Staff Reporter
Zimbabwe has commenced its Second Joint External Evaluation (JEE) of health security capacities, a crucial self-assessment exercise aimed at measuring the country’s ability to prevent, detect, and respond to public health threats. The workshop, which began yesterday, in Harare, brings together Government officials, technical experts, and development partners in a comprehensive review of national health emergency preparedness.
Speaking during the proceedings, Public Health Advisor to the Office of the President and Cabinet, Dr Agnes Mahomva, emphasised the importance of objective self-assessment in strengthening national health systems and meeting international standards under the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005).
“We are not just ticking boxes; this is a serious and honest introspection of our systems and capabilities. The Joint External Evaluation helps us identify strengths, weaknesses, and areas for urgent investment,” said Dr Mahomva.
The evaluation comes at a critical time, as countries around the world continue to strengthen resilience in the wake of global health threats, such as COVID-19, cholera, and climate-induced emergencies. Dr Mahomva highlighted that the second JEE reflects Zimbabwe’s ongoing commitment to health security and public safety.
“This evaluation is not only about public health; it’s about national development. A country that cannot respond to emergencies risks setbacks across all sectors,” she said.
The JEE is coordinated by the Ministry of Health and Child Care in collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO) and other key partners. It evaluates 19 technical areas, including disease surveillance, laboratory systems, biosafety, emergency response operations, risk communication, and antimicrobial resistance.
Furthermore, Chief Director of Preventive Services in the Ministry of Health and Child Care, Dr Phillip Shambira, noted that the process allows Zimbabwe to align its response strategies with global best practices.
“This is an opportunity to honestly evaluate how far we have come since the first JEE in 2017, and to update our National Action Plan for Health Security accordingly,” Dr Shambira said.
WHO Zimbabwe’s Country Representative, Professor Jean-Marie Dangou, praised the Government’s leadership in convening the review. “Zimbabwe has shown commitment to transparency and continuous improvement in its health systems,” he said.
The workshop is expected to end today, after which an external team of evaluators will validate the findings and compile a final report with recommendations for further strengthening Zimbabwe’s emergency preparedness and response capabilities.
