How telehealth is helping close the healthcare gap in rural Zimbabwe
Summary
In rural Zimbabwe, a new telehealth program connects patients with doctors through video calls, reducing the need for long and costly travel. This service, started in 2024, uses local health workers and satellite internet to provide medical care in remote villages.Key Facts
- Telehealth centers in Zimbabwe allow patients to have video consultations with doctors.
- The program began in 2024, led by ZimSmart Villages in partnership with state-owned telecom and postal companies.
- Zimbabwe has fewer doctors per people compared to the African average, especially in rural areas.
- Patients like Anymore Kadzunge travel long distances for healthcare; telehealth helps by bringing doctors closer digitally.
- Local nurses check vital signs and help patients before video appointments.
- Starlink satellite internet and backup batteries keep the centers running during power cuts.
- By 2026, 28 telehealth centers were set up across seven Zimbabwean provinces, completing over 28,000 virtual visits.
- The telehealth centers are located inside existing post offices to improve accessibility for rural residents.
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