Staff Reporter
The Ministry of Health and Child Care has initiated a workshop running from 20 to 24 January, 2025, in Harare to strengthen Zimbabwe’s preparedness and response mechanisms to public health threats, with a particular focus on the ongoing Mpox outbreak.
Addressing participants, Deputy Minister of Health and Child Care Dr. Sleiman Timios Kwidini emphasized the importance of proactive measures to contain outbreaks and mitigate their impact.
“Our ability to protect the population from Mpox and other health threats hinges on our capacity to plan, coordinate, and respond effectively. This workshop is an essential step in refining those capabilities,” said Dr. Kwidini.
The Mpox outbreak, which has affected multiple provinces, has put a strain on Zimbabwe’s public health infrastructure. Dr. Kwidini noted that the workshop would focus on bolstering early detection, case management, and vaccination strategies.
“We are prioritizing capacity building and ensuring our frontline workers are equipped with the knowledge and tools to respond swiftly and efficiently,” he said.
The workshop also aims to enhance inter-agency collaboration, with participants discussing best practices and lessons learned from past outbreaks such as COVID-19 and cholera.
Dr. Kwidini stressed the need for a united front, saying, “A whole-of-Government and whole-of-society approach is critical to overcoming public health challenges.”
On the sidelines of the event, Dr. Portia Marufu, a public health specialist, highlighted the need for increased funding and community engagement in outbreak responses.
“Preparedness is not just about technical strategies; it’s about ensuring communities are informed and empowered to act,” Dr. Marufu remarked.
Zimbabwe has recently intensified efforts to secure Mpox vaccines and ensure equitable distribution to high-risk populations. The outcomes of the workshop are expected to shape policies and interventions that will improve health security in the face of emerging threats.
With growing global concerns over zoonotic diseases, the Government’s initiative underscores its commitment to safeguarding public health and strengthening national resilience.
