National Labs 'Are Now at Forefront of Our National Security': Zimbabwean Official
National Labs 'Are Now at Forefront of Our National Security': Zimbabwean Official
Zimbabwe is enhancing its ability to detect emerging infectious diseases through expanded lab testing and new surveillance technologies, Dr. Raiva Simbi, director of Laboratory Services in the Ministry of Health and Child Care, told local media.
Key developments in Zimbabwe's disease surveillance, according to Simbi:
🟠Establishment of an environmental surveillance lab unit for poliovirus to test wastewater and detect outbreaks before clinical cases appear.
🟠Strengthening Ebola preparedness by developing and disseminating in-country testing guidelines.
🟠Nationwide digitalization through Laboratory Information Management System, connecting 117 main laboratories to lower‑level facilities, allowing remote clinics to request tests and receive results instantly via SMS.
🟠Integrating lab surveillance into the One Health approach, linking human, animal, and environmental health.
Despite progress, challenges remain, including ageing equipment, shortages of reagents and skilled personnel, and inadequate infrastructure in some facilities, Simbi added.
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