On 10 July 2023, a partner monitoring field visit was conducted in Eastern Province to assess the progress and impact of the WHO Enhancing National Capacity for Emergency Preparedness, Response and Recovery and the Health System Surveillance Project funded by the Irish Embassy in Zambia.

The field visit aimed to provide our donors an insight into the project’s implementation and firsthand information on successes made, the challenges and impact of their contribution on strengthening Zambia’s health system surveillance. 

Monitoring and exploring real community impact 

The team from the Irish Embassy had the opportunity to interact with the WHO team and Eastern Province Health Office, witnessing firsthand how their contribution has positively impacted and improved facility and community health system surveillance. 

The visit allowed them to gain valuable insights on how the capacity building for the Implementation of the Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response System, (IDSR), an activity under the project, is improving the health system surveillance, particularly in Eastern Province. 

Making the presentation to the team, Eastern Province Public Health Specialist, Dr Charles Fanaka, highlighted how capacity building of 135 health surveillance focal point persons in 6 districts including Chipata, Chama, Chipangali, Lumezi, Lundazi and Vubwi in IDSR has improved disease surveillance, with some healthcare facilities now reporting an increased index of suspicion. 

“For example, the detection of cholera in Vubwi district, happened during a capacity building in IDSR training of surveillance officers. When discussing the case definitions, one participant reported having observed several cases with acute watery diarrhoea at their facility.” 

The donors heard of how, with their financial support, Chasefu and Chama, once silent districts are now able to detect diseases like the Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP), a common sign of acute polio. Further, the IDSR trainings to staff in healthcare facilities has enhanced their ability to coordinate local response and resource mobilization to reduce morbidity and mortality.  

Despite the above notable examples of the impact being made, challenges were identified. There is still a low number of trained clinicians in various districts. The ministry needs to train over 4,466 healthcare providers if they are to meet the 80% WHO recommended trained staff in IDSR. Some communities also lack trained volunteers in event-based surveillance that is needed to improve the early warning system and response (EWAR). 

Commitment to Sustainable Impact

The partner monitoring visit was a success and instrumental in helping the donor understand and appreciate the progress, challenges, and achievements of the project. Acknowledging and impressed with the visit, the Irish Embassy team, expressed their gratitude for all the information and interactions availed, as this gave them a better understanding of the project. They thanked WHO and the MoH team for all the hard work and collaboration to maximize the impact of the funding and support towards the scale and strengthening of the IDSR in districts and communities, so that those who need healthcare most, benefit from the funding.