UAE Donates Nearly US$700,000 Worth of Medical Equipment to Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe has received a significant boost to its healthcare sector following a donation of medical supplies and equipment from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), valued at approximately US$700,000.

The donation includes 74 intensive care unit (ICU) ventilators, as well as a large supply of syringes, needles, and other vital medical consumables.

During a handover ceremony held Thursday at NatPharm in Harare, Deputy Minister of Health and Child Care, Sleiman Kwidini, said the equipment would help strengthen the country’s capacity to manage medical emergencies, lower death rates, and improve the quality of healthcare services — particularly in underserved areas.

“This donation comprises 34 tonnes of essential medical items, including 74 ICU ventilators — vital in treating critical respiratory cases,” Kwidini said. “The total value of the consignment is US$623,737, with hypodermic 23G needles making up US$449,249 of the donation, while the ventilators and syringes account for US$122,515. These aren’t just numbers — they are life-saving resources.”

He emphasized that the equipment would alleviate pressure on Zimbabwe’s public health system, particularly in intensive care units, and would contribute toward achieving Universal Health Coverage as outlined in the government’s national health strategy.

The donation was officially presented to the Zimbabwean government by UAE Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Jassim Mohamed Al-Hassanini.