Switzerland, Iran affirm health cooperation with Zimbabwe
By Pretty Manyewe
Vice President and Minister of Health and Child Care, Gen (Rtd.) Dr. Constantino Chiwenga has completed a successful visit to Montreux, Switzerland, and Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran from 23 to 24 February and 25 to 27 February 2023, respectively.
Dr. Chiwenga attended the 5th Global Ministerial Summit on Patient Safety in Switzerland before proceeding to hold talks with officials in Iran aimed at deepening cooperation in the health sector.
At the Summit in Montreux, held under the theme “Less Harm, Better Care-From Resolution to Implementation,” Dr. Chiwenga presented a detailed overview of the status of patient safety and quality care in Zimbabwe within the context of the National Health Strategy and National Development Strategy 1. The Summit adopted the Montreux Charter on Patient Safety and resolved to expeditiously implement the principles and goals.
In a Post-Cabinet Briefing in Harare on Tuesday, Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Monica Mutsvangwa revealed that Vice President and Minister of Health and Child Care also held several fruitful bilateral talks on the sidelines of the Summit with various key stakeholders, including the Director-General of the World Health Organization, Dr. Tedros Adhaom.
“The Vice President and Minister of Health and Child Care then travelled to the Islamic Republic of Iran to deepen relations and cooperation between the two countries in the field of health. During the visit, he visited several Medical Equipment Exhibitions. He held talks with officials, including his counterpart, the Vice President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Dr. Mohammed Mokhber, the Minister of Health and Medical Education, Professor Bahram Einollahi; and Pharmaceuticals and Equipment Syndicate Managers,” said Minister Mutsvangwa.
The visit to Tehran culminated in a Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in the Field of Pharmaceuticals, Medical Equipment, Medical Education (mentorship and training) and Health System Management. Zimbabwe also undertook to facilitate types setting up of manufacturing and distribution of pharmaceuticals and medical equipment by Iranian companies in Zimbabwe and to facilitate the exchange programs for professors of medical sciences and taking up of offers for scholarships.
“The visit to Switzerland and Iran was important in promoting international cooperation in the field of health. We are committed to working with our partners to improve the quality of healthcare in Zimbabwe and contribute to global efforts to enhance patient safety,” said Minister Mutsvangwa.
Government welcomed the successful outcomes of the visits and expressed appreciation for the efforts of the Vice President and Minister of Health and Child Care in advancing the interests of the country in the field of health. The 6th Patient Summit will be held in Chile on a date to be announced in 202
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