By Fanuel Chinowaita
CHINHOYI — President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Saturday, October 17, 2026, commended telecommunications company NetOne for supporting Zimbabwe’s national health agenda following the launch of a project to deploy 100 mobile health kiosks in rural communities.
The initiative was launched at the 23rd ZANU PF People’s National Conference in Chinhoyi, marking a milestone in efforts to bring healthcare services closer to underserved communities through digital technology and strategic partnerships.
The project is funded and supported by NetOne through its flagship OneHealth initiative, in partnership with ZimSmart Villages and under the leadership of the ZANU PF Department of Health.
The planned rollout of 100 mobile health kiosks seeks to address barriers to healthcare access in rural areas, where patients often face long journeys, transport costs and time away from work and family responsibilities to obtain medical attention.
NetOne public relations manager Ernest Magadzire said the initiative was part of the company’s commitment to community development as it celebrates 30 years of connecting Zimbabweans.
“Our 30th anniversary is not simply about celebrating how far we have come. It is about what we can contribute to the future. Through OneHealth, we are placing people’s wellbeing at the centre of our celebrations and supporting the national health agenda,” Magadzire said.
ZimSmart Villages representative Dr Jokwiro said the project was intended to harness technology to connect communities with healthcare professionals and improve access to medical services.
“The value of digital health lies in helping people connect with the care they need. These mobile kiosks are intended to bridge distances and create accessible points through which communities can connect with healthcare professionals,” he said.
The partnership combines NetOne’s funding and support, ZimSmart Villages’ digital health capabilities and the leadership of the ZANU PF Department of Health to address challenges in accessing healthcare.
The President’s commendation recognized NetOne’s contribution to national development priorities, including the pursuit of Vision 2030, which aims to transform Zimbabwe into an upper-middle-income economy.
Magadzire said the recognition reinforced the importance of corporate participation in initiatives that respond to community needs.
“We are encouraged by His Excellency’s commendation. His visionary leadership provides a clear direction towards Vision 2030, and our responsibility is to translate that ambition into practical contributions that benefit communities,” he said.
The initiative also reflects NetOne’s “NetOne in the community” approach, which seeks to extend the company’s contribution beyond telecommunications connectivity to services that address everyday challenges.
It further embraces the national development philosophy, “Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo” — a nation is built by its own people — through the collaboration of Zimbabwean institutions in addressing local needs.
The programme aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3 on good health and wellbeing, Goal 10 on reducing inequalities and Goal 17 on strengthening partnerships.
Dr Jokwiro said the long-term impact of the project would depend on effective implementation and integration with the broader healthcare system.
“The launch is an important beginning. Lasting value will come from accessible services, appropriate referrals and effective follow-up, supported by strong partnerships and links to the wider healthcare system,” he said.
As NetOne marks three decades in the telecommunications sector, the mobile health kiosk initiative positions healthcare investment as part of its anniversary legacy, with the partners seeking to reduce barriers to medical services and improve community wellbeing.
The rollout is expected to bring digital health services closer to rural households, although the project’s ultimate impact will depend on the deployment of the kiosks and the availability of accessible, effective healthcare services.