Zimbabwe Revamps Labs Plan with Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) support
Zimbabwe looks forward to revamping its health infrastructure, technological tools, and skills development following a new five-year plan for national laboratories.
In a major step towards strengthening laboratory systems across the continent, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), with funding from the World Bank, supported Zimbabwe in the successful revision of its National Health Laboratory Strategic Plan (2025–2030).
The plan was developed at a multi-stakeholder workshop held from 10 to 24 March 2025 in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.
'Laboratory services are the backbone of any resilient healthcare system, providing essential support for accurate diagnosis, disease surveillance, and effective treatment,' said Donewell Bangure, Senior Epidemiologist coordinating Africa CDC's Quality Management Systems Program. A robust Laboratory Strategic Plan is a national blueprint for the organization, strengthening, and sustainability of laboratory services, he said.
'It ensures alignment with public health priorities and facilitates efficient resource allocation, capacity building, and partnerships. For Zimbabwe, and by extension the African continent, the updated plan represents a renewed commitment to building resilient health systems capable of addressing both current and emerging public health threats,' Bangure added.
Zimbabwe's previous National Laboratory Strategic Plan expired in 2021, and recognizing the urgency to modernize the country's laboratory framework, the Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC) partnered with Africa CDC to lead the revision process.
Zimbabwe's new National Health Laboratory Strategic Plan (2025–2030) sets out to strengthen the country's laboratory systems by improving infrastructure, staffing, quality, and digital systems. Key goals include expanding Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) to 80% of facilities, accrediting central, provincial, and district laboratories, and securing at least 70% of required funding. The plan, led by the Ministry of Health with support from Africa CDC, introduces new elements such as a One Health approach, public-private partnerships, and the use of AI and digital tools. It replaces the expired 2021 plan with a broader, more coordinated strategy to respond to current and future public health threats.
The new plan will help Zimbabwe meet its public health and epidemiological needs, clinical health, and the provision of safe blood and blood products, national reference laboratory function, quality assurance, teaching, and research.
Experts from across Africa praised Zimbabwe's revised plan for its strategic scope, alignment with international standards, and potential to drive investment in resilient laboratory systems.
'The development of Zimbabwe's Laboratory Strategic Plan embraced the One Health approach, which recognizes the vital connection between human, animal, and environmental health,' said Dr. Eugene Bwalya, a renowned veterinary surgeon from the University of Zambia. 'Strengthening lab services across these sectors is essential for comprehensive public health preparedness and response.'
Dr. Nyambura Moremi, Director of the National Public Health Laboratory in Tanzania, added, 'This plan is a model for how African countries can build resilient laboratory systems aligned with international standards.'
Dr. Talkmore Maruta, Director of Programs at the African Society for Laboratory Medicine (ASLM), emphasized, 'Strategic plans like Zimbabwe's are critical for attracting investment and guiding sustainable laboratory development.'
Dr. Patrick Mateta, past Vice President of the Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI), warned, 'Without clear national roadmaps, countries risk fragmented systems that cannot respond effectively to health threats.'
Echoing this, Dr. Kingsley Odiabara, former Director of Laboratory Services in Nigeria, stated, 'A functional lab system is the bedrock of health security. Zimbabwe's plan shows the kind of leadership the continent urgently needs.'
Given the dynamic nature of public health challenges, it is critical that Member States maintain updated and responsive laboratory strategic plans, Bangure explained. He said Africa CDC is committed to supporting Member States like Zimbabwe to ensure their laboratory networks are well-prepared for the future. A strong laboratory system is essential not just for national health security, but for the collective resilience of the entire African continent.
'We are sincerely grateful to Africa CDC for its technical and financial support in revising Zimbabwe's National Health Laboratory Strategic Plan. This noble gesture has set a clear path for strengthening our laboratory services and improving healthcare delivery for all Zimbabweans,' said Dr. Raiva Simbi, Director of Laboratory Services at the Ministry of Health and Child Care.
Africa CDC's support to Zimbabwe is part of a broader continental initiative to strengthen laboratory systems. Similar assistance has already been extended to Somalia, Seychelles, and Malawi, each of which now boasts updated Laboratory Strategic Plans through Africa CDC's support. This demonstrates Africa CDC's unwavering commitment to elevating public health infrastructure across Africa, building resilience against infectious diseases, and achieving health security for all.
