The East African Community (EAC) unveiled its first Regional Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness, and Response Policy Framework on January 22, 2026, marking a milestone in regional health cooperation. Designed to protect over 300 million people across eight member states, the framework aims to unify fragmented national strategies into a coordinated defense against cross-border disease threats.
Approved by regional health ministers in May 2025, the policy draws critical lessons from recent outbreaks, including Ebola, COVID-19, and mpox. It prioritizes real-time surveillance, early warning systems, and targeted protection for vulnerable populations during public health emergencies. The launch in Nairobi, Kenya, signals a shift toward a 'whole-of-society' approach, integrating government, private sector, and community efforts.
"Pandemic preparedness transcends health ministries—it demands collaboration across all sectors," stated Andrea Aguer Ariik Malueth, EAC Deputy Secretary General, during the event. The framework also establishes protocols for resource sharing and joint crisis simulations, addressing gaps exposed during the 2020–2023 global pandemic.
