Zimbabwe makes major step in disease outbreak detection

Zimbabwe has taken a decisive step towards enhancing its ability to detect and respond to public health threats with the launch of its National Event-Based Surveillance (EBS) Guidelines on Thursday. The new framework aims to establish a real-time, community-centred early warning system capable of flagging potential disease outbreaks before they spiral into crises.

The EBS Guidelines, launched at a ceremony in Harare, are intended to reinforce Zimbabwe's health security infrastructure and its readiness to combat both existing and emerging health threats. The initiative is part of the country's ongoing alignment with global health standards and the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005).

Speaking at the launch, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Child Care, Dr Aspect Maunganidze, said the guidelines go beyond policy, representing a national commitment to protect the health and safety of all Zimbabweans.

"These guidelines are more than just a technical document," he said. "They are a declaration of intent - that we will no longer be caught unaware by disease outbreaks. It is our duty to build a health system that listens, responds, and protects."

The launch event drew attendance from key regional and international health partners, including the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), UNICEF, and the World Health Organisation (WHO), all of whom pledged continued support to Zimbabwe's public health goals.

Africa CDC's regional leader, Ms Batsirai Mbodza, praised Zimbabwe's progress and stressed the importance of implementation.

"Early detection saves lives. Guidelines alone are not enough to prevent outbreaks. They must be used, operationalised, and reach the hands of health workers in the field. Africa CDC is committed to walking this journey with Zimbabwe to ensure full implementation," she said.

UNICEF representative Mr Daouda Diop said the development represents a strong signal of Zimbabwe's commitment to building a resilient and equitable health system.

"This activity demonstrates Zimbabwe's commitment to core international health regulations. For UNICEF, surveillance is not just a technical measure - it is a tool to protect every child and every family. Early detection and rapid response are what separate a contained situation from a full-blown crisis," Diop said.

He also praised the initiative's emphasis on community involvement, noting that empowering frontline health workers, village health teams, and local leaders was critical to its success.

World Health Organisation representative, Dr Lincolin Charimari, also reaffirmed WHO's support for Zimbabwe's public health agenda.

"WHO stands ready to continue working with the Ministry and partners to strengthen public health surveillance and system resilience. What we have achieved together through cascading Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) systems demonstrates the progress possible when we align our efforts," he said.

The Event-Based Surveillance system allows health officials to monitor, verify, and respond swiftly to rumours and reports of unusual health events, using both formal and informal channels, including social media and community observations. This marks a shift from traditional surveillance, which often relies on slow, facility-based reporting.

The launch is part of Zimbabwe's broader effort to build a robust health emergency response system that meets both regional and global standards. By establishing real-time, people-centred surveillance tools, Zimbabwe aims to prevent future health crises, protect vulnerable populations, and foster public trust in the country's health infrastructure.

Thursday's launch brought together health experts, policymakers, and development partners united in their mission to build a more responsive and secure public health system for all Zimbabweans.