Rutendo Mazhindu- Zim Now Reporter
Zimbabwe is stepping up efforts to strengthen its health system in the face of rising public health threats, with support from key global partners including Africa CDC, WHO, UNICEF, and World Vision.
Health Minister Dr Douglas Mombeshora said the country was taking urgent action to improve its response systems, especially as it battles cholera, polio, and mpox outbreaks.
He was speaking during an executive training session on Public Health Emergency Management (PHEM), where he revealed that Zimbabwe is working with partners to set up eight Public Health Emergency Operation Centres across the country.
“We are aligning our systems with the Lusaka Call to Action to improve health emergency coordination in Africa,” Mombeshora said.
Africa CDC’s Dr Matthew Tut said many health systems in Africa were under strain due to limited funding and growing emergencies. He praised Zimbabwe for progress in setting up emergency operation centres, calling them a key part of Africa’s health security.
“Health emergencies can only be tackled through strong partnerships between governments, communities, and development agencies,” Tut said.
UNICEF’s Deputy Representative Zeinab Adam said the unpredictable nature of public health threats calls for solid investment in immunization and frontline health workers. She applauded Zimbabwe’s health teams for their ongoing response to cholera outbreaks.
“UNICEF remains committed to supporting child health, water and sanitation, and mental health services during emergencies,” she said.
Dr Naijibullah Safi of the WHO said the continent faces more than 100 health emergencies each year and urged countries to fix weak areas in their health systems. He praised Zimbabwe’s use of its Incident Management System during recent cholera and measles outbreaks and encouraged continued efforts in training and surveillance.
World Vision Zimbabwe’s National Director, Assam Golowa, said community responders play a key role in handling outbreaks and praised the PHEM training as a major step forward.
“World Vision stands ready to help Zimbabwe build a stronger health system from the ground up,” he said.
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