Dr. Admore Jokwiro, the Chief Medical Officer at ZimSmart Villages, has been internationally recognized for his groundbreaking work in telehealth, receiving the prestigious 2025 Virtual Care Leadership Excellence Award from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Telehealth Organisation. The award was presented at the organisation’s annual conference in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, acknowledging Dr. Jokwiro’s exceptional leadership in the field of virtual healthcare.
Dr. Jokwiro’s achievements in Zimbabwe’s healthcare sector have been transformative, particularly through the implementation of his e-Health programme. This programme has had a significant impact on healthcare access across the nation, with a focus on integrating technology to improve medical service delivery. One of his most notable contributions is the establishment of telehealth kiosks in post offices across Zimbabwe, which serve as vital hubs for medical consultations, tele-diagnostics, and tele-pharmacy services.
Innovative Approach to Healthcare Access
As part of the ZimSmart Villages initiative, Dr. Jokwiro and his team have equipped 17 post offices with telehealth kiosks, enabling Zimbabweans from both urban and rural areas to access essential healthcare services. Additionally, a virtual hospital was launched to support clients dealing with non-communicable diseases, further bridging the gap in healthcare access, especially in underserved areas.
These innovative projects leverage modern technology to ensure that patients can consult with healthcare professionals remotely, receive diagnoses, and even obtain prescriptions—all without the need for travel. This has been particularly impactful in a country where access to healthcare facilities can be limited by geographical and economic barriers.
A Global Stage for Zimbabwe’s Healthcare Innovations
Dr. Jokwiro’s recognition at the MENA Telehealth Organisation’s annual conference is a testament to the global impact of Zimbabwe’s telehealth initiatives. During his time at the conference in Saudi Arabia, Dr. Jokwiro took the opportunity to speak on the importance of virtual care in Low and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs), highlighting Zimbabwe’s advancements in this area and the country’s commitment to improving healthcare through innovation.
“This recognition is for ZimSmart Villages, our stakeholders, internal and external, our supporters, and partners,” Dr. Jokwiro said upon receiving the award. “The Government of Zimbabwe has given us a social license to innovate and operate, and for that, we are grateful to the Ministries of Health and ICT. This award is not just for me, but for everyone involved in this important work.”
Building Bridges for Future Collaboration
Dr. Jokwiro also emphasized that the timing of the award creates opportunities for further collaboration with countries like Saudi Arabia, which have been making swift strides to embed virtual care as a central element of their healthcare delivery systems. This global recognition helps position Zimbabwe as a leader in the use of telehealth in Africa, opening doors for international partnerships and shared expertise.
As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, Dr. Jokwiro’s work serves as an inspiring example of how technology can be harnessed to improve healthcare access and outcomes in developing nations. Through his leadership and the innovative initiatives under ZimSmart Villages, Zimbabwe is paving the way for a more inclusive and accessible healthcare system.
With the 2025 Virtual Care Leadership Excellence Award now in hand, Dr. Jokwiro and the ZimSmart Villages team are well-positioned to continue their mission of transforming healthcare access in Zimbabwe, proving that with the right vision and technology, even the most marginalized communities can benefit from world-class healthcare solutions.
