Story by Abigirl Tembo, Health Editor
ZIMBABWE is stepping up efforts to strengthen its health security and emergency preparedness, with a high-level delegation from the Ministry of Health and Child Care undertaking a three-day Look and Learn visit to the Zambia National Public Health Institute in Lusaka.
The visit comes as government moves to establish the Public Health Institute of Zimbabwe, (PHIZ) which is expected to play a central role in disease surveillance, outbreak response and national health security.
Leading the delegation is Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Child Care, Dr Aspect Maunganidze accompanied by the Public Health Adviser to the President and Cabinet, Dr Agnes Mahomva, the Interim PHIZ Coordinator, Dr Raiva Simbi, and senior officials from several government ministries and agencies.
The multi-sectoral team reflects what authorities describe as a whole-of-government approach to building a strong, legally anchored and sustainable National Public Health Institute.
The visit is focused on learning from Zambia’s experience in setting up and running the Zambia National Public Health Institute.
Key areas under discussion include governance and legal frameworks, institutional management, core public health functions, emergency preparedness, partnerships and long-term sustainability, including human resource development.
The Zimbabwean delegation was officially welcomed by Zambia’s Minister of Health, Dr Elijah Muchima, who said ZNPHI operates with operational autonomy under the strategic oversight of the Minister of Health.
He noted that the model allows for efficiency while remaining aligned to national health priorities.
Dr Muchima also highlighted the value of South-to-South cooperation, saying countries in the region can strengthen their health systems by sharing experiences, innovations and practical solutions.
On the first day, the delegation toured ZNPHI facilities and held technical engagements with teams responsible for disease surveillance, laboratory services and emergency response.
Discussions also focused on health security, donor coordination and multi-sectoral collaboration.
The visit is expected to provide practical lessons that will inform the successful establishment and operationalisation of the Public Health Institute of Zimbabwe, as the delegation continues engagements over the remaining days, examining Zambia’s governance reforms, emergency response systems and sustainability models.
