Uganda has hosted a high-level consultative meeting aimed at strengthening regional readiness for pandemics and health emergencies, bringing together leaders and experts from across the Horn of Africa.
The gathering, organized under the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD)’s PREPARED Project, convened representatives from IGAD member states, the World Health Organization (WHO), and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).
Opening the discussions, Dr. Fatuma Adan, IGAD’s Head of Mission in Kenya, stressed the need for collective action through a “One Health” approach. Dr. Edith Namutebi, who heads the Regional Peace and Security Department at Uganda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said the forum marked a milestone in “strengthening governance and structural preparedness” to build a foundation for effective emergency responses.
Uganda’s role in tackling recent health crises was highlighted by Joselyn Bigirwa, IGAD’s Head of Mission to Uganda, who thanked the country for its leadership during Ebola and COVID-19 outbreaks. She emphasized that the forum was designed to review governance and accountability frameworks to ensure sustainability of the PREPARED Project.
Representatives from WHO and IFRC reaffirmed their support, with WHO calling for stronger surveillance and equitable access to health resources, while IFRC underscored the role of community engagement.
Uganda’s Director General of Health Services, Dr. Charles Olaro, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to regional collaboration, urging multi-sectoral partnerships to build resilient health systems.
Delegates, led by Djibouti as chair of the IGAD Member States, agreed that reinforcing cross-border preparedness is crucial to safeguarding the region against future health threats.