WHO urges Zimbabwe to strengthen Ebola surveillance systems

The World Health Organization (WHO) has called on Zimbabwe to evaluate its disease surveillance and entry screening systems to safeguard against potential Ebola transmission. Although Zimbabwe has reported no cases of the virus, WHO Representative Desta Tiruneh emphasized the critical need for a comprehensive preparedness plan to manage risks stemming from the ongoing outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Speaking in Harare, Tiruneh highlighted the necessity of proactive measures to prevent the spread of the virus across regional borders.

The call was made during the launch of two grants totaling $16.82 million, aimed at bolstering health infrastructure and response capabilities in the region. Tiruneh advised Zimbabwean health authorities to focus specifically on strengthening laboratory diagnostics, training rapid response teams, and improving monitoring at all points of entry. He noted that even in the absence of active cases, robust surveillance is essential for early detection and containment, ensuring that the country remains resilient against external health threats.

The urgency of the situation is underscored by the current outbreak in the DRC, which has been identified as the largest ever recorded in that country and the second-largest globally. Given the significant volume of regional travel and trade, the WHO warned that the risk of cross-border transmission remains a pertinent concern for neighboring nations. By prioritizing preparedness and diagnostic readiness now, officials aim to ensure Zimbabwe can better protect its population and mitigate the potential impact of an imported outbreak.