Telehealth bridges healthcare gap in rural Zimbabwe

Telehealth centres in rural Zimbabwe are reducing travel burdens and costs for patients, with 28 centres established and over 28,000 virtual consultations conducted by 2026. The initiative, launched in 2024 by ZimSmart Villages with partners, addresses a severe doctor shortage (1.7 per 10,000 people vs. Africa's 2.6) and offers consultations for $2-$10, compared to $15-$20 at private clinics.