetOne’s 30th anniversary celebrations, with the company directing resources towards community wellbeing and national development rather than lavish festivities.
President Mnangagwa’s commendation underscores the importance of partnerships between the private sector and other institutions in advancing the country’s development aspirations under Vision 2030.
For rural households, where reaching a health facility can involve long journeys, transport costs and time away from work and family responsibilities, the planned rollout of the 100 kiosks is intended to bring healthcare services closer to where people live.
The initiative also demonstrates how telecommunications infrastructure and digital innovation can complement existing healthcare delivery systems, particularly in communities where distance remains a major obstacle to accessing professional medical attention.
NetOne public relations manager Mr Ernest Magadzire said the company wanted its anniversary celebrations to leave a lasting and meaningful contribution to Zimbabweans.
“Our 30th anniversary is not simply about celebrating how far we have come. It is about what we can contribute to the future. Through OneHealth, we are placing people’s wellbeing at the centre of our celebrations and supporting the national health agenda,” he said.
The project brings together the resources and expertise of three partners, with NetOne providing funding and support, ZimSmart Villages contributing digital-health capabilities, and the ZANU PF Department of Health providing leadership for the initiative.
The collaboration is intended to create accessible points through which rural residents can connect with healthcare professionals, helping bridge the gap between communities and medical services.
ZimSmart Villages representative Dr Addmore Jokwiro said the initiative was designed to ensure that technology delivers tangible benefits to ordinary people.
“The value of digital health lies in helping people connect with the care they need. These mobile kiosks are intended to bridge distances and create accessible points through which communities can connect with healthcare professionals,” he said.
The rollout gives practical meaning to NetOne’s community-centred approach, extending its contribution beyond telecommunications connectivity to interventions that address everyday social needs.
It also reflects the national development philosophy, “Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo/Ilizwe lakhiwa ngabanikazi balo,” a nation is built by its own people — by bringing together Zimbabwean institutions to tackle challenges affecting local communities.
Mr Magadzire said the President’s recognition reinforced the importance of aligning corporate initiatives with national development priorities.
“We are encouraged by His Excellency’s commendation. His visionary leadership provides a clear direction towards Vision 2030, and our responsibility is to translate that ambition into practical contributions that benefit communities,” he said.
The initiative also supports the broader objectives of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 3 on good health and wellbeing, Goal 10 on reduced inequalities and Goal 17 on partnerships.
By focusing on rural communities, the programme seeks to contribute towards reducing disparities in access to healthcare and ensuring that technological advances serve people who might otherwise struggle to obtain medical assistance.
However, the initiative’s long-term impact will depend on effective implementation, reliable connections with healthcare professionals, appropriate referrals and follow-up care.
Dr Jokwiro said the launch represented the beginning of a process whose success would ultimately be measured by the services delivered to communities.
“The launch is an important beginning. Lasting value will come from accessible services, appropriate referrals and effective follow-up, supported by strong partnerships and links to the wider healthcare system,” he said.
As NetOne marks three decades of connecting Zimbabweans, the investment adds a social dimension to its corporate anniversary, placing community health at the centre of its contribution to national progress.
Beyond expanding access to healthcare, the initiative highlights the potential of partnerships and digital technology to support more inclusive service delivery.
A healthier population is better positioned to learn, work and participate meaningfully in economic development, making investment in healthcare an important component of Zimbabwe’s broader ambition to build an inclusive and prosperous nation by 2030.
