MWE Correspondent
The East African Community (EAC) has officially launched its first regional system to prevent, prepare for, and respond to health emergencies, marking a significant step in strengthening cooperation among its member states in tackling disease outbreaks.
Unveiled in Arusha, Tanzania, the new framework — known as the Regional Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness, and Response (PPPR) Policy — aims to harmonize efforts across the bloc’s countries, enabling faster detection, coordinated response, and better management of public health threats. The initiative is designed to ensure that no single country faces an outbreak alone and that resources, expertise, and information are shared effectively.
Speaking at the launch, EAC Deputy Secretary-General for Infrastructure, Productive, Social, and Political Sectors, Andrea Aguer Ariik Malueth, said the framework represents a milestone in regional collaboration. “Our strength lies in working together, sharing responsibilities, and acting in solidarity. Health threats do not respect borders, and neither should our preparedness efforts,” he said.
The policy integrates the One Health approach, recognizing the links between human, animal, and environmental health. By bringing together ministries responsible for health, agriculture, wildlife, and the environment, the EAC aims to detect and mitigate outbreaks before they escalate into regional or global crises.
Experts hailed the move as a necessary step following lessons from past outbreaks such as COVID-19, Ebola, and cholera. “The pandemic highlighted gaps in early warning systems, cross-border coordination, and resource allocation,” said Dr. Kamene Kimenye, Acting Director General of Kenya’s National Public Health Institute. “This framework will enable a unified approach, saving lives and minimizing economic disruption across East Africa.”
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The initiative also aligns with international public health standards, including the International Health Regulations, which encourage countries to strengthen capacities to detect, report, and respond to public health events. By harmonizing national policies and fostering regional partnerships, the EAC framework seeks to reduce duplication of effort and accelerate response times during emergencies.
Additionally, the framework emphasizes community engagement and public awareness as key components of disease prevention. It encourages countries to invest in surveillance networks, laboratory systems, and risk communication strategies to ensure that citizens are informed and protected during outbreaks.
Observers say the EAC’s new health system could serve as a model for other regional blocs seeking to enhance cross-border pandemic preparedness. By pooling resources, standardizing protocols, and building resilient health systems, East African countries are taking a proactive approach to safeguarding their populations and regional stability.
The East African Community is an intergovernmental organization focused on political, economic, and social integration among its member states. With this health emergency framework, the EAC demonstrates a commitment to collective action and regional solidarity in the face of evolving public health challenges.
