New IGAD Project Targets Future Outbreaks

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 aimed at strengthening regional readiness for pandemics and health emergencies.

The meeting brought together delegations from Ministries of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), Ministries of Health (MOH), IGAD Heads of Mission, and various implementing partners across the region.

In her opening remarks, H.E. Dr. Fatuma Adan, IGAD Head of Mission in Kenya, emphasized the need for collective action to ensure IGAD member states are equipped to respond to future outbreaks.

She highlighted the One Health approach and underscored the critical role of communities in localizing preparedness efforts.

H.E. Dr. Fatuma Adan, IGAD Head of Mission in Kenya

Speaking on behalf of IGAD’s Executive Secretary, H.E. Joselyn Bigirwa, IGAD Head of Mission to Uganda, commended Uganda for its strong track record in managing outbreaks such as Ebola, Mpox, and COVID-19.

She noted that the meeting was not only about launching the PREPARED Project but also about strengthening strategies, governance structures, and accountability mechanisms to ensure sustainability.

Representatives from WHO and IFRC reaffirmed their support for the initiative. IFRC underscored the power of community engagement and cross-border cooperation, while WHO stressed lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic and the need for stronger surveillance, early detection, and equitable access to health resources.

H.E. Joselyn Bigirwa, IGAD Head of Mission to Uganda

Uganda’s delegation, represented by Dr. Edith Namutebi, Head of the Regional Peace and Security Department at MOFA, and Dr. Charles Olaro, Director-General at the Ministry of Health, reiterated the country’s commitment to regional collaboration.

They called for stronger multi-sectoral partnerships that integrate human, animal, and environmental health to build a resilient regional health system.

“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, stressing that no country is safe working alone in times of crisis.

Director-General of Ministry of Health Dr. Charles Olaro

On behalf of the IGAD Member States, the delegate from Djibouti emphasized the urgency of reinforcing preparedness systems against cross-border health threats, noting that the meeting marks a milestone in building pandemic preparedness and response capacity across the Horn of Africa.