Uganda and Rwanda have concluded a joint public health emergency preparedness and response simulation exercise at the Katuna/Gatuna border, aimed at strengthening cross-border cooperation in preventing, detecting and responding to public health threats.
The exercise brought together health teams from both countries to reinforce collaboration and preparedness mechanisms for managing potential public health emergencies, particularly those that may affect communities across their shared border.
Uganda’s delegation was led by the Minister of State for Health in charge of Primary Health Care, Dr Charles Ayume, who emphasised the importance of working together to protect communities and strengthen regional health security.
Ayume said cooperation between the two countries was essential in building trust and establishing practical mechanisms for anticipating, detecting and responding to public health threats.
“It is therefore in our shared interest to strengthen cooperation, build trust and establish practical mechanisms that enable us to anticipate, detect and respond to public health threats together,” Ayume said.
The joint simulation exercise highlights the importance of coordinated preparedness and response efforts between neighbouring countries in safeguarding public health and strengthening their capacity to manage cross-border health emergencies.
