Experts call for ebola preparedness
By Ludia Ngwadzai
THE Medical for Quality Healthcare in Zambia (MQHZ) has called for stronger preparedness against the deadly Ebola disease which has so far killed over 100 people in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
MQHZ warned the outbreak in DRC posed a direct public health risk to Zambia.
Director general Dr Quince Mwabu said Zambia’s shared border with the DRC and the constant movement of people and goods increased the chances of the virus being ‘imported’ into the country if preventive measures were weak.
“Zambia cannot afford complacency considering the country’s geographic proximity to the DRC,” he said.
“Any lapse in preventive readiness could increase vulnerability to the importation of infectious diseases.”
Dr Mwabu said the risk was higher during periods of large public gatherings, including political rallies, religious events, markets and transport hubs.
Crowding and limited hygiene facilities in these places could raise exposure levels if precautions were not followed.
He urged authorities to immediately improve screening and preparedness at border facilities and ensure frontline health workers were well equipped and protected.
MQHZ warned that any delay in strengthening the systems could expose Zambia to avoidable health risks.
The health watchdog’s boss urged organisers of public and community events to promote hygiene awareness and responsible health practices to reduce preventable risks.
Dr Mwabu said preventing outbreaks was a shared responsibility.
He urged citizens to be alert, maintain good hygiene, avoid spreading false information and seek medical attention early if they experienced symptoms consistent with Ebola or other serious infectious diseases.
He noted Zambia’s experience with COVID-19 showed how quickly health systems could be overwhelmed when early action was delayed.
“Preventing an outbreak remains significantly more effective and less costly than responding to one,” Dr Mwabu said.
He said an Ebola outbreak would place severe pressure on Zambia’s already stretched health sector and economy.
Dr Mwabu called for seriousness, vigilance, and coordinated action from both authorities and the public to keep Zambia protected through sustained prevention and preparedness.
