Zambia Deploys 751 Starlink Kits to Health Facilities with UNDP Support
The initiative is funded by the Global Fund through Zambia’s Ministry of Health, with UNDP supporting its implementation.
SMART Zambia Institute has commenced the deployment of 751 Starlink kits to selected health facilities across the country, with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) , to improve digital connectivity and strengthen healthcare delivery.
The initiative is funded by the Global Fund through Zambia’s Ministry of Health, with UNDP supporting its implementation.
In Western Province, 90 Starlink kits have been delivered to the Provincial Health Office as part of the nationwide deployment. Brian Nawa Nawa, Assistant Director for Digital Skills and Capabilities at SMART Zambia Headquarters, officially handed over the kits and accessories to Provincial Health Director Dr Njekwa Samutumwa.
The handover followed a courtesy call on Western Province Permanent Secretary Simomo Akapelwa.
The deployment targets underserved and hard-to-reach communities, where limited internet connectivity can affect access to digital public services. The Starlink equipment is expected to improve communication and information sharing among health facilities, support electronic health information systems and facilitate the delivery of digital health services.
The 90 kits allocated to Western Province form part of the 751 units scheduled for distribution across Zambia’s 10 provinces.
The initiative reflects collaboration between the Zambian government, the Global Fund, the Ministry of Health and UNDP to use digital technologies to improve public service delivery and strengthen access to healthcare, particularly in areas with limited connectivity.
