Khartoum – OnePress
The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) agreed to strengthen regional coordination to address the risks of the Ebola outbreak during an emergency ministerial meeting of health ministers of member states, with the participation of Sudan and a number of East African countries, as well as representatives of the United Nations and international partners.
The meeting was attended by the Sudanese Minister of Health, Haitham Mohamed Ibrahim, as well as delegations from Uganda, Kenya, Somalia and Djibouti, who discussed epidemiological developments in the region and mechanisms to reduce cross-border transmission.
The meeting focused on strengthening surveillance and epidemiological systems and the exchange of health information among Member States, stressing the importance of rapid response to any suspected cases and coordination of joint efforts to address cross-border health threats.
The Ministers also agreed to mobilize financial and technical resources to support health preparedness in the countries of the region and to benefit from regional and international mechanisms dedicated to responding to epidemics and health emergencies.
The participants stressed the need to strengthen controls at border crossings and provide the necessary personnel and equipment for the early detection of injuries, in light of the continuous movement between the countries of the region.
The meeting stressed the importance of collective action and close coordination among Member States to address the risks of the spread of Ebola, protect the population and reduce potential health consequences at the regional level.