LUSAKA, June 29 -- The recent surge in public health outbreaks in Africa highlights an urgent need for countries to strengthen health systems anchored on coordinated epidemic preparedness and response activities, a senior Zambian government official said on Saturday.

While acknowledging the progress made in combating health outbreaks and infectious diseases, Minister of Health Sylvia Masebo said new threats have continued to emerge, worsening the burden on health systems, adding that there is a need to build and strengthen health systems to ensure that they are resilient, equitable and empowering communities to thrive.

"We need to participate in regular engagements in order to advance efforts toward strengthening our health systems," she said at the start of the third Southern Africa Regional Ministerial Steering Committee Meeting in the Zambian capital of Lusaka, organized by the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).

She said strengthening health systems is crucial as Africa moves toward a future where inclusive, accessible, and sustainable healthcare will become a reality for all.

She commended the Africa CDC for its support in helping countries build resilient health systems by advancing a comprehensive health security agenda aligned with the transformative vision of the new public health order for the continent.

According to her, the visionary approach is a game changer that will revolutionize the way Africa addresses its public health security agenda. She added that this will enable African countries to respond more effectively to health threats and improve the health and well-being of citizens.

Jean Kaseya, director general of the Africa CDC, said it is important for African countries to speak with one voice in tackling the public health outbreaks on the continent.

He said the continuous public health outbreaks are weakening the continent's healthy systems, hence the need for more cooperation.

According to him, the establishment of a joint emergency preparedness and response action plan last year was meant to contextualize Africa's preparedness and response to outbreaks as well as ensure accountability for the resources received.

He commended Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Malawi for their remarkable achievements in reducing a cholera outbreak through strong leadership and effective coordination, adding that other countries should learn from such responses.

  - Xinhua