By Staff Writer
Zambia has been recognized as one of the pioneers of the establishment of the African Centre for Disease Control (CDC).
Speaking during the Commemoration of the Africa CDC five years Anniversary in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, out-going CDC Director Dr John Nkengasong commended Zambia for believing in the vision of the Africa CDC especially during its early formation.
He also commended the Zambian Government for coordinating regional public health initiatives through the regional CDC thereby responding to epidemic and pandemic infectious disease threats especially the current COVID-19 pandemic.
Dr Nkengasong also hailed the Government of Zambia for establishing the National Public Health Institute that has been working hand-in-hand with the Africa CDC in disease surveillance and diagnosis.
And Presidential COVID-19 Advisor Dr Roma Chilengi said Zambia will continue to support the Africa CDC in its operations and is committed to meet its obligations not only as the host country to the Southern Africa Regional Collaborating Centre (RCC) but also as a Member State of the Africa CDC and the African Union.
Dr Chilengi who doubles as Director of Zambia National Public Health Institute, said the hosting of the Regional Collaborating Centre of the Africa CDC in Zambia has seen regional members strengthen their health systems and improve surveillance, emergency response and prevention of infectious diseases.
He said Zambia through the Centre had further spearheaded regional trainings for Member states such as Public Health Emergency management, Risk communication, strengthening Infection Prevention and control particularly for point of entry and many others.
He commended the Africa CDC for undertaking initiatives and putting in place strategies for the preparedness and response to COVID-19.
The African Centre for Disease Control was established in 2017.
During this year’s 35th African Union Heads of State and Government Summit, a decision was made to make Africa CDC an autonomous Agency, thereby granting it more authority to function.
This is contained in a statement issued by First Secretary- Press & Tourism Zambia Embassy, Addis Ababa Ethiopia Inutu Mwanza.
