The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), convened a high-level technical consultative meeting under the PREPARED Project to strengthen regional readiness for pandemics and health emergencies. The meeting, held in Uganda, brought together delegations from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), Ministry of Health (MOH), IFRC, implementing partners, and heads of IGAD Missions across the region.
Opening the discussions, H.E. Dr. Fatuma Adan, IGAD Head of Mission in Kenya, welcomed delegates and underscored the importance of collective action. She stressed that “IGAD member states must be adequately equipped to respond to future outbreaks,” highlighting the role of cross-border collaboration under the One Health approach and the critical contribution of communities in localizing preparedness efforts.
H.E. Joselyn Bigirwa, IGAD Head of Mission to Uganda, also welcomed participants on behalf of the IGAD Executive Secretary. She commended Uganda’s track record in managing outbreaks such as Ebola, Mpox, and COVID-19. “The consultations are not only about launching the PREPARED Project but also about critically reviewing strategies, governance structures, and accountability mechanisms to ensure technical soundness and sustainability,” she said.
Representatives from IFRC and WHO reaffirmed their commitment to the initiative. IFRC emphasized the power of community engagement and cross-border cooperation, while WHO highlighted key lessons from COVID-19, noting regional vulnerabilities and the urgency of strengthening surveillance, early detection, and equitable access to health resources.
Speaking on behalf of Uganda, Dr. Edith Namutebi, Head of Regional Peace and Security Department, and Dr. Charles Olaro, Director-General at the Ministry of Health, underscored the country’s dedication to regional collaboration. They called for stronger multi-sectoral partnerships that integrate human, animal, and environmental health to build a resilient regional health system. Dr. Namutebi added, “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.” She reminded participants that “no country is safe to work alone in times of crisis.”
The Chair of the IGAD Member States delegation, representing Djibouti, stressed the urgency of reinforcing preparedness systems against cross-border health threats. He noted that the consultative meeting “marks an important milestone for IGAD’s PREPARED Project, bringing governments and partners together to strengthen pandemic preparedness and response capacity across the Horn of Africa.
