Kenya has reiterated its commitment to collaborating with other partners within the region to handle pandemic preparedness and response.
speaking at the launch of the IGAD Pandemic Preparedness and Response Initiative in Kampala, Uganda, Public Health PS Mary Muthoni emphasized how regional partnerships would be essential in addressing future health challenges.
In her remarks, PS Muthoni explained that cooperation and mutual understanding between the countries would be vital for achieving the desired goals for saving lives and fostering economic growth. Muthoni stated, “We must invest in early detection, rapid response systems and stronger health infrastructure. That is how we safeguard lives and secure our region against future crises.”
From the region, the meeting was attended by health ministers and other senior officials which demonstrated commitment to advancing the agenda towards resilient health systems.
These included Ethiopia’s Dr. Mekdes Daba Feyssa, Somalia’s Dr. Miriam Mohamed Hussein, South Sudan’s Sarah Cletto Hassan Rial, and Sudan’s Dr. Heitham Mohammed Ibrahim.
Uganda was represented by several ministers, with the most senior being the Water and Environment Minister Sam Cheptoris.
The initiative is meant to improve cooperation and build response capacity across the member states to emerging and re-emerging diseases.