November 8, 2024 (Moyale, Kenya): The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has developed Multi-Hazard Public Health Emergency Contingency Plans and Standard Operating Procedures for the two ground crossing points at the Moyale Cross-Border area between Kenya and Ethiopia. This initiative is part of the Health Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Resilience Project for Eastern and Southern Africa (AFE) – a Multiphase Programmatic Approach.
The overall objective of the contingency plan is to establish protocols that foster seamless communication, rapid response, and coordinated resource allocation by sharing best practices, aligning health and security systems, and creating a unified approach to risk/crisis management, resilience, and mutual support.
Speaking on behalf of Madam Fathia Alwan, Director of the Health and Social Development Division, Dr. Waqo Gufu Boru, Senior Medical Epidemiologist for IGAD, explained that in a multi-hazard context, developing a cross-border contingency plan for health emergencies between Kenya and Ethiopia is essential. This coordinated approach enhances preparedness and ensures resilience across multiple areas for both countries.
In his statement, Dr. Waqo highlighted that the development of a contingency plan for the Kenya-Ethiopia border represents a critical step in safeguarding the health, safety, and prosperity of communities on both sides. He added that by adopting a multi-hazard approach, Kenya and Ethiopia can reduce the impact of cascading events, protect vulnerable communities, and strengthen the resilience of cross-border systems to health emergencies. The coordinated plan will serve as a foundation for sustainable, agile response efforts, ultimately safeguarding health and stability in the region.
“IGAD Secretariat wishes to commend the Republic of Kenya and the Republic of Ethiopia as we embark on this exercise, which involves developing the Public Health Emergency Response Plan (contingency plan) for the Moyale Cross-Border area,” Dr. Waqo further emphasized.
It was stated at the event that a multi-hazard contingency plan should incorporate early warning systems to monitor various risks in real time, such as disease outbreaks, extreme weather events, and conflict indicators. This allows both countries to assess and respond to health threats within the broader context of their interlinked vulnerabilities. Establishing a shared surveillance and data-sharing network is vital to detect and respond swiftly to emerging threats, enabling health and emergency response teams to assess risks comprehensively, prioritize resource allocation, and activate tailored response protocols based on the type of hazard.
Joint training exercises addressing multiple hazard scenarios—such as disease outbreaks during floods or displacement during drought—will equip responders to handle complex emergencies. Pre-positioned supplies, including medical kits, water purification tools, and temporary shelter materials, will be essential for addressing various health and environmental needs that may arise simultaneously.
Following this, teams from both countries developed Public Health Emergency Contingency Plans with SOPs for the Moyale Points of Entry (PoEs) between Kenya and Ethiopia.
This regional initiative under the Health Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Resilience Multiphase Programmatic Approach is funded by the World Bank, IGAD, in partnership with the East, Central and Southern Africa Health Community (ECSA HC), and in collaboration with participating countries and other partner organizations.
It is noteworthy that the Health Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Resilience Program for Eastern and Southern Africa (AFE) is a regional Multiphase Programmatic Approach aimed at strengthening health system resilience and enhancing multi-sectoral preparedness and response to health emergencies.
