Zimbabwe is set to make history by becoming the first African country to introduce a nationwide public air rescue service. The Helidrive National Air Rescue Service, scheduled for launch in August 2024, is the result of a partnership between the Republic of Zimbabwe and the Russian Federation aimed at closing critical gaps in emergency air transportation.
The collaboration, championed by Presidents Emmerson Mnangagwa and Vladimir Putin, seeks to build a dependable air evacuation network to strengthen the country’s medical response system, especially in remote and hard-to-reach areas.
Speaking at the 65th edition of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF), Dr. Rudo Gumbo from the Ministry of Health and Child Care said Helidrive was created to tackle the challenges facing the nation’s medical transport services. The company began operations in Harare in July 2024, followed by the opening of a second base in Bulawayo in December 2024.
Since launching, Helidrive has recorded significant achievements, having airlifted 450 patients, including 150 newborns under 28 days old. In the Matabeleland region alone, 60 medical evacuations have been carried out, underlining the critical role the service plays in rural and underserved communities.
“Helidrive National Air Rescue Service has already proven its life-saving impact by ensuring swift and efficient transportation for critically ill patients,” Dr. Gumbo stated.
The initiative forms part of the Ministry’s broader strategy to expand healthcare access throughout Zimbabwe. Air rescue services are seen as vital for emergency responses, especially in areas with poor road networks or those prone to natural disasters.
Helidrive’s continued expansion is expected to guarantee that all Zimbabweans, no matter their location, have access to urgent medical air evacuation when necessary. This development represents a major step forward for the country and could serve as an inspiration for other African nations seeking to strengthen their emergency healthcare systems.