'As Africa continues to face dynamic health challenges, from pandemics to antimicrobial resistance, the significance of strategic, well-coordinated laboratory systems cannot be overstated,' said Bangure. The successful revision of Zimbabwe's Laboratory Strategic Plan is a testament to the power of collaboration, vision, and investment in public health systems.
Updated roadmaps are expected to guide Zimbabwe and other Member States to be better equipped to deliver timely, accurate, and quality laboratory services, safeguarding the health of millions across the continent.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles

Zawya
18 hours ago
- Zawya
Counting days to recovery, Yusuf opens up about his painful journey with mpox
When Yusuf Sesay first noticed a strange itch around his genital area, mpox wasn't the first thing that came to mind. He figured it might just be a mild infection, something a quick pharmacy run could fix. But within a few days, the discomfort spiralled into something harder to ignore: fever, pounding headaches, and the kind of fatigue that made getting out of bed quite difficult. Yet, he kept self-medicating, hoping it would go away. 'I was embarrassed,' he says quietly. 'I didn't think it was serious at first. Then I became scared.' Yusuf is one of over 3,600 people in Sierra Leone who have tested positive for mpox since the start of 2025. But numbers alone don't capture what it's like to live through it. The physical pain, the emotional toll, the fear of being judged. Sitting on a hospital chair in one of Freetown's mpox treatment centres, he's ready to share his story. 'It started with itching. Down there,' he says, not making eye contact at first. 'I thought it was just a regular infection. Something I could treat with meds from the pharmacy. But the symptoms didn't stop. The itching got worse.' 'I was scared,' he says, 'and ashamed. I told the woman I slept with that she had given me something. She said it wasn't from her. I didn't know what to believe. So I just kept quiet and and tried to fix it myself.' By the time he arrived at the treatment centre, he was exhausted, physically, mentally, emotionally. The sores had worsened. He knew he needed help. 'I feel a lot better now,' he says. 'The treatment is working. The health workers have been amazing. They respect and care for us. They don't judge.' There are four mpox treatment centres in Freetown. The centre where Yusuf is recovering is one of them and like the others, it is receiving support from the World Health Organization, which has been working closely with the government of Sierra Leone since the outbreak began. 'In close collaboration with the Ministry of Health and partners, we are working to break the chain of transmission and safeguard lives.' – Dr George Ameh, WHO Country Representative. WHO is helping to strengthen the mpox response, from delivering medical supplies and equipment to providing technical guidance and supporting community engagement. 'We are gratful to the health workers, who are taking good care of us.' He speaks calmly, openly. No hesitation. He knows people outside still doubt that mpox is real. Some think it's a hoax. While others believe it only affects a certain class of people. 'Let me tell you something,' Yusuf says, his voice a little firmer now. 'Mpox is real. I've lived it. I am still living it. If you notice any signs, don't wait. Don't be like me. Go to the hospital early. It makes a huge difference.' Since January, Sierra Leone has reported more than 3,600 confirmed cases of mpox. And behind each number is someone like Yusuf, with a similar story. 'Stay safe. Wash your hands. Protect yourself. Don't be careless. What I am going through now… I could have avoided it if I had gone to the hospital earlier.' During WHO's recent visit to the centre, Yusuf didn't hesitate to speak to the team, where he shared his story, answered questions and assured the team he's ready to help raise awareness, so others don't go through the same thing. 'I want to help. Even if it's just talking to people. If hearing my story helps one person stay safe, then it's worth it.' In a time when stigma and misinformation can keep people from seeking care or speaking up, Yusuf's honesty is refreshing and will save lives. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization - Sierra Leone.

