Zimbabwe sets up Ebola isolation facilities

Zimbabwe has established three designated isolation centres for Ebola virus disease as part of heightened national preparedness measures, Health and Child Care Minister Dr Douglas Mombeshora has announced.

Addressing a press briefing in Harare, the minister said the facilities have been set up in Harare, Bulawayo and Chirundu, a key border post with Zambia, to strengthen the country's emergency response capacity in the event of an outbreak.

Dr Mombeshora said transport arrangements, personal protective equipment and emergency coordination systems have already been put in place as part of a broader national preparedness plan.

He stressed that while Zimbabwe has not recorded any Ebola cases, authorities are maintaining a high state of alert and have activated surveillance and response systems.

"Surveillance systems are fully functional. Screening has been intensified at all ports of entry, and health workers are receiving ongoing training in detection, infection prevention, and case management," he said.

The minister added that the government is also reinforcing border health security measures, with increased screening at ports of entry aimed at early detection of any potential cases.

He said the Ministry of Health and Child Care is working under a comprehensive operational response framework designed to ensure rapid containment in the event of an outbreak.

Public awareness campaigns will also be intensified to educate citizens about Ebola symptoms, prevention measures and the importance of early reporting to health facilities.

Dr Mombeshora urged members of the public to remain vigilant and seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms consistent with the disease.

Health authorities say the establishment of isolation centres forms part of Zimbabwe's broader efforts to strengthen epidemic preparedness and protect public health amid ongoing regional and global disease risks.