Chirundu 21- 22 September 2020- The International Organization for Migration (IOM) supported the Governments of Zambia and Zimbabwe to convene a cross border coordination and training workshop at Chirundu One Stop Border Post (OSBP). The 2-day training workshop gave participants an opportunity to discuss key challenges being faced as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants explored ways to improve and strengthen coordination amongst key border stakeholders, such as Immigration, Customs, Ministry of Health, Social Welfare, Local Government and others at the OSBP.

The event was attended by 34 participants (11 females and 23 males) from key government ministries and departments from Zambia and Zimbabwe, IOM, Trade and Information Desks and representatives from the Chirundu Cross Border Traders Association (CBTA). Zimbabwe's Ministry of Health and Child Care and Zambia’s Ministry of Health took the opportunity to share their response plans on the COVID-19 pandemic. The workshop was also an opportunity to explore how the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has adversely impacted migration and trade at Chirundu OSBP. Participants developed border specific action plans to facilitate COVID-19 response, Human Mobility and Trade Facilitation between the two countries. With the opening of schools and the possibility of the opening of borders, stakeholders highlighted that it is icreasingly important to bolster information sharing efforts and gear up facilities for screening and testing at the PoEs. Stakeholders also highlighted the need for awareness campaigns targeting both regular and irregular migrants, including children and other vulnerable groups as well as truck drivers and small-scale traders.

Recommendations

• With the opening of schools and the possibility of opening of the PoE, there is need for dissemination of correct information to ensure migrants and frontline staff are safe. 
• More capacity building training for frontline staff .
• Infrastructure, transport and logistics should be improved in both countries to ensure the spread of COVID-19 is halted.
• More emphasis should be placed on accurate data management systems for both countries which includes personal details, demographics, health status and physical address among others.
• There is need to involve the traditional, church and community leaders in the fight against COVID 19. A practical lesson can be drawn from Zambia which is currently working with traditional leaders to ensure that all returnees undergo mandatory quarantine.
• Departments for respective countries should capacitate their clearing agencies with internet connectivity to reduce congestion on the PoE.

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