Zawya
a day ago
- Zawya
Nigeria: Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) hands over Lassa fever care in Ebonyi state
After seven years of critical support from Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), local health authorities in Ebonyi state are now well equipped to take on care for Lassa fever with improved infrastructure and training — saving lives and restoring confidence in the healthcare system. In early 2018, Ebonyi state in southeastern Nigeria faced a serious public health concern. Lassa fever - a potentially deadly viral haemorrhagic neglected tropical disease – recorded a particularly high seasonal outbreak, overwhelming hospitals and claiming numerous lives, notably among healthcare workers who are particularly exposed to infection. 'We lost doctors, nurses, and cleaners,' recalls Dr Nnennaya Anthony Ajayi, then head of clinical services at the virology unit of the Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching hospital in Abakaliki (AE-FUTHA), the state's main referral centre. 'There was panic. In the hospital, 16 healthcare workers passed away. People were afraid to go near the emergency room.' Though the federal and state governments had already made strides—building an isolation ward and setting up a virology lab—AE-FUTHA was not prepared for the outbreak's scale. Personal protective equipment was scarce. Infection control procedures were unclear. Samples had to be sent to distant labs for confirmation. Suspected patients were sometimes kept in open spaces, and the risks for staff were devastating. It's in that context that MSF arrived in Abakaliki to support the response. What began as an emergency intervention soon evolved into a seven-year partnership with the Ebonyi state Ministry of Health, laying the groundwork for sustainable, locally led Lassa fever care. Protect health workers, improve care for patients From the outset, MSF's top priority was clear: stop the loss of healthcare workers. 'We had to put an end to this series of avoidable deaths,' says Alain-Godefroid Ndikundavyi, MSF's most recent project coordinator in Ebonyi. 'Our main objective was to reverse that trend and to reinforce the hospital's capacity to better receive and treat patients with the disease.' MSF's intervention was wide-ranging. We built triage and observation areas, distributed personal protective equipment, implemented robust infection prevention and control systems, and trained local staff to manage Lassa cases safely and effectively. 'They helped us structure patient flow, infection prevention and control, and biosafety measures, and provided what we needed to work safely,' says Dr Ajayi. 'They brought structure, training, and most importantly, hope.' In total, over 230 training sessions for healthcare workers were delivered, and laboratory capacity was strengthened, enabling faster diagnosis. Eventually, a new model of care was put in place to protect staff and better support patients. Between 2018 and 2024, MSF supported the treatment of 1,701 suspected and 427 confirmed Lassa fever cases. MSF also paid the full cost of patient care—including dialysis, medications, and meals—which significantly reduced fatalities. Crucially, deaths among healthcare workers fell dramatically, with years passing without a single death being recorded. Reaching beyond the hospital But MSF understood that stopping Lassa fever required action far beyond hospital walls. The disease thrives in communities where public health awareness is low and early detection is lacking. 'To bridge that gap, we mobilized health promotion teams that conducted over 4,500 education sessions and nearly 1,300 community visits across Ebonyi state,' says Ndikundvyi. 'These efforts demystified the disease, corrected misconceptions, and encouraged early care-seeking behaviour.' MSF also supported two clinics in rural areas—Izzi Unuhu and Onuebonyi—providing training, lab equipment, medical supplies, and even building water towers to ensure safe sanitation. The goal was to catch Lassa fever early and ease the burden on AE-FUTHA. 'We realised that to truly fight Lassa, the response had to start at the community level,' says Ndikundavyi. A new chapter In 2025, MSF formally handed over operations to the Ebonyi state Ministry of Health and AE-FUTHA. This transition was carefully planned and included donations of medical equipment, ambulances, and waste management tools. Enough supplies were provided to last through the next Lassa fever peak season. 'We officially handed over management responsibilities at the end of 2024 but kept an observational team on until March of this year, in case the Ministry needed additional resources,' Ndikundavyi said. MSF also supported the creation of internal committees within AE-FUTHA to maintain standards in infection control, patient care, and outbreak response—ensuring that progress would continue after our departure. More broadly, MSF experts partnered with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, and state and federal authorities, to improve detection, prevention, and medical care guidelines. Today, AE-FUTHA is a different place. Gone are the days of improvised gear and terrified staff. Healthcare workers now operate with confidence, knowledge, and proper equipment. Patients are treated with dignity, and survivors return home with hope. Not as outcasts, but as symbols of resilience. The fight against Lassa fever is not over. In 2024 alone, 24 confirmed cases were recorded in AE-FUTHA, with one death among the hospital staff—still tragic, but a far cry from what happened in 2018, when 16 healthcare workers alone were lost. 'We are no longer afraid,' says Dr Ajayi. 'MSF helped us believe that we could fight Lassa fever—and win.' Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Médecins sans frontières (MSF).


