Zambia has taken an important step toward stronger national preparedness with the launch of its first Emergency Preparedness, Response (EPR) Mentorship and Technical Support and Supervision (TSS) programme. In January, six districts in Northern and Copperbelt Provinces received hands-on support from the Zambia National Public Health Institute (ZNPHI), working with Provincial Health Offices and supported by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) IHR Strengthening Project (IHR-SP).

The mentorship builds on the Public Health Emergency Management (PHEM) training delivered since 2023. While classroom training has strengthened foundational knowledge, districts requested continued engagement, recognising that ongoing, structured mentorship is essential to reinforce skills, address real-world implementation challenges, and sustain gains in emergency management. The programme also provided national teams with insight into how systems function at subnational level, helping to refine guidelines and improve coherence across the EPR network.

The six pilot districts namely Mbala, Mpulungu, Nsama, Masaiti, Ndola, and Kitwe were selected due to recent public health risks such as cholera and Mpox, and the presence of cross‑border transit points. Mentorship teams assessed coordination structures, surveillance performance, 7‑1‑7 Early Action Review application, Rapid Response Team (RRT) capacity, logistics arrangements, and the availability and use of plans and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

Early results show clear improvement. Districts demonstrated stronger surveillance, better incident management, and faster, more coordinated responses during recent outbreaks. The visits also identified remaining challenges such as data inconsistencies, limited RRT capacity, and staffing gaps which will shape future support.

Looking ahead, ZNPHI and UKHSA will work together to establish a sustainable, nationwide EPR mentorship programme, enabling trained district and provincial officers to become mentors themselves. This will embed long-term expertise across all levels of the health system and strengthen Zambia’s overall emergency preparedness.

Image: Masaiti District Health Office taking part in a Mentorship and Technical Support and Supervision (TSS) programme session.

Image: IHR-SP and Mpulungu District Health Office team