Veterinary laboratory launched in Gwanda

Mat South (New Ziana)- Increasing Zimbabwe’s autonomy in animal health is critical in monitoring and controlling the outbreak of animal and zoonotic diseases, a senior government official has said.

Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister for Matabeleland South Province, Evelyn Ndlovu, said this while addressing delegates gathered to witness the launch of a refurbished veterinary laboratory in Gwanda. Zimbabwe’s livestock production systems in semi-arid regions are set for a radical transformation with the latest refurbishments of the two veterinary laboratories in Matabeleland South and Masvingo provinces. The laboratories will enhance animal health, disease surveillance, and combating of animal and zoonotic diseases.

In a speech read on her behalf by the permanent secretary for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Latiso Dhlamini- Maseko, Ndlovu said the laboratory, and the activities that will be associated with it, will play a vital role in the attainment of Zimbabwe’s National Vision of being an Upper Middle Income Economy by 2030.

The renovated Gwanda Provincial diagnostic laboratory for animal disease control houses modern equipment and veterinary drugs. The launch of the Masvingo laboratory is scheduled for Wednesday. The work is being done under the Livestock Production Systems(LIPS-Zim) project.

The LIPS-Zim project is being implemented by a consortium led by the International Livestock Research Institute, with its partners the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center, French Agricultural Research Centre for International Development, and the University of Zimbabwe Faculty of Veterinary Sciences. On behalf of the government of Zimbabwe, the Department of Research and Specialist Services
superintends.

The project is being implemented in nine districts, namely Beitbridge, Binga, Buhera, Chiredzi, Gokwe North, Gwanda, Hwange, Mutoko, and Nkayi. At the end, the European Union-funded EURO 5 million LIPS Zim project, is expected to have increased incomes and ensured food security for more than 50,000 rural Zimbabweans.

Speaking at the same occasion, a European Union Delegation to Zimbabwe representative, Sarah Piccoli said the commissioning of the laboratory is the fruit of a long-standing partnership in agricultural development between the European Union and the government of Zimbabwe. “The refurbishment of this laboratory was timely and will considerably speed up the diagnostic process, shortening the health responses and actions. It also strengthens European Union support in agricultural research for development in Zimbabwe.

“We are proud of the fruitful scientific partnership between the European Union and Zimbabwe.The LIPS-Zim project also illustrates the growing commitment of the European Union in the country to strengthen capacities in fighting against animal diseases,” she said. She commended the Zimbabwe government and supporting partners for their constant support and commitment to science research partnership.

Speaking at the same occasion, LIPS-Zim project coordinator Sikhalazo Dube said: “We appreciate the government of Zimbabwe, our major stakeholder for providing guidance and assistance through the Department of Research and Specialist Services during the laboratory renovations.” Dube added that the renovated laboratory will enhance quality of research, and development of knowledge-based innovative products and services for the life sciences in the province.

“In addition to the laboratory renovations we are witnessing today, the project has facilitated training for veterinary epidemiologists and staff from animal research services on database management. This will ensure the sustainability of project interventions after the conclusion of donor funding,” Dube said.

New Ziana