The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), in collaboration with partners the World Health Organization (WHO) and International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), held a high-level technical consultative meeting under the PREPARED Project to enhance regional readiness for pandemics and health emergencies. Delegations from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Health, the IFRC, various implementing partners, and heads of IGAD Missions in the region attended the event.
In her opening address, Dr. Fatuma Adan, IGAD Head of Mission in Kenya, welcomed the delegates and highlighted the importance of collective action to ensure that IGAD member states are properly equipped to respond to future outbreaks. She stressed the value of cross-border collaboration under the One Health approach and emphasised the crucial role of communities in localising preparedness efforts.
Joselyn Bigirwa, IGAD Head of Mission to Uganda, welcomed all participants on behalf of IGAD’s Executive Secretary. She thanked Uganda for hosting the meeting, acknowledging the country’s strong record in responding to past outbreaks such as Ebola, MPox, and COVID-19. She explained that the consultations were not just about launching the PREPARED Project, but also about critically reviewing strategies, governance structures, and accountability mechanisms to ensure technical soundness and sustainability.
Representatives from IGAD member states, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), and the World Health Organization (WHO) reaffirmed their commitment to the initiative. IFRC stressed the power of community engagement and cross-border cooperation, while WHO highlighted lessons from COVID-19, regional vulnerabilities, and the urgent need to strengthen surveillance, early detection, and equitable access to health resources.
Represented by Dr. Edith Namutebi, Head of Regional Peace and Security Department, and Dr. Charles Olaro, Director-General of the Ministry of Health, Uganda reaffirmed its commitment to regional collaboration, drawing from recent experience in managing Mpox and other outbreaks. They called for stronger multi-sectoral partnerships, integrating human, animal, and environmental health, to build a resilient regional health system. Dr. Namutebi also highlighted the role of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, whose mandate extends beyond Uganda’s borders, stating that Uganda is honoured to host this important meeting under the PREPARED Project.
“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. Namutebi. Reflecting on Uganda’s recent experiences with Mpox and COVID-19, she reminded participants that no country is safe working alone in times of crisis. Instead, regional solidarity and cooperation remain vital to safeguarding health security for all.
The chair of the IGAD Member States delegation, representing Djibouti, stressed the urgency of reinforcing preparedness systems against cross-border health threats. He emphasised how this consultative meeting marks a key milestone for IGAD’s PREPARED Project, bringing governments and partners together to strengthen pandemic preparedness and response capacity across the Horn of Africa.
