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The Zambian government has highlighted the importance of preparedness in addressing public health emergencies, urging stakeholders to adopt a proactive approach to identifying and mitigating health risks.
Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary–Technical Services, Dr. Kennedy Lishimpi, emphasised that preparedness required reliable data, cross-sector collaboration, and a clear understanding of health risks.
Lishimpi said this during the National Meeting on Public Health Risk Assessment Using the STAR Tool in Kafue District of Lusaka Province on Tuesday.
He noted Zambia’s experiences with cholera, anthrax, COVID-19, and antimicrobial resistance, highlighting the strain on public health systems due to climate-induced events.
“The Ministry of Health will use STAR to develop a national risk profile, guiding policy, planning, and resource allocation,” Lishimpi stated.
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He indicated that a one Health approach, integrating human, animal, and environmental health, was crucial for building resilience against public health threats.
Lishimpi reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening Zambia’s public health architecture, highlighting the importance of collaboration with various stakeholders.
He urged participants at the meeting to ensure the assessment translates into concrete policy and action, stressing the need to work together to build a healthier and more resilient Zambia.
Meanwhile, Zambia National Public Health Institute Director General, Dr. Roma Chilengi said the workshop marked a critical milestone in Zambia’s ongoing efforts to institutionalise risk assessment and preparedness within the national health framework.
“I wish to also commend the World Health Organization for its technical and financial support,” Chilengi stated.
He reaffirmed ZNPHI’s commitment to building systems that anticipate, detect, and respond to health threats before they escalate.
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