The Ministry of Health has stressed its commitment to strengthening laboratory services in Zambia through a nationwide laboratory infrastructure upgrade programme.

Speaking at a stakeholder engagement meeting for the National Multi-Pathogen Diagnostic Programme (NMPDP) held today in Livingstone, Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary for Technical Services, Dr Kennedy Lishimpi, said the ministry had substantially invested in strengthening the capacity of laboratory services in Zambia as exemplified by the establishment of 24 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) laboratories for high-throughput testing and another 255 laboratories capable of point-of-care testing.

Dr Lishimpi added that despite these advancements, significant gaps remain in many parts of the country. He revealed that microbiology and molecular testing capabilities still needed to be made available nationwide, hence the urgent need to successfully implement the NMPDP to address the gaps.

“By implementing these advanced diagnostic methods, the NMPDP will enable the timely and accurate detection of a wide range of pathogens, including those causing respiratory illnesses, Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), and Central Nervous System (CNS) infections,” he said.

Dr Lishimpi commended the collaborative efforts of funding partners, especially the United States government through the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) while highlighting the invaluable role of CIDRZ as the implementing partner.

Meanwhile, the CDC Chief of the Laboratory Branch, Dr Thomas Stevens, emphasised the importance of the stakeholders’ meeting to determine the next steps in implementing the NMPDP. He noted that building capacity for laboratory diagnostics to enhance patient treatment and strengthen surveillance for emerging diseases is critical to controlling the spread of illnesses and diseases.

TRAILS Chief of Party, Mr Powell Choonga, expressed gratitude on behalf of CIDRZ  for the opportunity to serve as the implementing partner for the Ministry of Health and the CDC in the crucial NMPDP programme. He said this opportunity aligns perfectly with CIDRZ’s mission to seamlessly integrate and transition services within the Ministry of Health’s existing systems.

“As CIDRZ TRAILS, we are committed to identifying continuous improvement opportunities to ensure our support remains aligned with the evolving needs of the Ministry of Health,” Mr Choonga stated.

This stakeholder engagement meeting aims to strategise and establish partnerships that will drive the successful implementation of the NMPDP, the program designed to strengthen laboratory capacities and support better patient outcomes in Zambia.