The 3rd Regional Advisory Committee (RAC) meeting, officiated by Zambia’s Minister of Health Hon. Dr. Elijah Muchima MP, highlighted key strategies to strengthen Africa’s health security and outbreak response. The meeting emphasized coordinated action across the continent, noting that the failure to control disease in one country can undermine progress elsewhere.
Minister Muchima called for the creation of a regional dashboard to monitor outbreaks, improve early awareness, allocate resources efficiently, and encourage community participation. He highlighted Rwanda as a model, praising its strong hygiene and sanitation practices in towns across the country.
The Minister also warned against the construction of shallow wells and pit latrines near border areas such as Kasumbalesa due to severe public health risks. He stressed that the RAC meeting should reaffirm a shared regional commitment to decisive action, strengthen multi-sectoral coordination, deepen data sharing, and enhance cross-border collaboration.
Further, Dr. Muchima emphasized the need to advance governance frameworks ensuring accountability and mobilize sustainable financing for health preparedness, including investments in local vaccine and health product manufacturing.
The Minister acknowledged the World Bank’s support through the HEPRR program, and technical guidance from ECSA-HC and IGAD, as critical to the success of the RAC meeting. These partnerships are helping Zambia reinforce capacities in emergency preparedness, institutional coordination, and workforce training.
Zambia has strengthened platforms for zoonotic disease surveillance and early detection, management of climate-induced health shocks, cross-border health collaboration, and the integration of One Health principles into national preparedness plans. The meeting underscored Zambia’s commitment to leading regional efforts in public health and disease prevention.