The Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ), through the US Government-supported FC-SDS Project and TBLON, handed over essential tuberculosis commodities and equipment to the Ministry of Health to strengthen TB diagnosis, treatment, and research capacity on the Copperbelt.

The handover ceremony was held at the National Health Research and Training Institute (NHRTI) at Ndola Teaching Hospital, followed by the unveiling of a refurbished tuberculosis laboratory at Kitwe Teaching Hospital.

As part of the donation, NHRTI received a refrigerated centrifuge valued at ZMW 300,000, while Kitwe Teaching Hospital took possession of a newly renovated TB laboratory valued at ZMW 184,000. The investments form part of a broader package of tuberculosis commodities and equipment valued at more than ZMW10 million that CIDRZ, through FC-SDS and TBLON, is supporting across eight provinces of Zambia with funding from the United States Government.  

The event brought together senior government officials, health sector leaders, representatives of the United States Government, and cooperating partners, underscoring the strong partnership driving Zambia’s efforts to end tuberculosis. Among those in attendance were the Acting Copperbelt Provincial Health Director, Dr Christopher Dube, U.S. Embassy Health Coordination Office Director Ms Francheskie Velez, CIDRZ FC-SDS and TBLON Chief of Party Dr Mary Kagujje, National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Programme Manager Dr Angel Mubanga, Kitwe Teaching Hospital Senior Medical Superintendent Dr Chileshe Mboni, and NHRTI Director General Dr Gershom Chongwe.

Speaking during the handover ceremony, Dr Mary Kagujje said the investments represent more than the transfer of equipment and infrastructure, describing them as a demonstration of a shared commitment to ensuring that every Zambian affected by tuberculosis has access to timely diagnosis, quality treatment and comprehensive care.

She noted that the refrigerated centrifuge will allow NHRTI to resume local processing of TB culture samples in Ndola, reducing the need for transport to Lusaka and improving turnaround times. She also emphasised that the renovated laboratory at Kitwe Teaching Hospital will support an integrated chest clinic by consolidating TB diagnostic, treatment, and counselling services.
“These investments will help healthcare workers identify tuberculosis cases earlier and better monitor treatment outcomes, ultimately contributing to healthier communities,” Dr Kagujje said.

The Acting Provincial Health Director commended the United States Government, through the Stop TB Partnership and PEPFAR, for its continued support to Zambia’s health sector and tuberculosis response. He described the donation, valued at more than ZMW10 million, as a significant investment that will strengthen tuberculosis prevention, diagnosis, treatment, infection prevention and control, and patient management services nationwide. He further noted that the newly handed-over refrigerated centrifuge is only the second of its kind in Zambia, making it a valuable addition to the country’s TB research and laboratory capacity.  

And the US Embassy Health Coordination Office Director, Ms Francheskie Velez, said that the partnership between the United States and Zambia is built on decades of friendship, trust and a shared commitment to improving lives. “Today’s handover is a reflection of what we can achieve when we work together toward a common goal. Through our continued collaboration with the Government of the Republic of Zambia, CIDRZ and the Stop TB Partnership, we remain committed to strengthening health systems, expanding access to quality tuberculosis services and ensuring that communities across Zambia have the opportunity to live healthier, more productive lives,” she said.  

At the event, Ministry of Health National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Programme Manager Dr Angel Mubanga expressed gratitude for the partnership that provided vital equipment to support efforts to end tuberculosis. He called on all partners to continue collaborating with the Ministry to achieve the goal of ending TB by 2030.

The event culminated in the delegation travelling to Kitwe Teaching Hospital for the official unveiling of the refurbished tuberculosis laboratory.  

The handover reflects the longstanding partnership among the Government of the Republic of Zambia, the United States Government, the Stop TB Partnership, and CIDRZ to strengthen health systems and accelerate progress towards ending tuberculosis as a public health threat. Through continued investments in laboratory infrastructure, equipment, healthcare workers and community-based services, the partnership is helping improve access to quality TB services and health outcomes for communities across Zambia.