SMART Zambia Institute has commenced the deployment of 751 Starlink kits to selected health facilities across Zambia, in a nationwide initiative aimed at improving digital connectivity and strengthening healthcare delivery.
The deployment is being implemented with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and funded by the Global Fund through Zambia’s Ministry of Health.
As part of the rollout, 90 Starlink kits have been delivered to the Provincial Health Office in Western Province. Brian Nawa Nawa, Assistant Director for Digital Skills and Capabilities at SMART Zambia Headquarters, officially handed over the equipment and accessories to Provincial Health Director Dr Njekwa Samutumwa.
The handover followed a courtesy call on Western Province Permanent Secretary Simomo Akapelwa.
The 90 units allocated to Western Province form part of the 751 kits scheduled for distribution across Zambia’s 10 provinces. The initiative specifically targets underserved and hard-to-reach communities where limited internet access can affect the delivery of digital public services.
The Starlink equipment is expected to improve communication and information sharing among healthcare facilities, support electronic health information systems and facilitate access to digital health services.
By extending connectivity to facilities in areas with limited internet infrastructure, the deployment aims to strengthen the use of digital technologies in healthcare delivery and improve coordination across the health system.
The initiative brings together the Zambian Government, the Global Fund, the Ministry of Health and UNDP in an effort to expand digital access and strengthen public service delivery, particularly in communities facing connectivity challenges.
