University of Zimbabwe Showcases Biotechnology Innovations to Address National Agricultural and Health Challenges

06/11/2024
The University of Zimbabwe (UZ) recently hosted its Biotechnology Open Days at the Faculty of Veterinary Science ,BiotechnologyCentre, offering an in-depth look at a world-standard molecular diagnostic lab aimed at addressing agricultural and health challenges in Zimbabwe.

Biotechnology Open Days at the Faculty of Veterinary Science

Participants - Biotechnology Open Days ©Cirad, Martha Katsi

The event was organized under the PACMAN project, funded by the French Agency for Development (AFD) and implemented by the French Agricultural Research Centre for International Development (CIRAD), the French Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD), the University of Zimbabwe (UZ), and the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS).

Professor Gift Matope, Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Science, emphasized the lab’s mission to tackle practical problems that directly impact Zimbabwe’s food security.

Our platform is not just about advancing science; it is about providing real solutions, such as controlling zoonotic diseases and managing human and livestock health risks

Gift Matope
Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Science

Touring of facilities 

A key feature of the event was a guided tour of UZ’s advanced serology and molecular diagnostic laboratory, where attendees observed MinION sequencing technology, Luminex technology, and other molecular diagnostic tools. 

Researchers highlighted how these technologies support more accurate disease diagnostics and a better understanding of pathogens circulation and genetic evolution, which are essential for informed policy making. This knowledge enables multisectoral efforts to create One Health policies that are responsive to emerging threats, ultimately strengthening food security and public health.

French Ambassador Paul-Bertrand Barets spoke to the importance of Zimbabwean-French collaboration in this area.

Together, we are better equipped to identify and manage diseases at the animal-human interface, essential in a region where outbreaks like anthrax threaten both the economy and public health.

Paul-Bertrand Barets
French Ambassador

Dr. Agnes Mahomva, Public Health Advisor to the President, commended the university’s advanced facilities and their role in addressing emerging health threats, such as Mpox and Marburg virus.

Labs of this caliber are central to monitoring and preventing health crises before they escalate. This is more than a facility; it’s a public health safeguard

Agnes Mahomva
Public Health Advisor

Hands-on engagement activities enabled participants to experience DNA manipulation techniques. These interactive sessions aimed to make biotechnology more accessible and relatable, showing its practical applications for research and capacity building.

Dr. Stephen Mandara from the University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology highlighted the biotechnology center’s potential to strengthen national research.

These resources empower us to develop homegrown solutions rather than relying on international services, which has long limited Zimbabwe’s ability to achieve timely innovation.

Stephen Mandara

Shift in perspective and appreciation of great works

As the event concluded, attendees gained a deeper appreciation of biotechnology’s potential to enhance Zimbabwe’s agricultural resilience and public health systems. The Open Days bridged the gap between scientists and the community, highlighting the value of collaborative, locally-driven research in addressing Zimbabwe’s pressing challenges.