A high-level four-member delegation from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U.S -CDC), led by Dr Nirav D. Shah, the Principal Deputy Director of the US-CDC in the company of CDC Zambia Country Director Dr. Andrew Auld visited the Zambia National Public Health Institute on 30th November, 2023.
The visit started with a high-level engagement with the Director General of the Institute, Professor Roma Chilengi, flanked by six ZNPHI Directors including Dr. Muzala Kapina heading Surveillance and Disease Intelligence; Dr. Kunda Musonda leading the National Public Health Reference Laboratory; Professor Nathan Kapata of Epidemic Preparedness and Response; Dr. Nyambe Sinyange heading Workforce Development; Pastor Dindi Miyoba on Strategic planning and Information Management, and Dr. Mazyanga Mazaba Liwewe, leading Public Health Policy Diplomacy and Communication including Partnership advisory.
During the meeting, Dr. Shah noted the recent release of US $2.5 million to support the Zambia National Public Health Reference Laboratory’s expansion of genomic sequencing capacity across Zambia and the region. “U.S. CDC greatly values its strong partnership with ZNPHI and looks forward to continued collaboration around our shared priorities,” said Dr. Shah.
Prof. Roma Chilengi, Director General for the Zambia National Public Health Institute recognized ZNPHI’s output and the need to continue expanding their range of public health activities in addition to strong outbreak response capacity. He wishes for the ZNPHI to understand outbreaks more comprehensively through efforts such as genomic sequencing and application of the information to further understand the dynamics of disease outbreaks. “The ZNPHI also wishes to establish and strengthen digitization systems for timely information management and related responses. The need to integrate data collection systems for public health security cannot be overemphasized,” said Professor Chilengi.
The US-CDC acknowledged and congratulated Zambia for taking the lead in the region as the hub for the Africa CDC Southern Africa Regional Coordinating Center. The delegation also toured the Public Health Emergency Operations Center where they were apprised on the 7-1-7 approaches.
For More information contact Dr Mazyanga Mazaba Liwewe through email on details below.mazyanga.mazaba@znphi.co.zm
