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The Zambian government has called for the adoption of nuclear technology to enhance the country’s disease surveillance and early detection capabilities.
Speaking at a panel discussion during the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) conference in Vienna on Wednesday, Ministry of Technology and Science Permanent Secretary, Dr. Brilliant Habeenzu, highlighted the role of nuclear technology in detecting zoonotic diseases such as Ebola, Rift Valley Fever, and COVID-19.
“By harnessing nuclear technology, we can improve our ability to detect zoonotic diseases at an early stage, enabling prompt intervention and reducing the risk of outbreaks that impact sectors such as agriculture and health,” Habeenzu said.
He emphasized the importance of research and development in advancing these technologies and cited the Africa Centre of Excellence for Infectious Diseases of Humans and Animals (ACEIDHA) at the University of Zambia’s School of Veterinary Medicine as a leading example in this field.
“The University of Zambia’s Centre of Excellence Laboratory for One Health is a model of research excellence, and we are committed to supporting such initiatives to ensure Zambia remains at the forefront of disease detection and surveillance innovation,” he said.
Habeenzu described the IAEA’s Zoonotic Disease Integrated Action (ZODIAC) initiative as a “game changer,” leveraging nuclear technology to enhance the detection and control of zoonotic diseases.
The Permanent Secretary’s remarks come as Zambia ramps up efforts to strengthen its disease surveillance systems and improve its response to public health emergencies.
Habeenzu was accompanied by a Zambian delegation that included Dr. Larry Mweetwa, Director of Science, Technology and Innovation; Dr. Booster Siwila, CEO of the Radiation Protection Authority; Trevor Sichombo, Charge d’Affaires and Chief of Mission in Geneva; Paul Mbewe, NLA/MoTS Scientist; and Mathias Tembo, a scientist from the Zambia Agricultural Research Institute (ZARI).
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