ZAMBIA – The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has signed a new five-year cooperative agreement with the Zambia National Public Health Institute (ZNPHI).

The cooperation will strengthen ZNPHI’s ability to prevent, detect, and respond to national and regional disease threats which is an important economic investment for both the United States and Zambia.

The two also officially opened the new ZNPHI Public Health Emergency Operations Center (EOC) in Lusaka.

During the official opening of the new ZNPHI EOC, U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Janet Yellen heard first-hand from a graduate of Zambia’s prestigious Field Epidemiology Training Program about the importance of a well-trained health workforce in keeping Zambians healthy. 

In an exchange with the Director General of the ZNPHI Professor Roma Chilengi, the two leaders discussed ways the United States and Zambia can partner together to strengthen ZNPHI. 

“ZNPHI is proud of our growth and how we continue to improve our abilities to safeguard the health of the Zambian people,” Professor Chilenga said.

“We have seen how epidemics can disrupt economic productivity during the COVID-19 pandemic.  We recognize and appreciate the role that the U.S. government through CDC has played in supporting our growth, and the potential to do even more together going forward.”

Secretary Yellen and Ambassador Gonzales re-emphasized U.S. support for ZNPHI and expressed appreciation for ZNPHI’s remarkable daily efforts to prevent, detect, and respond to emerging health threats to keep Zambia, the region, and the world healthier and more prosperous.

Since 2015, the United States through CDC has invested over US$13 million in funding and has provided extensive technical support to help establish and support ZNPHI. 

CDC has also provided substantial funding and technical assistance to support development of the national laboratory network, health information system, disease surveillance programs, and the Field Epidemiology Training Program, which trains disease detectives. 

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) also supports non-governmental organizations to implement COVID-19 vaccination efforts, risk communication, and contribute to control of zoonotic diseases under ZNPHI’s leadership.

ZNPHI’s work protecting Zambia’s health security is a testament to Zambia’s leadership in health and showcases the long-standing U.S.-Zambia partnership in investing in healthy populations and bolstering resilience to health shocks. 

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