By Cecilia Chiluba/Zambia/Lusaka
Project CURE, the world’s largest non-profit distributor of donated medical supplies and equipment, is set to dispatch a cumulative total of 27 forty-foot containers of medical equipment to selected health facilities in Zambia by June 2026.
This came to light when a Zambian delegation, led by Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary for Administration, Joma Tambatamba Simuyi, visited the Project CURE warehouse in Philadelphia, United States of America (USA).
The strategic visit was aimed at assessing available medical equipment and identifying priority items for dispatch to Zambia under the ongoing collaboration between the Ministry of Health, Project CURE, and Islamic Relief.
During the tour, the delegation inspected a wide assortment of medical equipment, including examination beds, delivery beds, drip stands, oxygen concentrators, and other essential hospital items available in significant quantities.
The Permanent Secretary noted that all equipment undergoes thorough testing and certification, including issuance of certificates of analysis, before being packed and shipped to ensure safety, reliability, and compliance with required standards.
Mrs. Simuyi emphasized the urgent demand for renal and oncology equipment, particularly dialysis machines and equipment for cancer diagnosis and treatment.
She applauded Project CURE for its continued support in complementing Government efforts to improve healthcare delivery in Zambia.
The Permanent Secretary reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening international partnerships aimed at improving healthcare service delivery across Zambia.
She expressed satisfaction with the availability of other critical equipment that will significantly strengthen service delivery, especially in rural and underserved areas.
“The Ministry of Health’s mission is to provide equitable access to cost-effective, quality healthcare services as close to the family as possible,” she stated.
“Under the leadership of President Hakainde Hichilema, the Government has continued to increase the health sector budget for the procurement of medicines, medical supplies, and medical equipment.”
She, however, noted that gaps remain, particularly in rural parts of the country, making partnerships with Project C.U.R.E timely and impactful.
And Zambia’s Health Attaché, Dr. Priscila Mulenga, was elated with the excitement over the strong and growing relationship between the Zambian Government and Project CURE.
She described the collaboration as a model of effective international cooperation in advancing health outcomes.
The delegation is expected to proceed to Colorado to tour Project CURE’s headquarters and further strengthen engagements with the organization.
This was shared in a statement issued by Charles Tembo, First Secretary Press and Public Relations – Embassy of Zambia Washington-DC.
