Zimbabwe is set to receive an advanced cancer treatment machine from Russia as the two countries deepen cooperation in healthcare, in a development expected to strengthen the country’s capacity to combat the disease.
Deputy Minister of Health and Child Care, Sleiman Kwidini, said the equipment which is being supplied by Russian companies, would soon be delivered to Zimbabwe to enhance cancer treatment services.
“Russia is one of the countries with advanced cancer-treatment capabilities, which we also need back home.
“There is a machine coming to Zimbabwe, supplied by Russian companies, to intensify the fight against cancer,” he said.
Deputy Minister Kwidini was speaking while accompanying Vice President, Dr Kembo Mohadi, on an official visit to Russia, where the two countries are exploring opportunities to expand bilateral cooperation.
He said the provision of specialised cancer treatment equipment was part of broader efforts to strengthen Zimbabwe’s healthcare infrastructure by drawing on Russia’s advances in medical technology and expertise.
Deputy Minister Kwidini said cooperation between Harare and Moscow had already delivered tangible benefits through the Helidrive air ambulance programme, which has improved emergency medical response and access to specialised healthcare, particularly for communities in remote areas.
He said the air ambulance service had significantly reduced the time required to transfer patients to health facilities equipped to provide specialised treatment.
“These air ambulances can reach everywhere to make sure that every patient who needs specialised treatment is ferried to where they can receive it,” he said.
“The time taken to transfer a patient for treatment, especially in an emergency setup, has been reduced by about 90% compared to what was happening before.”
Beyond medical equipment and emergency services, the partnership also includes the training of Zimbabwean students in Russia, helping to build the specialised skills and expertise required to strengthen the country’s healthcare system.
Deputy Minister Kwidini said continued collaboration was supporting Government’s commitment to achieving Vision 2030 and advancing universal health coverage through improved access to quality healthcare services.
He, however, said the pace of implementation needed to be accelerated to ensure that Zimbabwe achieves its healthcare development targets by 2030.
