Project News

On May 5th 2023, a kick-off seminar of the Project was held in Harare to inform participating stakeholders that the project has just launched its full-scale implementation phase. Approximately 70 people from different stakeholders, such as the Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC), Provincial Health Executives (PHE), Provincial Hospitals, Central Hospitals, development partners, and others who are involved in the project participated in this seminar.

His Excellency, Mr. Chamunorwa Mangwiro, the Deputy Minister of MoHCC, and His Excellency Mr. Satoshi Tanaka, the Ambassador of Japan to Zimbabwe, were also in attendance and gave opening remarks. Moreover, the Project members made three different presentations on (i) the achievements of the 5S-KAIZEN-TQM Approach in Zimbabwe, (ii) an overview of the 5S-KAIZEN-TQM approach, and (iii) an overview of the project. Six medical facilities: one PHE and five hospitals, that have already introduced the 5S-KAIZEN-TQM approach, shared experiences of their initiatives to improve the quality of health services, its achievements, and challenges.

Group photo of the participants of the kick-off seminar

Opening remarks by the Deputy Minister of MoHCC and the Ambassador of Japan to Zimbabwe

At the beginning of the meeting, the Deputy Minister of MoHCC and the Ambassador of Japan to Zimbabwe, who were the guests of honour, gave opening remarks. The Deputy Minister referred to the importance of implementing the 5S-KAIZEN-TQM approach aiming at improving the quality of health services and patient safety to realize Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and a resilient health system. He further urged that each health professional should do the best they can in their own capacity.

The Ambassador of Japan to Zimbabwe stated that, in addition to this technical cooperation project, the Government of Japan provides comprehensive support to the health sector in Zimbabwe to achieve UHC by investing over USD 6 million in medical facilities and equipment. He also congratulated full scaled launch of the Project.

Opening remarks by the Deputy Minister of MoHCC

Opening remarks by the Ambassador of Japan to Zimbabwe

Presentations from project members

Mr. Pomerai, Deputy Director of the Quality Assurance and Patient Safety (QAPS) Directorate of MoHCC and project manager, gave a presentation on efforts to date and prospects for the 5S-KAIZEN-TQM approach in Zimbabwe.

Thereafter, Mr. Miyamoto, a Japanese Expert, presented the basic concept of the 5S-KAIZEN-TQM approach. In his presentation, he stressed that each hospital staff (management, QAD, QIT, WIT, etc.) has an important role to play in the effective implementation of the 5S-KAIZEN-TQM approach and improvements in the quality and safety of health services. He added that it is also essential for all stakeholders to collaborate and respect each other for its success. Furthermore, Mr. Suzuki, a Japanese Expert, shared an overview of the project including its objectives, duration, target facilities, and a schedule of the project's activities.

Presentation by the Project Manager (the Deputy Director of QAPS)

Presentation of the basic concept of the 5S-KAIZEN-TQM approach by the Japanese Expert

Presentation of the overview of the project by the Japanese Expert

Sharing of efforts and main achievements and challenges by one PHE and five hospitals

At the kick-off seminar, one PHE, two provincial hospitals, and three central hospitals presented their 5S activities, achievements, and main challenges to give participants a more concrete image of the quality improvement of health services by using the 5S-KAIZEN-TQM approach. As a result of the 5S activities, the participants reported that the implementations of the 5S activities have improved the quality of services, such as the reduction of waiting times for patients. On the other hand, as challenges faced, it was underlined mainly that there are strong external factors such as a shortage of health personnel, medical equipment, materials, and limited electricity and water resources.

Presentation by Gweru Provincial Hospital

Presentation by United Bulawayo Hospital

Closing remarks from the Chief Representative of JICA Zimbabwe

As closing remarks, Mr. Furuta, the Chief Representative of JICA Zimbabwe in a video message from Japan, declared that JICA would work with the Government of Zimbabwe and all other stakeholders to not only achieve the project's goal but also to help overcome the challenges in the health sector in Zimbabwe.

Video message from the Chief Representative of JICA Zimbabwe

The seminar was successfully concluded with the closing remarks from the Chief Medical Officer of Ingutsheni Central Hospital.

This seminar marked the official kick-off (launch) of the project. In May and June 2023, we are planning to conduct a workshop on the revision of the Operational Guide for the 5S-KAIZEN-TQM approach, a workshop on the development of training modules and materials, and basic training on the 5S-KAIZEN-TQM approach. All project members will continue to work hard to contribute to improving the quality of health services in Zimbabwe.