Nuclear Technology Key to Combating Zoonotic Diseases, Says Dr. Habeenzu at IAEA Conference
Dr. Brilliant Habeenzu, Zambia’s Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Technology and Science, highlighted the vital role of nuclear technology in the early detection of zoonotic diseases during a panel discussion at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) conference in Vienna.
Dr. Habeenzu emphasized that nuclear technology could significantly boost Zambia’s disease surveillance capabilities, enabling the detection of diseases such as Ebola, Rift Valley Fever, and Covid-19 at early stages.
“By leveraging nuclear technology, we can improve our ability to identify zoonotic diseases early, allowing for swift intervention and reducing the risk of outbreaks,” Dr. Habeenzu stated.
He stressed the importance of research and development (R&D) in advancing the application of nuclear technology in disease detection, pointing to the Africa Centre of Excellence for Infectious Diseases of Humans and Animals (ACEIDHA) at the University of Zambia’s School of Veterinary Medicine Laboratory for One Health as a leading example of such efforts.
“The Centre of Excellence for One Health is making remarkable progress in R&D, and we are fully committed to supporting initiatives like this to ensure that Zambia remains at the forefront of innovation in disease detection and surveillance,” he added.
Dr. Habeenzu’s remarks came as Zambia intensifies efforts to strengthen its disease surveillance systems, with a focus on preventing and controlling public health emergencies.
He also mentioned the IAEA’s Zoonotic Disease Integrated Action (ZODIAC) initiative, which promises to harness the latest nuclear technology for detecting zoonotic diseases in Africa and beyond.
The Zambian delegation at the IAEA conference included Dr. Larry Mweetwa, Director of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Dr. Booster Siwila, CEO of the Radiation Protection Authority, Mr. Trevor Sichombo, Charge d’Affaires and Chief of Mission in Geneva, Mr. Paul Mbewe, NLA/Mots Scientist, and Mathias Tembo, Scientist from ZARI.
