In a major move for public health, the East African Community (EAC) has rolled out its first-ever regional pandemic framework to protect over 300 million people across eight nations. Announced today in Nairobi, the strategy aims to transform how the bloc tackles cross-border health threats like Ebola, COVID-19, and mpox.
Why This Matters Now
With climate change and travel boosting disease risks, the EAC’s new framework shifts from patchy national responses to a unified system prioritizing real-time surveillance, early warnings, and safeguarding vulnerable groups. Approved by health ministers in May 2025, it’s built on hard lessons from recent outbreaks.
Key Features
The plan mandates joint drills, shared emergency funds, and rapid-response teams. “Pandemic prep isn’t just a health sector job—it needs everyone involved,” said EAC Deputy Secretary General Andrea Aguer Ariik Malueth during the launch.
What’s Next?
Countries will now integrate the framework into national policies by Q3 2026, with tech upgrades for disease tracking already funded. Experts call it a game-changer for a region hit by 15+ major outbreaks since 2020.
