Zimbabwe on high alert for Ebola
03 Jun 2026
The Minister of Health and Child Care, Douglas Mombeshora on Monday said Zimbabwe had stepped up its
public health vigilance in the face of the Ebola threat, and was also intensifying its response to drug and substance abuse scourge.
Speaking at a press conference on Ebola preparedness and the rising burden of drug and substance abuse, Mombeshora said the Government was strengthening systems, expanding services, and mobilising communities to protect the health of the nation.
“Today, I wish to address two important but equally pressing public health priorities: our national preparedness for Ebola Virus Disease and the growing challenge of drug and substance abuse. While these are separate issues, they share a common lesson, which is that prevention, early detection, and timely intervention save lives.
“The Ministry wishes to assure the nation that there are currently no reported cases of Ebola Virus Disease in Zimbabwe.
However, given the high volume of human movement within the Southern African Development Community region, Zimbabwe remains on high alert,” he said.
The ongoing outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, caused by the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, have recorded more than 1 000 cases and 234 deaths as of 29 May 2026.
The rapid spread of the outbreaks, high fatality rate, and potential for cross-border transmission have attracted sustained international
concern. Mombeshora revealed that Zimbabwe activated its preparedness measures immediately following the outbreak declaration and the subsequentelevation of regional risk by the World Health Organization. Cabinet reviewed the national preparedness report on 27 May 2026 and directed all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies to maintain full
readiness.
“The Incident Management System (IMS) has been activated, and a comprehensive preparedness and response plan is operational.
Surveillance systems are fully functional, screening has been intensified at all ports of entry, and health workers are receiving ongoing training in detection, infection prevention, and casemanagement. “Isolation facilities have been designated in Harare, Bulawayo, and Chirundu; specialised transportation has been arranged; personal
protective equipment has been pre-positioned; and emergency coordination mechanisms remain active,” he said.
The public has been urged to remain vigilant and seek immediate medical attention if they develop symptoms consistent with Ebola, particularly following travel to affected areas or contact with a suspected case.
“Ladies and gentlemen, while Ebola represents a potential external public health threat, drug and substance abuse is an ongoing challenge
with deepening consequences for families and communities across Zimbabwe.”
On drug and substance abuse, Mombeshora said the Ministry of Health and Child Care was deeply concerned by the increasing misuse of drugs and substances, particularly among young people and the economically productive population.
He said the Ministry is also aware of the abuse of prescription medicines, including narcotic painkillers such as pethidine and
Stilpain.
“The public is advised that controlled substances may only be dispensed on prescription by a registered medical practitioner. Some of these
medicines are being obtained illegally without a prescription or smuggled into the country through illicit channels,” he said.
The Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe and the Zimbabwe Republic Police are conducting joint enforcement operations to seize contraband
and remove illegal medicine traders and smuggled substances from the streets.
Operations have been conducted in identified hotspots, including Mbare, the Harare Central Business District, Penhalonga, the Bulawayo Central
Business District, Mazowe Mine, Beitbridge Border Post, Senga in Gweru,
Chinhoyi, Karoi and Marondera. Significant seizures were recorded during the period from 3 March to 13 May 2026.
These included 2 292.9 grams of crystal methamphetamine, 75 grams of cocaine, five ecstasy tablets and 2 358.4 kilograms of cannabis. An additional 780 cultivated cannabis plants were destroyed.
A further 24 058 bottles of unregistered cough syrup valued at ZiG3 608 700, together with khat and other unregistered medicines, were
confiscated.
The total estimated value of all substances recovered during the period amounted to ZiG79 931 130. ENDS
Source : New Zinana
Author : New Ziana
Location : Harare
Event : Press conference
Date : 03 Jun 2026
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