ZIMBABWE – Zimbabwe has established a dedicated laboratory for the analysis of polio samples collected through environmental surveillance (ES).
In this momentous step towards strengthening its public health infrastructure, has enabled the country cut dependency on South Africa to analyse samples, resulting in a turnaround time of approximately 21 days.
With financial and technical support from the World Health Organization (WHO), the newly renovated laboratory is equipped with state-of-the-art technology testing equipment and staffed by highly trained personnel.
WHO further provided training to 10 laboratory scientists to run the new laboratory and locally carry out environmental samples testing. This local capability will significantly reduce the time required to detect and respond to potential outbreaks of polio.
“The establishment of this laboratory is a major milestone in our efforts to safeguard the health of Zimbabweans,” said Mr Paradzayi Chibukira, Technical Supervisor at the Zimbabwe National Virology Polio Laboratory at UZ.
“By reducing the turnaround time for laboratory results, we can more effectively implement prevention and control measures to prevent the reintroduction of polio into our country.”
Polio is a highly contagious viral disease that can cause paralysis, especially in children. While Zimbabwe has been polio-free for many years, the risk of reintroduction remains, particularly due to the ongoing global efforts to eradicate the disease.
Environmental surveillance for polio is a critical component of global efforts to monitor and eradicate the polio.
This involves collecting and analyzing sewage and other environmental samples to detect the presence of the poliovirus, which can indicate circulation of the virus in the community.
The method complements traditional surveillance through the Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP) surveillance system and provides a broader view of potential outbreaks.
“We applaud and fully support Zimbabwe’s decision to set up the laboratory for polio surveillance and this development … enhances the country’s capacity for timely and accurate detection of poliovirus in the environment,” said Mr Kenneth Chindedza, WHO Zimbabwe Technical Officer for Logistics and Supply Chain.
In 2023, Zimbabwe with support from WHO launched its environmental surveillance programme in 2023, beginning with sites in Harare and Chitungwiza.
Additional sites were established in other major cities, including Bulawayo, Gweru, and Victoria Falls in 2024.