Kenya and Uganda have initiated a joint initiative to strengthen health security along the Busia border, which is among East Africa’s most busiest points of entry.
The two countries recently held a Strategic Risk Assessment (SRA) at the One Stop Border Post.
The exercise brought together doctors, health officials, security units, and border managers from both countries.
Their task was to map important health risks, map vulnerable areas, and agree on how to react quickly in the case of an outbreak.
The government says the move will help the two nations to detect diseases in their early stages, react rapidly to emergencies, and sustain health facilities during crises.
The survey has been conducted at a time when the Democratic Republic of Congo still runs a risk of contracting Ebola, and other transboundary health hazards.
For the residents whose livelihood depends on the Busia crossing point, the collaboration guarantees that the two governments are moving in harmony to protect lives.
“This is all about safeguarding our citizens and getting the region ready for any public health crisis,” the spokesman said in the drill.
