The Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ) has received a donation of internet routers from Airtel Zambia, a subsidiary of Airtel Africa, that will help in ensuring acurate and timely reporting of TB data in the USAID TBLON supported centers.

Speaking at the event held at CIDRZ head quarters in Lusaka, CIDRZ CEO Dr Izukanji Sikazwe said gesture exhibited by Airtel Networks Zambia limited in donating routers at an estimated value of ZMW 53,000 to CIDRZ’s USAID Tuberculosis Local Organizations Network Project, also called the TBLON project, shall go a long way in supplementing accurate and timely reporting of data and contribute to the National Goal of Ending Tuberculosis (TB) by the year 2030.

Dr Sikazwe said the routers will bring about efficiency in the monitoring and diagnostic process of TB testing leading to improved patient management linkage to treatment. She emphasized that as Zambia strives to End TB by 2030, the role of the private sector like Airtel Zambia cannot be overemphasized.

“We are extremely delighted to have Airtel Zambia on board as a partner to the TBLON project and we look forward to seeing the impact of this donation.” Said Dr Sikazwe

And Airtel Zambia Managing Director MR Apoorva Mehrotra explained that airtel is making every effort to support and advance digital healthcare solutions for the betterment of our communities. 

“We are pleased to support the fight against Tuberculosis, by partnering with CIDRZ and the USAID TB Local Organisations Network to ensure that every case in the country is diagnosed and treated early.”

Meanwhile CIDRZ  Director of the TB department and Technical Adviser for TBLON project Dr Monde Muyoyeta thanked the two entities for championing the support of TB prevention, care and treatment in Zambia through the project which supports 53 TB diagnostic centers in 9 districts in Lusaka and Southern province.