ZAMBIA AND UK COLLABORATE TO ADVANCE VETERINARY LABS AND ANIMAL HEALTH PROGRAMS

By CHINTU MALAMBO

THE Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock has called for increased collaboration with the United Kingdom to support the development of private veterinary laboratories and expand access to diagnostic services across the country.

Speaking during a courtesy call paid on him by a delegation from the British Embassy, Minister of Fisheries and Livestock Peter Kapala emphasized the need to roll out laboratory services to provinces and enhance Zambia’s diagnostic capacity.

Mr Kapala also confirmed that the Ministry has finalised a Memorandum of Understanding with the UK’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs -DEFRA-, which aims to strengthen veterinary services, biosafety, and biosecurity.

He praised the UK’s longstanding support, including initiatives like the Animal Health Systems Strengthening project and technical partnerships in aquatic animal health.

And the British High Commission lead for Economic Development and Green Growth division, Claire Allen highlighted the Animal Health Systems Strengthening programme aligns with Zambia’s development priorities, including Vision 2030 and the Eighth National Development Plan.

Ms Allen said the initiative aims to boost climate resilience, improve food security, reduce economic losses from animal diseases, and support Zambia’s beef export ambitions.

Meanwhile, Zambia’s Animal Health National Lead, under the UK project, Bruce Mukanda said since the programme’s formal launch in 2023 over 390 experts have been trained in biosecurity, fisheries, and quality management.

Mr Mukanda highlighted that the programme has also supported the rollout of a real-time animal health information system in Copperbelt and North-western provinces, including enhanced disease monitoring and response.

“A collaboration with the University of Zambia assessed the country’s disease outbreak preparedness, identifying areas needing improvement to meet international standards. A roadmap is now in place to implement these recommendations in partnership with the Department of Veterinary Services,” Mr Mukanda said. -NAIS