Story by Theophilus Chuma
GOVERNMENT has intensified border surveillance and health screening measures in response to a widening Ebola outbreak reported in several African countries, with authorities warning of elevated regional risk and reinforcing national preparedness systems.
The development comes after the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention indicated that at least 10 additional countries are now considered at risk, while the World Health Organisation has declared a public health emergency of international concern following the emergence of a rare Ebola strain.
Given Zimbabwe’s proximity to affected regions, Government has moved to strengthen monitoring systems at points of entry as part of efforts to prevent cross-border transmission.
Addressing a post-Cabinet media briefing on Tuesday, Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Dr Zhemu Soda, said Zimbabwe remains on high alert with strengthened surveillance mechanisms in place.
“Zimbabwe’s risk is primarily driven by population mobility across regional borders, necessitating strengthened early detection, rapid containment capacity and revamped border health security measures. The nation is assured that Zimbabwe has an Integrated Disease and Surveillance system in place, supported by weekly epidemiological reporting and trained surveillance personnel,” Dr Soda said.
Most confirmed cases have been recorded in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where more than 150 deaths have been linked to the outbreak.
Government says preparedness measures have also been strengthened through the establishment of a contingency financing mechanism to support rapid response operations.
“Cabinet approved the establishment of a provisional Ebola Virus Disease Contingency Fund based on rapid costed needs, assessment covering surveillance, point of entry, preparedness, laboratory strengthening, mobilisation of infection prevention, control commodities, and rapid response deployment,” Dr Soda said.
The post-Cabinet briefing also highlighted progress in national food security, with projections indicating a surplus in the strategic grain reserve following the 2025/26 summer cropping season and winter production programme.
Government further announced plans to roll out Provincial Special Economic Zones as part of efforts to drive rural industrialisation and balanced economic development across all provinces.
