IGAD $31.9m pandemic preparedness, response project launched in Kampala

KAMPALA - The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has officially handed over pandemic preparedness supplies worth more than $700,000 (over sh2,477b) to Uganda’s Ministry of Health, as part of the $31.9 million (over sh113,338tn) Pandemic Preparedness and Response (PREPARE) Project designed to strengthen regional health security across the Horn of Africa.

The handover, held at Speke Resort Munyonyo in Kampala,  August 29, 2025, was presided over by IGAD Executive Secretary and Chair of the Coordination and Collaboration Platform of Regional Economic Communities (RECs) of the African Union, Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu, alongside Uganda’s Minister of Health, Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng Ocero.

The event was attended by delegates from IGAD member states, the World Health Organization (WHO), the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), and other partners.

IGAD’s Commitment to Regional Solidarity

Dr. Gebeyehu described the handover as a continuation of IGAD’s four-decade tradition of regional solidarity, recalling the bloc’s historic role in coordinating emergency responses.

“From our inception in 1986, born from the ashes of the devastating 1983–84 drought, IGAD has demonstrated that when one member state strengthens resilience, the entire region becomes more secure,” he said.

Highlighting IGAD’s role during the COVID-19 pandemic, he noted that the bloc convened the first virtual emergency summit of Heads of State in March 2020 and swiftly mobilized over €60 million (over sh248.82bn) from the European Union and development partners to supply life-saving equipment across member states, including Uganda.

The new equipment handed to Uganda includes three vehicles, 10 motorcycles, 150 isolation beds, laboratory supplies, and surveillance apparatus for Ebola and Mpox. This is in addition to $4.73 million (over sh16.804bn) in specialized Mpox-related laboratory and non-laboratory supplies.

“This equipment embodies IGAD’s commitment that no member state faces health emergencies alone. Uganda was chosen as the launch point for PREPARE because of its frontline role and exemplary track record in outbreak management,” Dr. Gebeyehu emphasized.

Uganda welcomes PREPARE

Health Minister Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng praised IGAD and partners for investing in cross-border health security, noting that Uganda had identified critical capacity gaps in an October 2023 Joint External Evaluation (JEE).

“The results showed sustainable capacity in only 4% of indicators, with significant limitations in surveillance, laboratory systems, and health workforce,” she said.

Dr. Aceng stressed that the PREPARE Project comes at a crucial time for Uganda and the region, and further noted, “Our region is prone to diseases with epidemic potential.

PREPARE fills existing gaps in information sharing, workforce training, laboratory capacity, and multi-sector collaboration. For the first time, we were able to detect and respond to Ebola in just 68 days.”

She also called on IGAD to consider establishing a regional contingency fund for rapid deployment during emergencies and urged stronger partnerships with organizations like IFRC and national Red Cross societies to ensure value for money.

“As Uganda, we reaffirm our readiness to work closely with IGAD, member states, and partners to ensure successful implementation of PREPARE. Together, we can build stronger systems, protect lives, and secure the prosperity of our region,” Dr. Aceng declared.

Regional and partner voices

Dr. Fatuma Adan, IGAD Head of Mission in Kenya, underscored the One Health approach, stressing the role of communities in localizing preparedness.

On her part, H.E. Joselyn Bigirwa, IGAD Head of Mission to Uganda, commended Uganda’s rapid responses to Ebola, Mpox, and COVID-19, noting that PREPARE was not just about resources but also about strengthening accountability and governance.

Dr Kasonde Mwinga, WHO Representative in Uganda, said that “By investing in resilient health systems, enhancing cross-border collaboration, and embracing the One Health approach, we are ensuring that countries across the IGAD region are better prepared to prevent, detect, and respond to future pandemics. No country is safe until all are safe.”

Charles Businge, IFRCA Regional Director, Africa, highlighted the power of community engagement and cross-border cooperation, describing communities as “the first responders in any health emergency.”

He added that “National Societies of the Red Cross and Red Crescent are extremely proud to partner with national governments, IGAD, and WHO in this important programme investing in community, cross-border, national, and regional epidemic and pandemic preparedness.”

“Funding from the Pandemic Fund has enabled us to expand response and prevention efforts for the mpox outbreak in the region. It will also leverage our unparalleled community outreach to scale up preparedness and strengthen systems for future epidemics, in close support of public authorities,” Businge said.

Building a shield of resilience

PREPARE, funded through IGAD with support from WHO, IFRC, and the Pandemic Fund, will be rolled out to all IGAD member states, ensuring standardized training, equipment, and capacity-building.

“As we hand over these supplies, we are building bridges of preparedness that span borders, creating a shield of resilience for our region,” Dr. Gebeyehu concluded.

Dr. Edith Namutebi, Head of the Regional Peace and Security Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, emphasized that “No country is safe working alone. This platform strengthens governance and preparedness, laying a firm foundation for regional emergency responses.”

Dr. Charles Olaro, Director-General of Health Services, also reaffirmed Uganda’s technical commitment, urging multi-sectoral partnerships integrating human, animal, and environmental health.

On behalf of member states, a delegate from Djibouti noted the urgency of reinforcing systems to counter cross-border health threats, calling PREPARE “a milestone in building pandemic response capacity across the Horn of Africa.”

The Kampala launch marked the official start of the project, which will later extend to all IGAD member states, including Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, and Eritrea.