PICTURES OF THE EVENT
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Zimbabwe continues to face significant vulnerability to transboundary animal diseases, particularly in light of recent outbreaks of foot‑and‑mouth disease (FMD) and avian influenza reported in neighboring countries. These events underscore the persistent threat that animal disease incursions pose to animal health, public health, food security, and the national economy. The country’s past experiences—including outbreaks of anthrax, rabies, and the notable 2017 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) incident that led to the culling of 800,000 chickens—highlight the substantial socio‑economic and public health consequences that can arise when preparedness and response systems are overstretched.
To strengthen frontline capacity at the district level, the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), under the Fortifying Institutional Resilience Against Biological Threats (FIRABioT) project, organised a five‑day national training on Emergency Management and Response for District Veterinary Officers (DVOs) in Zimbabwe from 2–6 February 2026.
The training brought together thirty District Veterinary Officers (DVOs) from high‑risk border districts, districts with major livestock markets, and Zimbabwe’s national Epidemiology Unit to equip them with the knowledge and skills needed to manage and respond to disease outbreaks — particularly those involving eradicated or exotic diseases.
Participants demonstrate donning and doffing of PPE. Picture © I. Busuulwa (woah) 2026
Dr Caesar Lubaba (Programme Officer WOAH) delivering opening remarks. Picture © I. Busuulwa (woah) 2026
In his opening remarks and on behalf of the WOAH Sub-Regional Representative for Southern Africa Dr Caesar Lubaba, the Programme Officer for Trade in animal commodities and regional implementation of SPS measures, highlighted the critical frontline role of District Veterinary Officers in preparedness, early detection and rapid response. He emphasised the importance of nationwide collaboration in strengthening animal health systems in line with WOAH standards and tools.
Dr Takunda Chikaka, the Provincial Director for Manicaland, delivering opening remarks. Picture © I. Busuulwa (woah) 2026
Dr Takunda Chikaka, the Provincial Director for Manicaland, gave opening remarks on behalf of Dr Pious Makaya, the WOAH Delegate for Zimbabwe. In his remarks he underlined the timeliness of the training considering recent outbreaks within Zimbabwe and across the region and encouraged participants to apply the knowledge, lessons and skills attained in their day-to-day work.
Through a combination of technical sessions, interactive discussions, case studies, and simulation exercises, participants gained knowledge and practical skills in emergency management principles, the Incident Command System, epidemiology of priority diseases, risk analysis & indicators of suspicious biological events, components of emergency response and investigative interview techniques, field biological risk management, and effective risk communication to counter misinformation. The hands‑on components enabled DVOs to apply risk assessment tools and stress‑test outbreak response SOPs under realistic scenarios, ensuring that emergency procedures are both practical and operational.
Drs Innocent Chabanga and Caroline Zindoga simulate farmer interview techniques. Picture © I. Busuulwa (woah) 2026
Following this training, and to further strengthen frontline surveillance, a national Training of Trainers (ToT) will be organised in March 2026 for Veterinary Extension Officers (VEOs) on animal disease surveillance in Zimbabwe.
The national training on emergency management and response was part of Zimbabwe’s activities as a beneficiary of the (FIRABioT) Project. This project is funded by Global Affairs Canada’s Weapons Threat Reduction Programme in support of the Global Partnership Signature Initiative to Mitigate Biological Threats in Africa.
