The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Zimbabwe has been a critical partner to the Government since 2009, translating significant resources into tangible services, particularly in the health and climate resilience sectors. This long-term commitment, focused on pioneering innovative solutions, has profoundly impacted communities nationwide.
“Since 2009, @UNDPZimbabwe has worked with the Government to ensure resources translate into real services for those who need them most. From solar-for-health to 500+ solar-powered boreholes, innovation is transforming access to care,” stated Dr. Ayodele Odusola, UNDP Zimbabwe Resident Representative. He emphasized that leveraging innovation and strengthening partnerships is key to driving inclusive growth and sustainable livelihoods in the country.
At the core of this transformation is the acclaimed Solar for Health (S4H) initiative, largely funded by the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. Beginning in 2017, the programme addressed the severe challenge of unreliable power supply at health facilities, where many rural clinics only had electricity for a few hours a day. To date, UNDP has installed solar photovoltaic (PV) systems at over 1,072 health facilities across the country, providing 24/7 uninterrupted power. This dramatic improvement has directly impacted the quality of medical services: deliveries no longer take place by candlelight, and essential, life-saving procedures are not denied due to power shortages.
Crucially, reliable solar power ensures refrigerators maintain temperature control for vital vaccines and medicines, preserving their potency, while consistent electricity enables the use of digital patient records and supply chain systems, enhancing data management and ensuring clinics are adequately stocked. The solar installations are estimated to reduce operational electricity bills for some facilities by up to 60%, allowing the savings to be reinvested into other priority health programmes. By the end of 2025, 188 more facilities are slated for upgrades, bringing green energy to 70% of national health facilities.
In conjunction with the S4H initiative, UNDP has made a concerted effort to ensure access to clean water—a pivotal achievement in a country where water-borne diseases are a major concern. The organization has installed 447 solar-powered boreholes at health facilities alone. These boreholes provide a reliable source of safe water for staff and patients, tackling the intertwined challenges of energy poverty and water scarcity simultaneously. Beyond health, UNDP’s work on climate resilience has been monumental.
Since 2009, its programs have been instrumental in managing $1 billion in Global Fund grants to combat HIV, TB, and Malaria. They have also successfully revitalized 572 hectares of idle land into climate-proofed irrigation, directly benefiting over 421,500 people, and empowered 761 women- and youth-led MSMEs through export-readiness training.
Furthermore, the provision of over 180,000 people with timely weather advisories via SMS in local languages has enhanced preparedness against climate shocks. Dr. Odusola’s sentiments highlight that UNDP’s model in Zimbabwe is not just about funding, but about fostering sustainable infrastructure and leveraging local capacity to ensure that every dollar invested translates into a tangible improvement for the nation’s most vulnerable citizens.