AFMS’s upgrade program is designed to deliver measurable improvements in safety, reliability, and workflow—without disrupting the lab’s mission. The upgrade project, led by our Team Leader Wonder Vundla.
The plan includes:
• Surfaces and finishes: Installation of durable, easy to sanitize flooring and refreshed hygienic finishes. Benches and equipment will be carefully removed, renovated and reinstalled to create continuous, cleanable surfaces that reduce contamination risk and simplify maintenance.
• Smart, streamlined storage: Expanded overhead shelving and organized storage across sample reception, ante room, and BSL 3 zones to de clutter work areas, improve ergonomics, and speed up daily operations.
• Power you can trust: Upgraded electrical distribution and neatly integrated trunking to support today’s instruments and tomorrow’s expansion, with more outlets and better cable management to minimize downtime and hazards.
• Critical air system renewal: Replacement of aging exhaust components and air control hardware to reinforce dependable negative pressure and directional airflow—cornerstones of BSL 3 safety and containment.
• Seal and protect: Comprehensive resealing of panel joints, window interfaces, and bench junctions, plus exterior washing and repainting for a robust, weather resistant envelope that looks as good as it performs.
• Independent safety validation: Full recommissioning on completion, including biosafety cabinet certification, lab rebalancing, negative pressure checks, and directional airflow smoke testing—giving CIDRZ clear, documented proof of performance.
Impact you can see and trust:
• Safer for staff: Modernized containment and certified airflow control reduce occupational risk.
• Faster, more reliable results: Optimized layouts, dependable power, and right sized storage improve turnaround times and uptime.
• Ready for today and tomorrow: A flexible, future proofed BSL 3 environment supports high priority diagnostics and research, enhances quality systems, and aligns with international biosafety expectations.
• World class look and feel: A clean, contemporary aesthetic that reflects CIDRZ’s scientific excellence and commitment to public health.
A partnership built on precision and accountability AFMS’s revisioned scope follows a detailed site inspection, ensuring the upgrade matches real world conditions and needs. The project is structured to deliver end to end accountability—from careful preparation and professional installation to independent commissioning—so CIDRZ can reopen with confidence and keep delivering life saving work.
CIDRZ The Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia advances public health through high quality research, training, and service delivery, strengthening health systems and improving outcomes for communities across Zambia.
AFMS Air Filter Maintenance Services is a specialist provider of laboratory and critical environment upgrades, commissioning, and maintenance across Africa, delivering safe, reliable, and standards aligned facilities.
