KAMPALA, Uganda – Kenya has reaffirmed its commitment to regional health security with the launch of the IGAD Pandemic Preparedness and Response Initiative in Uganda.
Speaking at the official launch at the Speke Munyonyo Resort Conference Centre in Kampala, Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards Mary Muthoni said Kenya fully supports the programme, which is designed to strengthen early detection, rapid response, and effective management of pandemics across the Horn of Africa.
“Proactive preparation, early detection, and rapid regional collaboration save lives and protect economies. No country can do it alone. We must work together to safeguard our people,” she said.
The new initiative will focus on improving healthcare infrastructure, enhancing surveillance systems, strengthening community engagement, and ensuring the availability of essential supplies and vaccines.
PS Muthoni said the programme aligns with Kenya’s Second National Action Plan for Health Security, which is currently being finalised, and is anchored in the Health Sector Strategic Plan, the Constitution, and the Bottom-Up Transformation Agenda.
She stressed that pandemic preparedness is a shared responsibility, not just for governments but also for communities, the private sector, civil society, and international partners.
“Kenya remains committed to transparency, accountability, and partnerships. Together, through solidarity and proactive action, we can build a healthier, more resilient IGAD region,” she added.
Cross-border cooperation was identified as a priority, particularly in Kenya’s northern and western corridors, which face unique challenges due to shared ecosystems, cross-border migration, and trade flows.
Muthoni said Kenya would work with neighbouring IGAD states on joint surveillance, harmonised travel and trade guidance, and coordinated contingency planning.
She also acknowledged the role of development partners in supporting the initiative, saying their collaboration was vital to building stronger, more resilient health systems in the region.
The IGAD Pandemic Preparedness and Response Initiative comes as member states seek to draw lessons from COVID-19 and other recent health crises, ensuring the region is better equipped to handle future outbreaks.
