Online Reporter
Zvamaida Murwira
Senior Reporter
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention Director General, Dr Jean Kaseya paid a courtesy call on President Mnangagwa at his Munhumutapa offices in Harare this morning, and the two discussed ways to deepen cooperation.
The organisation is a specialised technical institution of the African Union that strengthens Member States’ health systems to detect, prevent, control, and respond to diseases and emergencies.
It acts as a continental hub for surveillance, laboratory networks, emergency response, and public health research.
Dr Kaseya commended President Mnangagwa’s administration for the efforts it is making in the health sector.
“We told His Excellency the President our appreciation of what he is doing in the health sector. At times you might not realise the extent of the good efforts you are doing, so we had to come and say thank you,” said Dr Kaseya.
The Africa CDC also conducts surveillance and disease intelligence gathering, including monitoring outbreaks, conducting risk assessments, and tracking public health events of regional or international concern.
They also provide technical assistance to AU Member States during health crises and harmonise disease control policies.
The organisation also helps strengthen laboratory infrastructure and diagnostics across the continent.
In capacity building, Africa CDC provides epidemiological and laboratory training to strengthen workforce competence.
The Africa CDC maintains a strong, collaborative partnership with Zimbabwe, focusing on strengthening public health systems, surveillance, and laboratory infrastructure.
Its key initiatives include supporting the National Public Health Institute (NPHI) establishment, launching a malaria research programme, and upgrading laboratory strategies.
Another key area of collaboration was its support for the development of Zimbabwe’s National Health Laboratory Strategic Plan (2025–2030), aimed at enhancing diagnostics, improving, and modernising infrastructure through digital tools and artificial intelligence.
