Minister of Health Elijah Muchima says Cholera remains one of Zambia’s priority pathogens for genomic surveillance.
Speaking during the launch of the Pathogen Genomic Surveillance Strategy for Zambia 2025–2029, in a speech read on his behalf by Ministry of Health Assistant Director for Health Promotions and Community Health, Kalangwa Kalangwa, Dr Muchima emphasized that cholera continues to pose a significant public health challenge, particularly affecting vulnerable communities.
However, Dr Muchima said the Government has made significant strides in combating Cholera. He highlighted that genomic sequencing tools have enabled the ministry to precisely track the spread of outbreaks.
Dr Muchima further stated that genomic sequencing allows the ministry to monitor the evolution of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), understand the genetic drivers of disease transmission and severity, develop targeted interventions and treatment strategies.
He also emphasised that genomic sequencing empowers the ministry to prepare for pandemics by identifying and monitoring pathogens before they escalate into public health emergencies.
Dr Muchima noted that sequencing helps control outbreaks through rapid genetic analysis of pathogens, allowing for swift and precise responses, and combats AMR by identifying resistance mechanisms to ensure effective interventions.
The Zambia National Public Health Institute (ZNPHI), Director General Professor, Roma Chilengi stated that capacity building, infrastructure development, data sharing, and integration will maximize the impact of genomic sequencing.
Prof. Chilengi expressed confidence that the initiative will yield significant benefits for public health in Zambia and beyond, stating that the strategy should serve as a catalyst for progress in the fight against cholera, and other emerging and re-emerging health threats.
Meanwhile, Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ) Chief Executive Officer, Izukanji Sikazwe, said the organization is well-positioned to contribute significantly to broader health security and the overall well-being of the nation.
“Leveraging our state-of-the-art infrastructure and the expertise of our dedicated professionals, we are well-positioned to contribute significantly to broader health security and the overall well-being of our nation,” Dr Sikazwe stated.
Dr Sikazwe added that CIDRZ is excited to support the implementation of the genomic strategy, as it aligns with its mission to improve access to quality healthcare in Zambia through impactful and sustainable public health programs.
