LocationsUNDP and Ministry of Health and Child Care Celebrate Landmark Handover of NatPharm Warehouse in Masvingo
September 6, 2024
UNDP Resident Representative, Dr Ayodele Odusola (left), Deputy Minister of Health and Child Care, Hon. S.T. Kwidini (middle) and Secretary for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Masvingo Province, Dr Addmore Pazvakavambwa (right), officially commission the Masvingo NatPharm Warehouse
Masvingo, Zimbabwe — September 6, 2024 — In a significant stride towards improving healthcare delivery in Zimbabwe, the Ministry of Health and Child Care, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), today commissioned the newly completed NatPharm warehouse in Masvingo. The state-of-the-art facility, which was funded by the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria (Global Fund), is expected to enhance the distribution and storage of essential medicines and medical supplies across the province, benefiting close to 250 health institutions.
The event was attended by senior government officials, healthcare professionals, and UNDP representatives. Deputy Minister of Health and Child Care, Hon. S.T. Kwidini, representing the Minister, described the warehouse as a “landmark achievement” in Zimbabwe’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its healthcare infrastructure.
“This facility represents a pivotal moment in our health infrastructure development. With 2460 square meters of storage space and 2988 pallet positions, it marks a significant step towards a more equitable healthcare system in Masvingo,” said Hon. Kwidini. He added that the facility is not just a warehouse but a crucial asset to address long-standing challenges in healthcare logistics, such as supply chain inefficiencies and distribution gaps.
The Masvingo warehouse is part of the Resilient Systems Strengthening for Health (RSSH) project, funded by the Global Fund and supported by UNDP. The USD 3.66 million facility includes modern handling equipment and a 201-kW solar power system, ensuring sustainable, energy-efficient operations. UNDP further invested in upgrading the warehouse by replacing the solar system's batteries with more efficient lithium units.
The Global Fund’s support has been instrumental in realizing this project, which is expected to improve the availability of life-saving medicines for HIV, TB, and Malaria. UNDP Zimbabwe Resident Representative acknowledged the critical role of this international partnership. “The Global Fund’s investment underscores the importance of global collaboration in addressing healthcare challenges. Since 2014, UNDP has worked alongside the Global Fund to invest nearly USD 30 million in warehousing and storage improvements across Zimbabwe,” said the representative. “Together with NatPharm and the Ministry of Health, we will ensure that these investments translate into improved healthcare delivery for all Zimbabweans”.
Looking ahead, the warehouse will serve as a vital hub for medical supplies, including drugs for HIV, TB, and Malaria, helping to eliminate supply chain bottlenecks. The facility stands as a model for future health infrastructure development across Zimbabwe, reinforcing the country's commitment to equitable healthcare access, supported by international partnerships like the Global Fund.
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