NetOne is set to expand access to healthcare in underserved communities through the planned introduction of 100 mobile health kiosks across Zimbabwe as part of its 30th anniversary celebrations.
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Read E-PaperThe OneHealth initiative will be officially launched by President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Saturday, October 17, during the 23rd ZANU PF Annual National People’s Conference in Chinhoyi.
The programme is being implemented through a partnership involving NetOne, the ZANU PF Department of Health and ZimSmart Villages, with the aim of bringing essential health services closer to communities that face challenges accessing medical facilities.
The initiative combines financial support, digital technology and community-based healthcare to reduce barriers to medical attention, particularly for people living in remote areas.
For many rural households, accessing healthcare can involve long journeys, transport expenses and time away from work or other responsibilities. The mobile kiosks are intended to make basic health services and professional medical support more accessible.
ZimSmart Villages is providing the digital health systems and operational model underpinning the project. These include telehealth services, community health workers and referral arrangements connecting patients with healthcare professionals and established medical facilities.
ZimSmart Villages Chief Medical Officer Admore Jokwiro said the programme would use technology to connect communities with healthcare providers while supporting early screening and appropriate medical referrals.
“Through ZimSmart Villages, we are bringing together digital-health solutions, community-based outreach and clinical support to create a connected pathway to care,” said Jokwiro.
He said the kiosks would provide initial screening and health information while helping patients access clinicians, referrals and follow-up services.
NetOne is financing the first phase, which will involve 10 three-wheeler mobile health kiosks, with one designated for each of Zimbabwe’s 10 provinces. The initial deployment is expected to form the foundation for the wider rollout of 100 units, extending services to district level.
NetOne spokesperson Ernest Magadzire said the project reflected the telecommunications company’s intention to use its resources to support broader community development.
“As NetOne celebrates 30 years of connecting Zimbabwe, we are investing in initiatives that improve people’s lives,” said Magadzire.
He added that the OneHealth programme demonstrated the company’s commitment to supporting solutions that address community needs beyond telecommunications services.
The initiative also complements efforts to improve healthcare access for vulnerable groups, in line with the broader healthcare vision promoted by First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa.
The partnership brings together NetOne’s funding, ZimSmart Villages’ digital health expertise and the ZANU PF Department of Health’s leadership of the programme.
It is also being positioned as part of Zimbabwe’s wider development agenda under Vision 2030 and the National Development Strategy 2, which emphasise inclusive development and access to essential services.
The programme aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those focused on good health and well-being, reducing inequalities and strengthening partnerships.
However, the project’s long-term impact will depend on how effectively the kiosks are deployed, the availability of healthcare professionals, the reliability of referral systems and the continuity of services in the communities they are intended to serve.
As NetOne marks three decades in the telecommunications sector, the OneHealth programme adds a community healthcare component to its anniversary activities, with the planned rollout seeking to bring medical support closer to people who face barriers to accessing conventional health facilities.
