WHO donates US$22,000 in Ebola preparedness supplies to Zambia amid regional outbreak

ZAMBIA—The World Health Organization (WHO) has donated critical Ebola preparedness supplies valued at K400,000 (US$22,000) to the Government of Zambia, strengthening the country’s capacity to detect, prevent, and respond to Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) and other viral haemorrhagic fevers.

The donation comes as countries across Central and East Africa intensify efforts to contain an ongoing outbreak of Ebola disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda.

In May, WHO declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), citing the risk of regional spread and the need for coordinated international action.

Critical supplies to support frontline response

The consignment includes personal protective equipment (PPE) for frontline healthcare workers, infection prevention and control (IPC) materials, laboratory reagents, and specimen transportation supplies required for the safe identification, testing, and management of suspected Ebola cases.

The equipment was officially received by the Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary for Donor Coordination, Dr. George Sinyangwe, during a handover ceremony attended by senior government officials and public health leaders.

According to the WHO, the supplies will strengthen Zambia’s ability to protect healthcare workers, improve infection-prevention measures, enhance laboratory diagnostic capacity, and ensure the safe collection and transport of specimens for testing.

These capabilities are critical for early detection and rapid response should a suspected case emerge within the country.

Zambia heightens preparedness as regional outbreak expands

Although Zambia has not reported any confirmed Ebola cases, authorities remain on high alert because of the country’s proximity to affected nations and its extensive cross-border movement of people and goods.

The current Bundibugyo virus outbreak has already resulted in hundreds of confirmed infections and dozens of deaths in the DRC and Uganda, placing significant pressure on health systems in the affected countries.

WHO has warned that continued population movement and trade links increase the risk of cross-border transmission.

In response, Zambia has strengthened surveillance systems nationwide and increased screening measures at airports, border posts, and other points of entry.

The government has also expanded training for healthcare workers, emergency responders, and border officials while reinforcing isolation facilities and laboratory networks.

Officials emphasize preparedness and community trust

Receiving the donation, Dr. Sinyangwe thanked WHO for its continued support and emphasized the importance of maintaining strong preparedness measures.

He noted that Zambia’s position as a land-linked country surrounded by eight neighbouring nations requires constant vigilance against cross-border public health threats.

WHO Country Representative Dr. Clement Peter Lasuba described preparedness as the country’s strongest defense against outbreaks and stressed that effective risk communication is just as important as medical interventions.

“Preparedness is our first and best line of defence. Risk communication is not simply about sharing information; it is about building trust. It is about listening to communities, addressing fears, and ensuring that public health messages are understood and accepted,” he said.

Dr. Lasuba also reaffirmed the WHO’s commitment to supporting Zambia in strengthening disease surveillance, laboratory testing, emergency response, and community engagement efforts.

Meanwhile, Zambia National Public Health Institute (ZNPHI) Director General Prof. Roma Chilengi highlighted the vital role healthcare workers play during outbreaks.

“Health workers are our primary shield against deadly epidemics. However, they can only protect our communities if they themselves are adequately protected,” he said.

Prof. Chilengi added that the donated supplies would be rapidly deployed to public health emergency operations centers, isolation facilities, and high-risk border entry points across the country.

Continental response gains momentum

The handover coincides with the launch of a new joint continental preparedness and response plan by WHO and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).

The six-month initiative aims to mobilize more than US$518 million to support surveillance, laboratory systems, infection prevention, clinical care, logistics, and community engagement activities across affected and at-risk countries.

In recent days, Zambian authorities have also reassured the public that national preparedness assessments have been completed and that rapid response teams remain on standby.

Surveillance has been heightened across the country, while community awareness campaigns continue to encourage early symptom reporting and reliance on verified public health information.