Acting Health Minister Cornelius Mweetwa has praised the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) for its proactive efforts in addressing health threats across Africa, including within Zambia. During a courtesy call from the Africa CDC Regional Collaboration Centre delegation led by Regional Director Dr. Lul Riek, Minister Mweetwa emphasized the importance of continental cooperation in public health. He highlighted President Hakainde Hichilema’s personal dedication to health initiatives, particularly his leadership as a global, AU, and SADC Cholera Champion. The minister’s remarks reflected Zambia’s ongoing commitment to improving disease prevention, response systems, and health security across borders. This engagement reinforces the country’s role as a leader in shaping health strategies that benefit not only Zambia but the wider region.
The Africa CDC delegation acknowledged Zambia’s significant contribution to regional health governance. Dr. Lul Riek commended the country for hosting the Regional Collaboration Centre, citing it as evidence of Zambia’s pivotal position in Africa’s health security framework. The RCC serves as a hub for disease surveillance, technical support, and coordinated response efforts, allowing Zambia to actively contribute to policy development and outbreak management. By providing infrastructure and strategic oversight, Zambia strengthens both national and regional preparedness for emerging health threats. This recognition underscores the country’s growing influence in shaping policies that safeguard public health across multiple African nations.
Minister Mweetwa also reaffirmed Zambia’s leadership on the Africa CDC Governing Board, where the country continues to play a central role in guiding continental health priorities. His assumption of the Africa CDC Chairpersonship underscores the trust and confidence placed in Zambia to coordinate multi-country health initiatives effectively. The tenure, which runs until September 2026, positions Zambia to influence decision-making on disease prevention, epidemic preparedness, and regional health security frameworks. Through this role, the minister will oversee collaborative programs, facilitate knowledge exchange, and support capacity-building initiatives across member states. Zambia’s leadership provides a model for how countries can integrate domestic health achievements with regional and global objectives.
The partnership between Zambia and Africa CDC also demonstrates the practical benefits of continental collaboration in tackling public health challenges. Sharing best practices, coordinating rapid responses, and pooling technical resources allow countries to respond efficiently to outbreaks and epidemics. Zambia’s proactive approach, supported by President Hichilema’s leadership and Minister Mweetwa’s guidance, ensures that public health policies are evidence-based and responsive to emerging threats. The collaboration strengthens Zambia’s health system while contributing to broader African efforts to prevent and control communicable diseases. It also reinforces trust among neighboring nations, creating a more resilient regional health network.
In conclusion, Zambia’s active engagement with Africa CDC highlights its strategic role in continental health security. Acting Health Minister Cornelius Mweetwa’s leadership, coupled with President Hichilema’s commitment, positions the country as a central player in guiding regional disease prevention and response strategies. Hosting the Regional Collaboration Centre and assuming the Africa CDC Chairpersonship allows Zambia to influence health policy, strengthen regional partnerships, and improve overall preparedness for health emergencies. Through sustained collaboration and proactive leadership, Zambia continues to advance public health across Africa, ensuring that the nation remains at the forefront of continental health innovation and resilience.