September 28, 2022 (ENTEBBE, Uganda): The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) conducted a joint Regional oversight committee meeting for IGAD – Global Fund (GF) grant and stakeholders of the Nairobi Declaration Stakeholders on Health, on September 24 and 25 in Entebbe.
The meeting brought together delegates from Member States, National Refugee Commissions, representatives from UNHCR.
The key objectives of the two-day joint meeting was to review a grant closure report, including the overseeing of the progress of the request for continuation of the Global fund grant as well exchanging information on the implementation status of Nairobi Declaration and plan of action with the focus of health.
In her opening remarks, the Director for Health and Social Development Division, representing IGAD Executive Secretary, explained that by building Nairobi Declaration, IGAD included healthcare for refugees as one of the thematic areas through a regional assessment conducted in all member states.
“This meeting will also be used for interaction and information exchange on the progress status of the Nairobi Declaration and Plan of Action with focus on health along with the Commission of Refugee Affairs of Members States”, Director Fathia Alwan added.
She also stressed that IGAD has planned to conduct twice a year routine regional meetings for the oversight committees.
“I assure you of IGAD’s Commitment to work with the Country Coordinating Mechanism of IGAD Member State and stakeholders to intensify and scale up TB services, cross border collaboration and COVID-19 response”, she continued.
The meeting reviewed and endorsed the April-June 2022 Progress report, and disseminated the achievements and lessons learnt of the closed grant. Participants exchanged on the status of the progress in implementation of the Nairobi Declaration with focus of Health component.
The regional Ad hoc oversight committee is expected to meet twice a year. Since establishment, it met four times. The third meeting was held in Nairobi 7- 8 February, 2022.
