Zim Unveils National Disease Surveillance Guidel...

Zim Unveils National Disease Surveillance Guidelines to Bolster Health Security

Rutendo Mazhindu- ZimNow Reporter

Government has launched its National Event-Based Surveillance Guidelines, a strategic move aimed at enhancing the country’s ability to detect and respond to disease outbreaks swiftly and effectively.

The official launch took place on Thursday at the Harare International Conference Centre, drawing delegates and health experts from across Africa and beyond, including technical partners from Africa CDC, UNICEF, and the World Health Organisation.

Speaking at the event, Dr Aspect Maunganidze, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Child Care, described the guidelines as a proactive national pledge to safeguard public health.

“These guidelines are more than just a policy document. They are a bold national commitment to protecting the health and safety of all Zimbabweans,” he said.

The EBS Guidelines are designed to create a community-driven, real-time early warning system capable of identifying and responding to potential public health threats before they spiral into widespread outbreaks.

Africa CDC’s regional representative, Ms Batsirai Mbodza, welcomed the initiative, stressing that early detection is crucial in preventing health emergencies.

“Health threats know no borders. That is why event-based surveillance is a core pillar of Africa CDC’s vision for a safer, healthier, and more resilient Africa,” she said.

“But guidelines alone are not enough — their impact depends on implementation at all levels, from health clinics to field surveillance teams.”

UNICEF representative Daouda Diop commended the move as a step towards fulfilling international health obligations, saying it reflected Zimbabwe’s determination to build a more responsive and equitable health system.

“This is not just a technical exercise. Surveillance is a protective measure that shields children, women, and communities from the devastating effects of disease outbreaks,” he said.

Echoing similar sentiments, Dr Lincolin Charimari of the WHO reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to supporting Zimbabwe in building a resilient healthcare infrastructure.

“WHO stands ready to support the Ministry and partners in strengthening the health system’s ability to respond to public health emergencies,” he said.

The launch of the EBS Guidelines underscores Zimbabwe’s broader commitment to global health security standards and reflects a renewed national effort to build a robust, agile, and responsive disease surveillance system that leaves no community behind.