Two laboratories refurbished

THE Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) last week handed over two state-of-the-art refurbished laboratories to Government in an effort to close the gaps in the surveillance of Antimicrobial-Resistant (AMR) bacteria in Zimbabwe.

The organisation refurbished four other laboratories in Masvingo and Bulawayo.

The refurbishment of the laboratories was made possible by FAO and its implementing partners — the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Biomedical Research and Training Institute (BRTI).

Speaking during the commissioning of the Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital and Department of Veterinary Services laboratories in Mutare, Chief Director in the Ministry of Health and Child Care, Dr Munyaradzi Dhobhi said the laboratories will help in rapid identification of causes of outbreaks and epidemics as well as routine confirmation of infections.

He said laboratory diagnosis are an essential element of disease surveillance.

“This move is in line with the Sustainable Development Goals and our own health coverage drive dubbed ‘The One Health Approach’,” said Dr Dhobhi.

He said Government should be applauded for the strides it has taken in fighting against AMR bacteria.

“Government has broken the sectoral silos that existed in the past. Surely, the nation is poised to make a significant footprint in its fight against AMR bacteria through these effective collaborations,” he said.

Dr Dhobhi went on to say in the spirit of leaving no one behind, Government will continue to put in place the necessary framework and interventions to ensure that AMR bacteria is brought under control.

In a speech read on his behalf by FAO Livestock Development Officer, Dr Berhani Bedane, FAO’s Representative in Zimbabwe, Dr Patrice Talla said AMR bacteria needs to be reduced in food systems.

He also said his organisation is playing a pivotal role in ensuring that stakeholders move towards the responsible usage of antimicrobials in food and the agricultural sector.

“This project seeks to address gaps in the surveillance of AMR bacteria in Zimbabwe. It was created in response to a Request for Support from the Minister of Health and Child Care on behalf of the Government of Zimbabwe.

“The renovation of the laboratories is one of the achievements of the Fleming Fund Country Grant for Zimbabwe. This was made possible by the strong collaboration between the Government of Zimbabwe and FAO, together with its implementing partners,” said Dr Talla.

In a speech read on her behalf by a Director in her office, Mr Munyaradzi Rubaya, Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Nokuthula Matsikenyere said Government is committed to ensuring the health of the country’s citizens.

She said the renovated laboratories will strengthen the province’s diagnostic capacity and its preparedness to deal with disease outbreaks.