The Red Cross Society Secretary Generals of 12 countries in Africa are meeting in Kampala to discuss a roadmap for cross-border epidemic preparedness.

Robert Kwesiga, the Secretary General of the Uganda Red Cross Society, said the two-day meeting is part of a concerted effort to strengthen regional responses to health emergencies.

The gathering aims to foster cross-border collaboration in health and enhance preparedness strategies against the Ebola virus disease.

He says the SGs are from Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Burundi, Rwanda, South Sudan, Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan, Ethiopia, Djibouti, Madagascar, and Comoros.

“The primary objectives of the meeting are to establish a collaborative roadmap for cross-border epidemic preparedness, identify essential technical tools and guidelines that facilitate peer-to-peer support, and formulate a National Society Health Technical Working Group dedicated to leading cross-border collaboration during potential epidemic outbreaks,” said Kwesiga.

Kwesiga emphasized the significance of collective action in addressing health crises that transcend national boundaries.

“In a world characterized by interconnectedness, our efforts to combat health emergencies must also transcend borders. By pooling our expertise and resources, we can fortify our ability to effectively manage and mitigate the impact of diseases like Ebola,” said Kwesiga.

The Ebola virus disease, notorious for its rapid spread and high mortality rate, demands coordinated regional efforts to prevent its escalation. Cross-border collaboration is pivotal to ensuring timely detection, containment, and response to potential outbreaks, thereby safeguarding the health and well-being of populations in the region.