By Kuda Pembere in Kadoma
The final phase of Zimbabwe’s Joint External Evaluation (JEE) is underway in Kadoma to assess gaps in the country’s health security systems while reflecting on progress made since the initial evaluation in 2019.
The first phase, which involved an internal self-assessment, was completed in July. The current external evaluation runs until Friday. Evaluators from Uganda, Kenya, Zambia, South Sudan, and Tanzania, along with experts from the World Health Organization (WHO), Africa CDC, and other partner organizations, are in the country to review Zimbabwe’s self-assessment.
A JEE is a voluntary, collaborative, multisectoral process to assess country capacities to prevent, detect and rapidly respond to public health risks whether occurring naturally or due to deliberate or accidental events.
The JEE helps countries identify the most critical gaps within their human and animal health systems in order to prioritize opportunities for enhanced preparedness and response.
The JEE measures national capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to public health threats under the International Health Regulations (2005). Coordinated by the Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC) with support from WHO and partners, the process is a key milestone in strengthening Zimbabwe’s public health emergency preparedness and response systems.
Speaking on behalf of Health and Child Care Minister Dr. Douglas Mombeshora, Permanent Secretary Dr. Aspect Maunganidze highlighted the country’s progress in managing outbreaks, including COVID-19.
Colleagues, Zimbabwe’s health security systems have been tested in real time over the past few years. Together, we have responded to COVID-19, recurrent cholera outbreaks, and other public health threats.
“We have undertaken intra-action and after-action reviews, simulation exercises, and intensive training in Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response. We have used WHO’s Strategic Tool for Assessing Risks to map hazards across the country, and we have strengthened cholera hotspot mapping and multi-sectoral interventions,” he said. “These are no small achievements, and they reflect the commitment of government, partners, and communities alike.”
Minister Mombeshora acknowledged persistent gaps in Zimbabwe’s public health preparedness since the 2019 JEE review of the country’s core International Health Regulations (IHR) capacities.
While commending progress in areas such as emergency response coordination and antimicrobial resistance planning, the Minister stressed that the evaluation also exposes structural and operational weaknesses that require urgent attention.
“At the same time, this JEE rightly highlights areas where urgent improvement is needed. Outdated or absent legal frameworks continue to slow implementation, especially at subnational levels. Our surveillance systems must better capture foodborne illnesses and healthcare-associated infections,” he said. “Biosafety and biosecurity require both upgraded laboratories and enhanced staff training. And while we have a strong One Health National Action Plan on antimicrobial resistance, our laboratory capacity and data integration must improve if we are to stay ahead of this growing threat.”
He added that the JEE outcomes will feed into the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS 2).
“Looking ahead, this exercise comes at a critical moment, as our nation is developing the National Development Strategy 2. The lessons and priorities identified through the JEE will feed directly into our broader development agenda, ensuring that health security is not seen in isolation, but as an enabler of economic growth, social stability, and the achievement of our Vision 2030 goals. Universal Health Coverage, resilient health systems, and preparedness for public health emergencies must be central pillars of our development planning,” he said.
WHO Representative to Zimbabwe Dr. Destah Tiruneh also underscored the importance of a legal framework for the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC).
“The JEE goes far beyond the scoring of the indicators and identification of priority actions. The discussions that take place and the validation by the external team of subject matter experts should enrich our understanding of emergency preparedness and response issues and the overall management of emergencies.
“Issues around policy and legislation framework for the PHEOC, approval of PHEOC documents, and the coordination of health emergency response are critical to discuss and to agree on clear priority actions,” he said.
Dr. Denis Bunyoga, Technical Officer for Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) at Africa CDC, emphasized that the JEE is not a pass-or-fail exercise.
“It is a process of collective learning and continuous improvement. It provides an opportunity to reflect on the progress Zimbabwe has made since our first evaluation, to identify gaps, and to align our priorities with both regional and global frameworks.
“Zimbabwe has registered progress in areas such as surveillance, laboratory systems, emergency preparedness, and risk communication. But much more remains to be done. This JEE offers us the chance to chart a clear, evidence-based path forward, supported by strong partnerships,” he said.
