ZNPHI intensifies surveillance measures to prevent Ebola

LUSAKA – The Zambia National Public Health Institute (ZNPHI) has significantly intensified its surveillance and preparedness protocols across the nation, aiming to prevent the highly contagious Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) from entering the country. This urgent response comes amidst reports of ongoing Ebola outbreaks in several neighbouring countries, prompting a heightened state of vigilance within Zambia's public health sector. Dr. Roma Chilengi, Director General of ZNPHI, underscored the critical nature of these enhanced measures during a recent press briefing. He highlighted that the institute is actively collaborating with various stakeholders, including the Ministry of Health, immigration department, and local communities, to establish robust early warning systems. Key strategies include meticulous screening of travellers at all major points of entry, particularly those bordering affected regions, and the deployment of rapid response teams equipped to handle potential EVD cases. Beyond border surveillance, ZNPHI is also focusing on strengthening the capacity of healthcare facilities nationwide. This involves training healthcare workers on EVD identification, isolation protocols, and infection prevention and control measures. Public awareness campaigns are being rolled out through various media channels to educate citizens on Ebola symptoms, transmission routes, and the importance of reporting any suspicious cases to health authorities promptly. This community engagement is deemed vital, as early detection and reporting are paramount in preventing widespread transmission. The historical context of Ebola outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and other Central African nations serves as a stark reminder of the virus's potential to cross borders rapidly. Zambia, sharing extensive borders with several countries, remains particularly vulnerable. ZNPHI's proactive approach is designed to mitigate this risk, leveraging lessons learned from previous region