Zimbabwe is set to become the first African nation to establish a fully-fledged public air rescue service covering the entire country, following the upcoming launch of the Helidrive National Air Rescue Service in August 2024.
The initiative is the result of a partnership between the Republic of Zimbabwe and the Russian Federation, aimed at closing critical gaps in emergency medical transport across Zimbabwe.
The collaboration, initiated by Presidents Emmerson Mnangagwa and Vladimir Putin, was designed to create a dependable and efficient national air evacuation network, particularly targeting remote areas where access to urgent medical care has long been a challenge.
Speaking at the 65th Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF), Dr. Rudo Gumbo from the Ministry of Health and Child Care highlighted the service’s achievements so far. Helidrive began operations in Harare in July 2024, with a second operational base launched in Bulawayo by December. Since then, the service has evacuated over 450 patients, including 150 newborns under 28 days old, with 60 evacuations carried out in the Matabeleland region alone.
“Helidrive National Air Rescue Service has already proven its critical role in saving lives by offering swift and professional air evacuations, particularly for critically ill patients,” Dr. Gumbo said.
The air rescue service is part of the government’s broader strategy to expand healthcare access nationwide. In emergencies—especially in regions with poor road infrastructure or during natural disasters—air transport has become a vital lifeline.
With plans for further expansion, Helidrive aims to ensure that Zimbabweans in every corner of the country have access to prompt and lifesaving air medical services. The development not only represents a major healthcare milestone for Zimbabwe but could also serve as a blueprint for other African nations looking to strengthen their emergency response systems.
