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News ArticlesASLM Strengthens Health Systems in Zambia Through Strategic Collaboration

ASLM Strengthens Health Systems in Zambia Through Strategic Collaboration

ASLM-Strengthens-Health-Systems-in-Zambia-Through-Strategic-Collaboration.

Dr. Talkmore Maruta, ASLM’s Director of Programs, paid a courtesy visit to Prof. Roma Chilengi, Director General of the Zambia National Public Health Institute (ZNPHI). Their discussions highlighted ASLM’s impactful collaborations in strengthening Zambia’s health systems, particularly in pathogen genomics, laboratory capacity building, and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) surveillance.

Through a partnership with Africa CDC, ASLM has trained local experts in genomic sequencing and bioinformatics, procured essential equipment, and supported the development of Zambia’s Pathogen Genomics Strategy, which was launched this year. Zambia, a founding member of LabCoP in 2017, continues to benefit from ASLM’s initiatives, including laboratory network mapping and demand-side estimation for innovative TB diagnostics through the Global Fund Technical Assistance support.

Furthermore, this week, Zambia is hosting a regional training for Southern African countries under the Qualifying Workforce for AMR Surveillance (QWARs), where 27 professionals (14 microbiologists and 13 epidemiologists) have been trained. Under the Fleming Fund AMR project, Zambia has enrolled 13 microbiology laboratories (five in animal health and eight in human health) in External Quality Assessment (EQA) and is working towards accrediting national EQA providers.

“We are forever grateful for the support given to Zambia in strengthening its health system. We are pleased with the progress we have made from Phase 1 to Phase 2 of the Fleming Fund project, with notable and tangible long-term improvements,” said Prof. Roma Chilengi.

“As a pan-African organization, our philosophy is to support government priorities with context-based solutions driven by local experts. We always keep an eye on sustainability, ensuring that expertise remains within the country beyond the project’s lifespan. For instance, this week’s regional training features Zambian experts as facilitators—resources that will continue to strengthen Zambia’s health capacity in the future,” said Dr. Talkmore Maruta.