Our Core Functions
The functions of the ZNPHI are as provided for in the Constitution and the ZNPHI Act NO. 19 of 2020 and are as follows:
- Advise the Minister on matters and measures relating to public health security and global health security; (b) coordinate multi-sectoral stakeholders for the purpose of monitoring, evaluation and addressing public health in order to support and conduct surveillance and disease intelligence;
- Promote partnerships and collaborations among local, regional and international entities to address emerging and re-emerging diseases and public health emergencies;
- Harmonise disease control and prevention policies, and surveillance systems among local, regional and international entities;
- Establish, coordinate and maintain a national early warning and response surveillance platform to address a health threat and health emergency;
- Support and conduct public health hazard mapping and risk assessment at national, provincial, district and sub-district levels;
- Generate data to inform policy and public health security intervention programs;
- Support and manage an integrated one health information platform in order to achieve a one health approach to public health security;
- Contribute to capacity development and coordinate the public health workforce in order to enhance public health security;
- Facilitate the accreditation of a public health laboratory by a competent authority; d. establish and manage the Centre and other emergency operations centres with relevance to public health
- In collaboration with other institutions, assess the health damage resulting from an epidemic or natural disorder and provide support;
- Serve as the national focal point for the implementation of the international health regulations; g. recommend to the Minister the declaration of a public health emergency and disease outbreak based on available public health data;
- Support and coordinate rapid response teams in responding to events of public health security; (p) conduct public health research;
- Establish and maintain a bio-bank for pathogens and materials relating to public health in accordance with the National Health Research Act, 2013;
- Establish and manage epidemic preparedness prevention control and management committees at national, provincial, district and sub-district levels;
- Educate the public on public health;
- monitor trends in public health and their impact on the Republic’s socio-economic development and make recommendations to the appropriate authority; and develop, publish and disseminate information on public health.