KAMPALA, Uganda — The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has convened a high-level consultative meeting in Kampala to enhance regional preparedness for pandemics and health emergencies.
The event, held under the PREPARED Project, brought together representatives from IGAD member states, the World Health Organization (WHO), and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).
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During her opening remarks, Dr. Fatuma Adan, IGAD’s Head of Mission in Kenya, stressed the importance of collective action and cross-border cooperation using a “One Health” approach.
“This gathering is more than just a meeting; it is a platform to strengthen governance and structural preparedness, laying a firm foundation for effective regional emergency responses,” said Dr. Edith Namutebi, head of the Regional Peace and Security Department at Uganda’s Foreign Affairs Ministry.
Joselyn Bigirwa, IGAD’s Head of Mission to Uganda, formally welcomed participants, thanking Uganda for its track record in responding to outbreaks like Ebola and COVID-19. She emphasized that the meeting aimed to review governance structures and accountability mechanisms to ensure the project’s sustainability.
Representatives from WHO and IFRC reaffirmed their commitment to the initiative. IFRC highlighted the importance of community engagement, while WHO stressed the need to strengthen surveillance, early detection, and equitable access to health resources.
Dr. Charles Olaro, Director General of Uganda’s Ministry of Health, reaffirmed the country’s commitment to regional collaboration. He called for stronger multi-sectoral partnerships to build a resilient regional health system.
The chair of the IGAD Member States delegation, representing Djibouti, emphasized the urgency of reinforcing preparedness systems against cross-border health threats. The meeting was hailed as an important milestone for the PREPARED Project in the Horn of Africa.
