The Ministry of Health has launched the National Multi-Pathogen Diagnostic Programme (NMPDP) designed to enhance the diagnostic capabilities of Zambia’s public health laboratories.

Minister of Health Dr Elijah Muchima, who launched the programme at Livingstone University Teaching Hospital in Southern Province, said the NMPDP will address significant gaps in the current diagnostic landscape by leveraging advanced molecular and microbiology techniques, such as open PCR and Genomic sequencing.

“This programme echoes the aspirations of the United Nations sustainable development goals (SDGs), particularly SDG number 3, which seeks to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all ages. By bolstering our diagnostic capabilities, we are taking a significant step towards reducing the morbidity and mortality associated with infectious diseases”, he said.

Dr Muchima also launched Open PCR machines, which will support the implementation of the NMPDP in all Ten Provinces of Zambia. The machines were procured with support from the United States President’s Emergency Plan for Aids Relief (PEPFAR) through the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Meanwhile, CDC Country Director Rachel Johnson said the NMPDP launch and the laboratory equipment handover symbolise remarkable progress in building Zambia’s public health laboratory systems.

Ms Johnson said the equipment represents a crucial step towards ensuring that transformative laboratory technology is available across all ten provinces of Zambia.

“With this new laboratory technology, Zambia is now equipped to accurately diagnose and improve patient treatment, strengthening the country’s capacity to detect both existing and emerging infectious diseases. This enhancement will improve the Ministry of Health’s ability to detect, respond to, and control the spread of illness through timely and accurate detection, ensuring that Zambian citizens receive the right treatment for their ailments,” she said.

Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia Chief Executive Officer Dr Izukanji Sikazwe said CIDRZ is deeply honoured to be the implementing partner for the NMPDP, a transformative initiative that will change the capacity to detect and combat infectious diseases.

Dr Sikazwe said the programme marks a significant leap in CIDRZ’s collective pursuit of a healthier and more resilient Zambia.

“Today’s launch is not merely a celebration but also a call to action for us to demand innovation and partnerships to unlock access to quality health services for all. The NMPD programme is more than a programme. It is a movement to safeguard our nation’s health,” she said.

Dr Sikazwe also acknowledged the invaluable support that CIDRZ has received from the Ministry of Health, whose leadership and vision have been instrumental in shaping this initiative.

She added that the partnership would not have been possible without the tremendous support of the Ministry of Health, the funding and technical support from the U.S. government through the CDC, and local stakeholders in Livingstone and across the country.