Zawya
a day ago
- Zawya
Digital health solutions for non-communicable disease care in Zimbabwe
Sharing data in real time to make critical health care decisions Connecting rural and remote communities to Zimbabwe 's primary health system used to include delays of up to one month and loads of paperwork. Now, with the support of UNICEF and partners, the Ministry of Health and Child Care has equipped Village Health Workers with data-driven tools to make timely and lifesaving health care decisions. Digital health solutions like the use of a smartphone to transmit patient data in real time have empowered these workers to improve outcomes for children living with non-communicable diseases. Village Health Workers, trained volunteers who provide essential health and nutrition services to families and children, often work in remote areas that have limited access to health facilities. In the past, they recorded patient notes during their rounds that were then shared with the public health system, often long after the visit. 'We used to compile reports in a book which we would submit at the clinic at the end of the month. Now it is smoother and faster. Cellphones have been a game-changer,' says 52-year-old Margaret Denhera, a Village Health Worker in Luwana, Zimbabwe. Village Health Workers in Zimbabwe receive regular training on the digital medical equipment and devices they use on their rounds. © UNICEF 'I move around the village collecting information on non-communicable diseases. At the end of the day, I punch it into my phone,' says Denhera. She sends the data to the nearest health facility about 10 miles away. As the front line in Zimbabwe's public health system, Village Health Workers are often the first to identify non-communicable diseases like high blood pressure, chronic respiratory illness, cancer and diabetes. These diseases disproportionately affect people in developing countries, leading to the death of nearly 1 million people under age 20 each year worldwide. In Zimbabwe, NCDs are on the rise. Non-communicable diseases: A growing burden on Zimbabwe's health system Many, but by no means all, NCDs are preventable and treatable with early intervention and education on risk factors like excessive alcohol, inactivity, poor nutrition and tobacco use. Left undetected and untreated, NCDs can rapidly become life-threatening. Village Health Workers educate families on these risky behaviors and are trained to detect and test for NCDs on their rounds. The prompt reporting of a patient's symptoms to the nearest health facility can save a child's life. 'Village health workers are our foot soldiers,' says Yemurai Chamburuka, a primary care nurse at Patchway Clinic. 'When they see patients with abnormalities, they can easily call us or send the data by phone. It is to our advantage because we have the information as early as possible rather than waiting until the end of the month,' she says. 'If, during my checkup rounds, I test someone and observe, say, abnormal blood glucose levels, which is a sign of some non-communicable diseases, I refer the person to the clinic and send their test results ahead,' Denhera explains. Clinic nurses can review the real-time data and develop an action plan before the patient even reaches the facility. Video: Digitizing health systems in Zimbabwe Because they come to know their clients and their environment so well, Village Health Workers often identify trends or potential disease outbreaks in their recordkeeping. The data they capture in real time is analyzed so that public health officials and policymakers can respond swiftly and efficiently. Dr. Robert Gongora, a digital health specialist who has led implementation of the Zimbabwe Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC) Electronic Health Records (EHR) system since 2017, commends the seamless flow of patient information. 'With more and more connectivity, we begin to learn immediately what's happening in that area because the moment we receive the information, we plan for that client ahead of arrival,' he says. Dr. Justice Mudavanhu, National Coordinator for Non-Communicable Diseases in the MoHCC, says the Ministry's head office uses VHW-submitted data to map the country's response to the growing incidence of childhood NCDs. 'In the program, we have technical experts who apply evidence-based interventions that help us to develop guidelines, standard operating procedures, algorithms and strategies for chronic diseases in children,' he said during a recent tour of rural Zimbabwe. Digital tools help identify and map disease incidence for better intervention 'There are systems at community level, at health facility level, and, as you go up, there are non-location-specific systems that enable data visualization. When we know what we are facing, we can target and measure our interventions better,' Dr. Mudavanhu adds. 'It's better not to shoot in the dark, especially where resource allocation is concerned.' We call them 'Digital Health Workers.' — Dr. Robert Gongora, Zimbabwe Ministry of Health and Child Care Equitable access to health care requires decision-making based on accurate and timely data. Authorities see vital interlinkages between the MoHCC digitization program and UNICEF's support for capacity building of the public health system. UNICEF, with the support of partners, is helping the MoHCC revolutionize community-based primary health care to strengthen NCD diagnosis, prevention and treatment within primary health care and referral facilities. Dr. Gongora suggests the title 'Village Health Worker' is outdated. Instead, he says, they should be called 'Digital Health Workers.' This vital work is made possible by a donation from Eli Lilly and Company (Lilly) to UNICEF USA. UNICEF is strengthening health systems and preventing, detecting and treating NCDs for children and adolescents in Bangladesh, Malawi, Nepal, India, the Philippines and Zimbabwe. © Copyright The Zimbabwean. All rights reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (