Zambia, Zimbabwe move to fight off Ebola scare at borders

He said the two countries needed coordinated systems to detect threats early, share information promptly and respond effectively while protecting public health and facilitating safe travel and trade.

Lishimpi outlined five priority areas for improving preparedness, including stronger cross-border coordination and information sharing through designated focal persons and clear notification procedures.

He called for harmonised border operating procedures covering screening, assessment, notification, referral and the safe transfer of ill travellers, supported by contingency plans linking border facilities with health institutions and emergency response teams.

“Infection prevention and control must be strengthened through recognition of risks, correct use of protective equipment, hand hygiene facilities, temporary separation arrangements and proper waste management,” Lishimpi said.

He said laboratory and specimen referral systems also needed to be strengthened, with clear procedures for safe collection, packaging, transportation and testing, as well as timely communication of results.

Lishimpi said practical training and simulation exercises were necessary to test workforce capacity, identify operational gaps and build confidence among multi-sectoral response teams.

He also emphasised the One Health approach, which integrates human, animal and environmental health, alongside community engagement involving travellers, transport operators and tourism businesses.

Lishimpi welcomed support from the East, Central and Southern Africa Health Community (ECSA-HC) through its Health Emergency Preparedness, Response and Resilience Programme, which provides seven complementary interventions.

He urged participants to develop a joint action plan identifying priority activities, responsible institutions, implementation timelines, resource requirements and mechanisms for monitoring progress.

“The success of this engagement will be measured by what happens after we leave Livingstone. I therefore call for a joint action plan that sets out agreed priorities, responsible institutions, realistic timelines, resource requirements and a mechanism for reviewing progress,” he said.

He said district authorities and border teams would be central to implementing the agreed measures.

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