East African bloc explores new strategies to address health gap exposed by COVID-19

2023-09-28 21:56:45

KIGALI

Sept. 28 (Xinhua)

Officials of the East African Community (EAC), a regional bloc, announced Wednesday that they are exploring new strategies to address infectious and non-communicable diseases, as the COVID-19 pandemic has revealed a gap in the health sector within member countries.

They were speaking at the opening ceremony of the 9th East African Health and Scientific Conference (EAHSC) themed "Challenges and Strategies to Preparedness and Response to Communicable and Non-Communicable Diseases: Lessons Learnt from the COVID-19 Pandemic" in the Rwandan capital of Kigali.

"The 9th EAHSC aims to take advantage of lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic in order to come up with strategic interventions to address communicable and non-communicable diseases," said Andrea Aguer Ariik Malueth, EAC deputy secretary general for infrastructure, productive, social and political sectors.

He added that research carried out in the EAC region with lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic and challenges encountered will be shared during the conference and followed by constructive expert discussions. "It is my hope that the implementation of research findings and recommendations from this conference will go a long way in enhancing the achievement of universal health coverage in the region."

Speaking at the event, Sabin Nsanzimana, Rwandan minister of health, urged the EAC partner countries not to focus only on the challenges posed by the pandemic, but also on the opportunities it presents, such as strengthening scientific research capacity through investments in domestic clinical research initiatives.

"Lessons learned from the pandemic have taught us that we cannot afford to be complacent. We must be prepared to respond swiftly and effectively to both existing and emerging health threats," he added.

The conference, which runs through Friday, will also explore strategies to address the social, economic, and political impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and utilize digital technologies for preparedness and response to communicable and non-communicable diseases.

The conference attracted government officials, health experts, members of civil society, and the private sector, among others, from the EAC partner countries and beyond.