By Michael Gwarisa
Zimbabwe has commissioned a newly renovated polio laboratory to enhance the analysis of polio samples collected through environmental surveillance (ES), a move set to significantly reduce turnaround time for results.
Previously, Zimbabwe faced delays of up to 21 days as samples were sent to neighboring South Africa for testing. The new facility, established with financial and technical support from the World Health Organization (WHO), is equipped with state-of-the-art testing technology and staffed by highly trained personnel.
Commissioning the laboratory at Parirenyatwa Hospital in Harare, Dr. Raiva Simbi, Director of Laboratory Services in the Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC), emphasized that the facility will not be limited to polio surveillance.
The establishment of this lab is not just an achievement; it is a vital step forward in our environmental health surveillance efforts,” said Dr. Simbi. “Now that we have the capacity for environmental surveillance, we can advance to genomic sequencing. This facility will not only be used for polio testing.”
Dr. Simbi highlighted that while polio samples are few, testing remains crucial. He also noted the potential to leverage the laboratory’s technology for other diseases.
“We are living in an era where archaic diseases we thought were eradicated—like Marburg virus, Ebola, and Mpox—are re-emerging. Just as we adapted during the COVID-19 pandemic, we hope to expand our diagnostic capabilities using this technology.”
He added that the laboratory will enable early detection of poliovirus, informing timely public health interventions.
“By monitoring environmental samples, we can detect poliovirus circulation before outbreaks occur. This proactive approach will enhance our ability to safeguard the health of our most vulnerable populations—our children.”
WHO has also trained 10 laboratory scientists to operate the facility, allowing Zimbabwe to conduct in-country environmental sample testing. This development will significantly reduce response time for potential outbreaks.
WHO Country Representative for Zimbabwe, Dr. Desta A. Tiruneh, hailed the laboratory as a milestone in the fight against polio.
“This state-of-the-art facility stands as a testament to Zimbabwe’s unwavering commitment, in collaboration with global partners like WHO, eHealth Africa, and the Gates Foundation, to strengthening surveillance and diagnostics,” said Dr. Tiruneh.
He also commended Zimbabwe’s efforts under the Global Polio Eradication Initiative.
“The country’s high-quality response to the current type 2 polio outbreak is greatly appreciated. Zimbabwe is well-positioned to control the outbreak, prevent further transmission, and sustain its wild polio-free status, first achieved in 2005.”
Zimbabwe launched its Environmental Surveillance for Polioviruses program in March 2023, initially covering four sites in Harare. This has since expanded to nine sites nationwide.
“Today, we celebrate Zimbabwe’s capacity to process environmental surveillance samples locally in this cutting-edge ES laboratory,” Dr. Tiruneh added. “WHO remains committed to supporting Zimbabwe in further strengthening its health system, particularly through improved laboratory surveillance. Together, we will continue advancing toward a polio-free world.”
